by Jenni Horn

jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

A revamp at a young offenders' institution sparked outbreaks of violence and division between inmates, a new report revealed today.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) criticised Rochester Young Offenders' Institute on a series of issues including education, hygiene facilities and lack of activities.

The institution in Borstal expanded in 2008 with the addition of three new cell blocks, creating room for 300 more males aged 18 to 21.

According to the IMB’s report, facilities in the old site are poor in comparison to the new wings where prisoners have their own showers or share them with one other inmate.

In the old blocks, one shower is shared between 12 to 18 prisoners.

Differences have created tension among the inmates and the report states, despite security being a top priority, there have been planned violent incidents between the old and new wings.

The monitoring board criticised the prison for not providing inmates with enough things to do.

According to the report: “The board is very concerned that for the fourth year running it has to raise the issue of inadequate provision of full-time purposeful activities for all prisoners.”

The IMB also said the standard of education was not acceptable.

The number of complaints at the prison has risen from 73 in 2008-09, to 106 in 2009-10.

Of the 106 complaints, 35 per cent were classed as racist incidents.

The overall judgement of the prison found it to be a "generally safe and decent environment" for prisoners but the board said it was concerned about future financial cuts.