A REPORT into Usk and Prescoed prison has raised concerns around the management of the facility and lack of communal eating areas, meaning prisoners have been forced to eat meals in their cells.

But the report by the prison’s Independent Monitoring Board also praised a scheme through which inmates can work on a farm and gain experience and links with future employers.

Work to get prisoners off drugs and educational opportunities for inmates were also praised.

The report said: “The continuing senior management changes and shortfall in some positions has been of concern both in communication with the board due to lack of attendance at the board meetings and in pushing forward planned developments within the prison.”

It added a new governor had recently been appointed.

The report also said: “The continued success of the farm in both horticulture and training for employment has been a highlight this year.

“Involvement in the substance misuse course by the prisoners, trainers and outside agencies seems to be resulting in positive outcomes.”

It added: “The lack of communal dining areas at Usk continues to be of concern with prisoners having to return to their cells to eat meals.”

The report also singled out for particular praise the support given to a terminally ill prisoner who had chosen to remain in the prison in the final days of his life.

The male-only prison, which has space for 273 inmates and caters primarily for sex offenders, is located on three sites in the centre of Usk, in Prescoed about three miles away and a farm in nearby Coed-Y-Paen. It opened in 1844 and formerly housed high-ranking Nazi Party member Rudolph Hess after he was taken prisoner during Second World War.

The Ministry of Justice had not responded to a request for comment as the Argus went to press.