As temperatures outside plummet to below-freezing, HMP Bristol has confirmed it is working to "urgently resolve" heating issues at the prison that have been ongoing for three weeks.
An anonymous source contacted Bristol Live, claiming A and G wings at Horfield prison have been without heating and hot water for nearly three weeks. Bristol Live previously reported on the prison's intermittent heating in the same wings back in February.
At that time, Bristol Live was told by a prison service spokesperson they were “working to urgently resolve intermittent heating issues at HMP Bristol.”
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Discussing the current problems affecting inmates, a spokesperson for HMP Bristol again said, “We are working to urgently resolve heating issues at HMP Bristol.
“Prisoners are being provided with extra blankets, jumpers and flasks of hot water in the meantime.”
According to the prison, additional blankets and quilts for the prisoners were provided as soon as the prison became aware of the heating issue. The prison also says it has sourced additional small heaters for the affected wings.
The Met Office is forecasting icy conditions to continue this week across Bristol predicting that temperatures in the city will continue to feel sub-zero. Highs aren’t expected to exceed 3C, with lows dropping to a bitterly cold -5C on Thursday night (December 15).
Originally built in 1883, the prison in Horfield has had numerous additions, extensions and renovations since then. It is a category B local and resettlement prison holding male adults and young adults with a capacity of 520 prisoners who typically remain incarcerated there for less than 12 months.
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