Drugs rife at Buckley Hall Prison

Buckley Hall Prison

Up to 30% of prisoners at Buckley Hall Prison tested positive in random drugs tests.

Drug-taking, grubby wings and high useage of segregation need to be tackled at the Rochdale prison, inspectors found. 

The National Offender Management Service said it is committed to tackling the issue of illicit drugs.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said: "The governor and her team will now take on board the recommendations of the report, including those around drugs, and look at how further to improve.

"We are committed to tackling the issue of illicit drugs across the estate and will continue to work with the police and other authorities on prevention strategies."

The prison opened in 2000 as a private jail but has since reverted to a Prison Service-owned men's jail following a tendering process.