AN ANNUAL report into Eastwood Park Prison in Falfield has found “increased reports of violence” at the facility.

The review, carried out by the Independent Monitoring Board, found that staffing levels were “unacceptably tight” and also reported on “an increase in Deaths in Custody”.

The site’s facilities were also labelled as inadequate with more than 40 single cells being used for double occupancy.

Concerns are also highlighted that a number of cells in two blocks at the prison are “not suitable for extended periods of confinement” as they have ventilation problems.

A lack of shower facilities has also been raised on the same two units with just six showers between 109 prisoners. The report labels this “an issue of decency”.

The availability of public transport for visitors was also highlighted as a concern.

The board is appointed by the Secretary of State from members of the local community in which the prison is situated.

Board members monitor the day-to-day life in a particular prison. They visit on a regular basis and talk to the prisoners and staff.

They monitor the state of the prison; hear the requests of prisoners, and report concerns if necessary.

The report commended staff at the prison “who demonstrate caring and mindfulness in their treatment of often very difficult prisoners under trying circumstances”.

Summing up its findings, board chairman Stephanie Winson said: “HMP Eastwood Park has had a challenging year, particularly due to funding pressures.

“While the visit of HM Inspector of Prisons in November 2013 gave the prison particularly high scores for safety and respect of prisoners, this is proving difficult to maintain with the very tight staffing levels”.

A Prisons Service spokesman said: “We are pleased this report praises HMP Eastwood Park for its management of female offenders, as well as its work to ensure prisoners get the skills and experience to help apply for jobs upon release.

“All prisons will always have enough staff to run safely, and a number of new prison officers have now started work at HMP Eastwood Park.

"The safety of prisoners and staff is our top priority. We work hard to tackle violence and will always press for prosecution of those responsible - which can mean more time in prison.”

The full report can be found at http://www.imb.org.uk/reports/2014-annual-reports/