PRISONERS from Colchester may struggle to be rehabilitated because of problems with drugs and violence at Chelmsford Prison.

A report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons reveals widespread illegal use of new psychoactive substances, especially Spice, and other illegal drugs, with 47 per cent of respondents to a survey claiming it was “easy” to get illegal drugs in.

Steps were being taken to reduce the problems, but “were not yet having an impact in bringing down the amount of illicit drugs getting into the prison”.

Use of force by staff “had nearly doubled” and scrutiny when it was used was poor.

Offender management had “deteriorated” since previous inspections, sentence plans “poor” and the management of high risk prisoners “weak”.

Violence and bullying between prisoners “had increased substantially and was high” and measures to manage those responsible was “poor”.

There has also been an increase in self harm and suicides.

Despite the problems there were some positive aspects in the report, including the general relationship between officers and prisoners.

A spokesman for the national offender management service said: “The report recognises real strengths at Chelmsford, particularly the positive relationships between staff and prisoners, but there is clearly more to do.

“Reducing violence levels and working to address the increase in self-inflicted deaths is a crucial part of this.

“The governor and his staff deserve recognition for their proactive work to tackle the major challenge of psychoactive substances, which will enable improvements in safety and order.”

The prison currently holds about 745 men.

Chief Inspector Peter Clarke said: “Violence and bullying had increased sharply and there was evidence this was linked to drugs and debt.

“Work was being done to address violence and victimisation but greater co-ordination of effort and initiative was needed.”

He added: “The governor and his team seemed to be working hard to deal with these priorities and we are optimistic that they will get to grips with the issues we highlight in this report.”