Steps to improve the state of Chelmsford Prison were backed by MPs in a House of Commons debate.

Improvements recommended in a damning report by Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham were backed.

These include staff working with young prisoners having suitable training in understanding adolescent behaviour, more time out of cells for prisoners, self-harm incidents being discussed at a suicide prevention group and physical conditions in the health centre being improved.

The debate was called for by MP for West Chelmsford Simon Burns after a report on the prison was published earlier this month.

Mr Burns and prisons minister Paul Boateng agreed steps should be taken to carry out all the recommendations in the report.

Mr Burns said he was reassured by the fact Mr Boateng was aware of the problems at the prison.

He said: "He is as determined as I am that improvements are made along the lines suggested by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons."

The report was the third to slam the institution in three-and-a-half years and stated morale was low, health care was inadequate and staff levels were low.

Both Mr Burns and Mr Boateng will be visiting the prison at some point in the new year.

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