Issues at rat-infested Rochester Prison laid bare in new report

The full extent of conditions at a rat-infested jail has been revealed in a report that calls for urgent improvements.

The smell of rat urine was “overpowering” in some parts of Rochester Prison in Kent, according to Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

He wrote to the justice secretary in September following an inspection in August to invoke an urgent notification process.

Prisons minister Lord James Timpson previously said immediate action was being taken to improve conditions at the prison, which holds more than 760 prisoners.

Mr Taylor’s report, published on Tuesday, said much accommodation across the prison remained dilapidated, and included “some of the worst conditions we have seen in recent years”.

He added: “Vermin was ever present, with rats and mice in the grounds around waste bins and evidence of rat and mouse droppings inside the residential areas.

“Many areas, including staff offices, had to be cleaned and sanitised each morning before they could be used, and the smell of rat urine in some areas was overpowering.”

His report outlined 13 key concerns, of which seven were to be treated as priorities including levels of safety in the prison, the state of repair of cells and communal facilities, and the availability and use of illicit drugs.

Staff and prisoners told inspectors that rats and mice “regularly entered cells and offices on the older wings” and prisoners used towels and cardboard to create barriers under doors to keep vermin out.

There were also problems in older wings, built in the 1800s, with frequent electrical failures of the electrical system, damaged flooring and leaking sinks and toilets.

“These units had been previously identified for closure but remained open following population pressures across the prison estate,” the report said.

After the urgent notification was issued, the government said refurbishments, extra staff training and a review of security would take take place at HMP Rochester.