LONG Lartin prison, in Evesham, has serious deficiencies but generally provides a safe environment for its high-security inmates.

That was the conclusion of an inspection report, which found both good and bad points about the establishment.

The report, by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, praised a number of areas.

These included:

Staff-prisoner relationships - which were generally relaxed and respectful.

Well-developed suicide and self-harm policies.

Good reintegration and public protection work.

Excellent offending behaviour programmes.

However, race relations, first night procedures, drugs and activities at the jail all came under fire.

It was noted that there was insufficient activity for prisoners, and a failure to make full use of what was available.

And even when prisoners had access to work or education, they often failed to provide the necessary skills - only one in 10 of those in employment were involved in any training that led to qualifications.

"In the month before the inspection, the prison managed to fill only a quarter of available activity spaces so that many prisoners who should have been working were locked up," said Mrs Owers, who visited the prison in July, this year.

"The prison was failing to meet its education targets for Level 1 basic skills and classes were constantly being closed. These deficits are difficult to excuse."

Over a quarter of prisoners at the time were from black and ethnic minority communities, yet there was no clear strategy on race relations.

The prison's drug strategy too, was considered out of date, and did not appear to tackle problems.

"Overall, Long Lartin was a safe and comfortable prison for its staff and most of its prisoners, which is no mean achievement, given the nature of its population," added Mrs Owers.

Commenting on the report, Phil Wheatley, Director General of the Prison Service said: "I am pleased that the Chief Inspector recognises that HMP Long Lartin is a safe environment for both prisoners and staff.

"I agree, though, that there is more to do to improve the regime and work is underway to increase purposeful activity and improve training opportunities.

"The importance of race relations has been recognised and a full-time race relations officer has been appointed."