REDDITCH residents who wonder what really goes on behind the fence at Blakenhurst Prison may soon be able to find out.

An opportunity has arisen for people to become members of the Independent Monitoring Board.

Board members have to satisfy themselves inmates are treated humanely, prison premises are kept in order and the administration is carried out correctly by staff.

Applications are invited from people, irrespective of gender, social and ethnic background or age, as long as they are aged over 18.

The work of board members takes up about two or three days a month.

Members are required to attend monthly board meetings and should ideally live within 30 minutes travelling time from the prison.

For more details, call the prison's independent monitoring board clerk on 543348 or email:

imb@bov-secretariat.demon.co.uk