HEWELL Grange open prison near Bromsgrove continues to move forward, according to the watchdog appointed by the Government to monitor conditions in jails.

The Independent Monitoring Board says that during a year of reorganisation, following the amalgamation of the administrative areas of Hewell Grange and Brockhill - under the leadership of the governor of Hewell Grange - the prison is progressing.

The turnover of prisoners has reduced, with more of them staying longer at Hewell Grange. This is providing the opportunity for them to benefit from the regime, particularly the working out and community work schemes. Education and the constructive operatives training areas also provide excellent facilities and many prisoners have achieved external awards. The board strongly supports these schemes.

The board has praised the work of the governor and staff to ensure that only prisoners suitable for open conditions are sent to Hewell Grange.

The work undertaken by staff to tackle drug problems, in particular the linking of compliance testing to earned community visits and the incentive and earned privileges scheme, has proved to be effective and worthwhile.

The opening of the walled garden for the sale of produce and plants to the community has also proved very successful, says the annual report which is prepared for the Home Secretary.

The prison's reception area has been refurbished and work has begun on a new hostel.

The insiders at court initiative at Birmingham Crown and magistrates courts, where prisoners from Hewell Grange talk with newly sentenced prisoners to help allay fears of the first night in prison and to reduce incidences of self-harm, is also proving successful.