Drug concern inside Stradishall's Highpoint Prison - where George Michael did time

Drugs are still causing problems inside Highpoint Prison, a report has warned.

The Highpoint Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said today (Wednesday, July 3) the availability and use of new psychoactive substances can disrupt the regime.

The volunteer-led body warned the drug, known as spice, was also causing bullying and debt among inmates.

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Around 900 are at any time inside the Stradishall prison, where George Michael did time in 2010.

The IMB report also found there has been a rise in staffing levels, a re-commitment to 'humane treatment' of men in its care and preparation for release has improved. Prisoners now have the opportunity to enrol on courses which will prepare them for the job market.

Susan Feary, Highpoint chairman, said: “There is no doubt that in some areas within the prison there have been significant improvements – the staffing increases have made a real difference to most prisoners’ safety and to the rehabilitation support provided to prepare men for release.

“We remain concerned about the use of drugs, in particular spice, which can cause problems not just for those using it directly but for the other prisoners and staff due to the effect of its fumes.

“There also much more to be done to fix equipment and building repairs – there is still an unacceptable backlog and poor central leadership from the government company which took over from Carillion.”