An open prison branded HMP Butlins by critics urgently needs a cash boost to improve security and conditions, a new report reveals.

Ford Open Prison has been repeatedly criticised for the ease with which inmates can smuggle in booze and drugs.

Several years ago there were reports of inmates going to Tesco in Littlehampton to buy smoked salmon and drink.

The Argus revealed last year that children as young as 15 had been seen passing drugs, including heroin, cocaine, cannabis and even the sex-enhancing drug Viagra, into the prison.

Now watchdogs have called on Justice Minister Jack Straw to urgently review investment at the Category D jail near Arundel.

The prison's Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said Ford was often referred to as the cheapest jail in the country.

Board chairman Zsa Roggendorff said: "We consider there is considerable truth in this deplorable statement.

"The governor and staff are trying to manage a re-settlement prison on a shoestring, and this is not an acceptable situation.

"The Board asks the Minister to undertake an urgent review of funding and capital investment as an absolute priority."

The report said Ford has lost its main focus of preparing inmates due for release back into the community.

Instead, it has become a holding centre for short-term prisoners it could do little to rehabilitate.

The report revealed that despite security improvements, drugs and booze was still being smuggled into Ford.

It said: "Drugs, alcohol, mobile phones and other illicit substances continue to find their way into the prison.

"The perimeter fence is accessible to the public and is impossible to continually police with the resources available.

"The installation of an appropriate CCTV system to replace the outdated current one should be considered a priority."

It added that there had been "considerable improvement in the use of of intelligence-led operations, watching targeted prisoners and mandatory drugs testing."

Mrs Roggendorff said: "Ford has miles of perimeter fencing accessible to the public.

"The control of illicit substances is a continuing battle and the board has long lobbied for a drugs dog handler.

"The recent appointment of a handler with two dogs is welcomed by the Board and will assist in efforts to combat the on-going problem."

Figures obtained by The Argus under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that prison officers at Ford confiscated drugs on 67 occasions in 2006.

The IMB report said staff shortages and long-term staff sickness were a cause for concern, with every part of the prison affected.

Lack of investment in the past has caused "serious deterioration" in the condition of the prison's buildings.

Accommodation for prisoners was inadequate and the kitchen was in urgent need of complete refurbishment.

However, the Board praised Ford's successes, including being the first prison to gain accreditation from the British Retail Consortium for its food packaging work.

Mrs Roggendorff said: "Ford is primarily a resettlement prison preparing prisoners to return to life outside.

"Programmes are aimed at men who stay at Ford for three months or more.

"They are not suitable for the increasing number of men whose stay at Ford is only for a few days or weeks.

"The key area for fulfilling the role as a resettlement prison lies in the progression of the prisoner to community service and paid work.

"With the present tightening of budgets and low staffing levels this area is of major concern to the IMB.

"It is essential that when prisoners go out into the community to work, a fully-staffed department is available to provide back-up and supervision.

"This is not always possible in this establishment at present."

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