REPORTS of an out-of-control drug culture at Forest Bank prison are of great concern.

This large, modern establishment, just a few miles away, houses hundreds of criminals from Bolton. But allegations of widespread drugs' use, and extreme measures to obtain them, are said to be 'rife' by a prisoner currently on remand there.

He states that the demand for heroin is so huge that what is normally worth £10 in Bolton, can fetch £70 in Forest Bank, and is swiftly available.

Dozens of mobile phones, banned in prison, are also allegedly used there to run crime empires on the outside, and to intimidate witnesses.

This is not simply one individual's view. These claims have been backed by Bolton MP Dr Brian Iddon who is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Misuse of Drugs. He is already investigating claims that the privately-run jail is 'awash' with drugs.

These latest revelations have surfaced just weeks after an official inspection reported widespread drug use and violence, including 25 assaults on prisoners by inmates, every month.

Forest Bank was hailed as a model prison when it opened only five years ago, but it must no longer be allowed to continue in this dangerously lax manner.

Prison is meant to be provide punishment and reform, to allow individuals to ultimately return to normal society, not create a more evil, alternate society of its own.

The Prison Officers Association has criticised the running of Forest Bank and questioned whether prisons should be in private hands at all - an opinion which today many other people may share - stressing that experience and commitment are needed to handle prisoners. Clearly, action including an independent, official review is needed to determine this prison's immediate future.