Present Day
Usk is a Category C closed prison for adult male vulnerable prisoners (mainly sex offenders). Accommodation at the prison consists of three main wings, which radiate off a central rotunda. The majority of the cells are bunked double-occupancy, all with integral sanitation. Good quality and well-screened showers are available on all residential units. Additional accommodation is located on Comber Unit (a 20 bed ground floor wing opened in May 2003). Allocation to Comber Unit is by application after 6 months as an Enhanced Prisoner. All prisoners have access to in cell TV with 9 digital Freeview channels, and access to limited disabled facilities. There is wheelchair access to most ground floor areas such as the Refectory and Chapel.
The prison offers a range of education courses covering basic skills to higher education. A purpose-built Vocational Training Centre offers City and Guilds courses and qualifications in woodcraft, plasterwork and bricklaying.
Unlike most other UK prisons, there is no staffed Visitor's Centre or children's play area at Usk Prison. In the visits room there are vending machines providing hot & cold drinks, as well as snacks. Baby changing facilities are also available. The Visiting Room allows only ten prisoner visits per day.
The court room, at the historic Sessions House next door, has recently undergone a restoration project costing £200,000 and has re-opened as the base of Usk Town Council.
Read more about this topic: Usk (HM Prison)
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