1:32pm Wednesday 31st October 2007
Fire and rescue tenders have been called to the new lifers' wing at The Mount prison in Bovingdon to nine flase alarms in the past four weeks.
The Narey Unit, a 44-cell block that accommodates life sentence prisoners, is experiencing "teething problems" with the fire alarms being triggered, possibly by steam and smoke from the kitchens.
The prison is said to be investigating the cause of the false alarms and said fire detectors had already been changed.
The new block, which sits within the 27 acre site, houses prisoners convicted of offences including murder and manslaughter.
It has a recreation room complete with plasma screen, ensuite cells with personal televisions and a fitness and IT suite.
A prison spokesman said: "We are aware of the problems with the fire alarms and are desperately trying to solve it."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk