PLANS for a new 44-cell block at HMP The Mount in Bovingdon are expected to be given the green light to ease prison overcrowding.

Proposals for the new building, educational facilities and the relocation of sports pitches were presented to Dacorum Borough Council's development control committee last Thursday, but it referred the decision to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister because the project is on green belt land.

A similar plan had been withdrawn in October due to building restrictions but this latest proposal is considered to be justified because of national interest and the absence of a more suitable location at The Mount.

Bovingdon Parish Council objected to the new development, because of the increased safety risk without a village fire station, but it is expected to be approved as part of the Home Secretary's plan to increase the number of prison places by 2012.

Volunteers are needed to help offenders back into the community, by joining HACRO (Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders).

Visitors and counsellors are also sought to speak to inmates who do not see anybody from outside prison.

HACRO chairman Penny Williams said: "The work of volunteers can make a real difference to prisoners' lives: helping them to feel better about themselves, keeping their family ties going, giving them hope for the future when they leave prison and reducing their need to re-offend."

For more information, telephone HACRO on 01727 854727 or e-mail hacro.office@zen.co.uk.