All inmates removed from Dartmoor prison

The Ministry of Defence said HMP Dartmoor was "temporarily closed", but local people said they were concerned it would not open again

All inmates have been moved from Dartmoor prison, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed.

The MoJ said it began and staged the removal of all 175 inmates out of HMP Dartmoor on 18 July after high levels of radon were detected.

Councillor Philip Sanders for Devon County Council said he was "uncertain" about the future of the prison, adding he had a "gut feeling" it would not open again.

The MoJ explained the prison was "temporarily closed" and the new government would be "setting out a long-term plan for prison capacity later this year".

Mr Sanders said: "My instinct and gut feeling is that this prison is not going to open again.

"I hope I am wrong for the people who live and work here."

Radon is a colourless and odourless radioactive gas formed by decaying uranium found in rocks and soils.

Levels tend to be higher in parts of the country rich in granite, such as Dartmoor, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Inmates had already been moved out of the prison earlier this year after high levels were detected, following more than 400 in December.

Councillor Philip Sanders said he was concerned about what the closure of the prison would have on local tourism

"There is no evidence to say any prison officer or prisoner has had ill effect from radon," Mr Sanders said.

"I know people are very worried the closure might signal the end of the prison.

"Sorting out radon in a place like Dartmoor prison is not a cheap thing."

'Crisis'

He also raised concerns there would be a decline in tourism in the area if the prison closes.

A spokesperson for the MoJ said: “Our prisons are in crisis.

"This is the most recent illustration of why this Government was forced, in its first week, to take urgent action to release pressure on the estate.

“Public safety will always be this Government’s priority. After close monitoring of the situation at HMP Dartmoor, the prison is being temporarily closed and around 175 offenders are being moved to elsewhere in the prison estate.”