Prison governor praises services merger on Isle of Man

The head of the Isle of Man's prison service has praised plans to merge it with the probation services, claiming it will reduce repeat offending.

The Manx Home Affairs department decided on the merger after months of consultation and planning.

The move is being implemented to make the two services more efficient and to improve community safety.

Alison Gomme, the governor of Jurby Prison, will head the combined service.

Ms Gomme said: "In many respects we deal with the same client group and we may find that there's some duplication and replication.

"As with other aspects of transforming government, what we're trying to do is eliminate some of that duplication - so that will be a primary benefit and help us deliver a seamless service for offenders."