Mouldy roof forces Hawke's Bay prisoners out

Up to 100 Hawke's Bay prisoners are being moved to alternative accommodation after their cells were found to be mouldy.

Corrections Department central regional manager Leanne Field said torrential winter rain had caused the roof of one of the Hawke's Bay Prison buildings to leak and some of the cells to flood late last month.

Prison staff inspecting the building following the rain noticed mould growing in the roof cavity.

Samples were taken and tested by Hastings District Council. The results showed a high mould spore count in three of the six units housed in the affected building.

The units will be closed for up to eight months while roof repairs are made.

Arrangements had been made to transport the prisoners to "appropriate accommodation" at Corrections facilities around the country, Mrs Field said.

Staff will also be temporarily redeployed where necessary.

The unaffected parts of the prison continued to operate as normal, and there was no threat to safety and security, she said.

- NZPA