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Legionella discovered at prison Legionella discovered at prison
(about 8 hours later)
Part of a prison in Kent has been evacuated after evidence of Legionella bacteria was found in the water system. Part of a prison in Kent has been evacuated after Legionella bacteria was found in the water system.
Inmates in one wing of Maidstone Prison have been moved to other jails, though the Ministry of Justice has not confirmed where.Inmates in one wing of Maidstone Prison have been moved to other jails, though the Ministry of Justice has not confirmed where.
It is understood that no-one has been taken ill after the discovery, which was made during routine checks. Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, from Kent Health Protection Unit, said no prisoners had been affected, but a staff member was reported to have shown symptoms.
The prison currently holds nearly 600 inmates, in four residential wings and one segregation unit. Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe praised prison officers for acting quickly.
She said the problem stemmed from overcrowded jails.
'Quick action'
Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, she said: "I'm not terribly surprised by it.
"I think the prison service acted quickly. They warned me when they thought they had a problem.
"It seemed almost to be five minutes later that they said 'right, we're going to take action', so I think they've handled it properly."
She added: "The problem is, when you've got prisons badly overcrowded as they are at the moment, and you are using what are described as Victorian wings, it isn't always possible to be using simply appropriate accommodation."
The prison currently holds nearly 600 inmates in four residential wings and one segregation unit.