ERLESTOKE Prison, near Devizes, has been praised for much of its work in a recent inspection report.

But there are worries that an ever increasing number of inmates is making it difficult for both officers and prisoners.

The prison has also seen a huge number of governors come and go. This is because Erlestoke is seen as a stepping stone for those on the fast track up the governor ladder.

This is good news, because it means that the prison does get the highest calibre of person in charge, but it also means that they come and go very quickly.

The last governor, Claudia Sturt, has just become the first woman to take charge at the high security Dartmoor Prison.

Her work was praised by the inspection team but, once again, the establishment has been left with only an acting person in charge.

All of these changes are disconcerting for both prison officers and inmates.

Each person brings with them a slightly different style of management and it means that time and time again the officers are having to adapt.

Erlestoke was praised as doing a good job but there was worry that the ever increasing prison population is making it more difficult to run.

The prison has always prided itself on its excellent relations between staff and inmates but the changes must make these more strained.

It is time that Erlestoke was given the chance to get into a proper routine and have some stability.

Let's hope the next appointment takes this into consideration and the governor is allowed to govern there for more than a year or so.