New benches unveiled in memorial garden

Inmates at HMP Northumberland have helped design and make two memorial benches, which have been unveiled in Amble.
One of the benches being unveiled.One of the benches being unveiled.
One of the benches being unveiled.

The seats have a First World War theme and have been placed in the town’s memorial garden.

Amble Mayor Jane Dargue said that she is delighted with the benches and was pleased that the town council was able to work in partnership with the Acklington-based jail for the project.

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She said: “We are very pleased to have two new seats in the town’s memorial garden, designed and crafted by the Sodexo staff and prisoners of HMP Northumberland, working in partnership with Amble Town Council.

“The seats have a First World War theme and are very fitting for a place of remembrance.

“At a time when the prison service is facing a great many challenges it is good to be able to appreciate some of the work coming out of HMP Northumberland that is very much based on putting something back into the community.”

The prison is run by Sodexo Justice Services and the new benches were made in the workshops, which help prisoners with their rehabilitation.

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HMP Northumberland director, Tony Simpson, said: “We’re delighted Amble Town Council is happy with the new benches.

“Our workshops provide an excellent source of purposeful activity for prisoners which supports their rehabilitation, and in this case is providing a direct benefit to people in the local community.”

HMP Northumberland is a Category C men’s prison and Sodexo took over the running of it in December 2013.