Last week you published a post from me about an elderly prisoner called Bill. In a piece restricted to 500 words some things inevitably get left out which some readers need for clarity.

To help Stuart – Mary Reid’s helpful comment pointed out that the YOI element at Littlehey opened in 2010. It closed in 2014 to allow the prison to become a full adult prison. Unfortunately the Ministry of Justice website on Littlehey was last updated in April 2013 so doesn’t help. However I am sure a phone call to the prison on 01480 335 000 will elicit the information to assure Stuart of the truth of my post.

To help Sally – with whom I agree on most points. The heating at HMP Brixton was turned off in March 2014 when temperatures rose to acceptable Spring levels. However temperatures subsequently plunged and there was a week of bitter cold weather with no prison heating until complaints from staff and prisoners resulted in heating being restored. Prison officers wore their heavy uniform trousers and winter fleeces. Prisoners were left with thin prison uniforms not designed for such cold weather. I can assure Sally that Bill was suffering from cold and not drug withdrawal – as she will well know not all prisoners have been on drugs.

I quote from a letter from a prisoner sent from Brixton on 23rd March – “My God, it’s cold. And the cold goes on. A petition has gone round this morning asking for the heating to be turned on again. I think the thought of -3C this evening and those thin sheets and blankets have focussed the mind….To pick up on a serious note on temperature. Do you recall me saying that I went to the GP and had to sit for two and a half hours in a freezing cold waiting room – pity poor Bill who is 88 years old and had to do the same last week.”

I am happy to share the letter with the editorial board if that helps. Those within the prison system – staff and prisoners – are rather reluctant to become known whistle blowers.

* Richard Edwards is a pseudonym for a contributor who wishes to remain anonymous