Major new plans to fit cell windows with anti-drone steel cages amid major drug issues at Fylde coast prison

Plans to fit thousands of prison cell windows with steel grilles to stop drones flooding jails with illegal items could help prisons such as HMP Kirkham controlling drug use.

The Ministry of Justice said up to 13,000 heavy-duty grilles – many manufactured by prisoners themselves – will be installed by spring next year, costing £35 million. Prison governors have long reported window improvements taking years to complete because of a lack of funding.

Around half of all prisoners had a drug problem as of April 2025, and easy access to substances is said to be crippling the Prison Service’s ability to keep control.

In a report Kirkham last year, HM Inspectorate of Prisons revealed the jail had the highest rate of drug use in the open sector with more than a 40 peer cent of convicts testing positive for drugs. In 2024, one-in-four prisoners were found to use drugs - showing the problem is getting worse.

‘Drone smuggling fuels violence’

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the prison was “not fulfilling” its purpose. He found that illicit drugs were “far too freely available” and that inmates were often “frustrated and bored.”

Voluntary drug tests and incentive schemes aimed at keeping prisoners off drugs have also been introduced. It is understood drones are used to deliver drugs and mobile phones to the prison even though convicts at the open prison are allowed out into the local community.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “Drone smuggling fuels violence, debt and disorder in our prisons. It wrecks rehabilitation and puts lives at risk. This new investment will further bolster prison defences against drones, building on our work with police to catch and prosecute the criminal gangs responsible.

“To the criminal gangs using drones to target our prisons, my message is clear: we are shutting down your routes, disrupting your operations and bringing offenders to justice.”

Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors’ Association, said: “We have long warned of the threat to the security of our prisons and the safety of staff, prisoners and the public arising from the ease with which drones can enter our prisons and deliver drugs, weapons and mobile phones.

“We welcome this investment and the impact that it will have. Rehabilitation is far more difficult in prisons where drugs are rife and violence is used to enforce debts.

“It is in all our interests to make conveying illicit and dangerous items into prisons as difficult as possible.”

‘The Airport’

Another Lancashire Prison - HMP Garth - is called the “Airport” by inmates because of the huge number of drones delivering drugs and phones each day, according to another inspection report.

HMP Garth - located in the village of Ulnes Walton near Leyland has a population of 800 prisoners, many convicted of violent or sexual offences. A report by HM Inspectors of Prisons last year revealed that 'drones and drugs flowing into the prison' were a major threat to safety.

A follow up report revealed the problem is worse than ever. In November last year, an inspection revealed the high security prison was 'facing major security issues from the ingress of drugs and a break down in safety and security'.

Inspectors said there had been a 45 per cent increase in violence and many prisoners needed protection due to drug debts. Inmates were burning holes in their windows to allow drug-laden drones to enter. Inspectors revealed the prison stank of cannabis and two thirds of prisoners said it was easy to get hold of drugs.

One described the prison as an 'airport' due to the huge number of drones flying in each day. HMP Garth was criticised for failing to respond to the threat from drugs and for not carrying out enough searches.