Internet reviews for Kirkham Open Prison

The reviews, which have appeared on Google maps, have been slammed as “inappropriate” by prison chiefs.

The ratings range from between two and five stars.

One poster wrote: “Great bed and breakfast. Lovely staff. What more can you ask for?”

Another added: “Great food, good single rooms, what more could you ask for?”

The category D Open men’s prison is located to the south-west of the town and contains 24 dormitories of varying size equipped with single rooms, prisoner telephone, in room TV, kitchenette and shower facility.

It can accommodate up to 630 prisoners at any one time.

Coun Liz Oades, who represents Kirkham South on Fylde Council, said: “I’m sure there will be several people calling it a holiday camp and this won’t help.

“We have a very good working relationship with the prison and we do benefit greatly as a town from prisoners working here and doing lots of jobs.

“We had a meeting on Tuesday night where we were talking about the good work that has been done by the prisoners.

“The town does look a lot better because we just couldn’t afford the level of work that we get done.

“At the same time we’re trying to help prisoners for their release.”

Glyn Travis, assistant secretary for the Prison Officers Association, said the reviews were “inappropriate” and said they gave a false impression.

He said: “When people read them they will get a different view of that prison is.

“From our perspective, the people who work in prisons, reports that only show a snap shot are very unfair and aren’t a true reflection.”

Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.