A WATCHDOG group says mentally-disturbed prisoners should be moved from New Hall women's jail at Flockton.

A report says staff are doing their best, but an alternative should be provided where they can get proper treatment.

The call came in the annual report of the prison's Independent Monitoring Board.

Chairman Tony Turner said there was a high number of women suffering from mental illnesses in the 400-bed prison.

He said: "These women should not be in a prison like New Hall."

Mr Turner said his inspection group had told the Home Secretary of its concerns.

It was an issue that seemed to receive little or no attention, he said.

Last year Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said prison was likely to increase the vulnerability and distress of those inmates suffering from mental illnesses - sometimes with tragic consequences.

In January, New Hall was said to have one of the worst jail suicide rates in the country. Four women took their lives at the jail in four months.

Mr Turner said the board could not praise too highly the exceptional levels of care staff showed.

A new wing for juveniles is due to open at New Hall in October.