Dartmoor faces economic challenges after the prison closes due to high radon levels. This decreases tourism and impacts local businesses significantly.
No decision exists on reopening the prison. The Prince of Wales pub feels the pinch, with John reporting a fall in accommodation bookings. Prison visitors usually stay there, as do Ministry of Justice staff. Loads of workers used the pub’s rooms.
The prison was part of the community. Staff often visited the pub, buying food and drinks nearby. Now, that has stopped. Winter hit the accommodation business hard, masking the problem initially due to summer bookings.
John wants the government to decide on the prison’s future. Keeping the prison closed costs money, as the government pays rent on the property. Leaving it to decay is not an option. He worries about his pub’s future. Other businesses face similar issues.
The prison, museum, and the visitor center all face problems. This is viewed as a major setback. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas. It comes from rocks and soil.
In early 2024, radon levels rose, prompting the prison board to raise concerns. They worried about staff and prisoner health. Lung cancer was a major concern and legal action might happen from those affected.
John says locals know about radon. He claims nothing changed recently. Tim Jones discussed the rent and repairs highlighting rent costs £1.5 million per year. Repairs potentially could cost £70 million. Closing the prison removes 700 spaces.
Tim believes Devon’s economy suffers. He estimates a £30 million annual loss encompassing direct and indirect jobs. Around 160 jobs vanished, impacting suppliers and trainers. Princetown’s shops also suffer from the closure.
Tim wants the government to act swiftly, to either fix the radon problem, or declare the prison unfit. A report highlighted serious issues, for example rats infested an area outside A Wing. Birds, insects, and bats have taken over parts of the prison.
The Duchy of Cornwall owns the buildings, and the Prison Service must maintain them. A new 25-year lease has recently started guaranteeing the lease lasts at least ten years.
