WINCHESTER Prison has received a shot across the bows after its "negative culture" was highlighted in a critical report.

Up to half of inmates in Winchester's main prison wing spent 22 hours a day in their cells according to an HM Inspectorate of Prisons report released today.

In the face of increased pressure and demands on the unit's population, governors have been told to work harder at probation services, prisoner activities and integrating foreign and disabled prisoners.

Chief inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said: "In spite of the pressures in the system, Winchester is a reasonably well-performing local prison.

"However, there are some warning signs - the lack of sufficient activity spaces in the main prison, the somewhat dislocated resettlement arrangements and, in particular, the fact that residential staff are not fully engaged in the support and rehabilitation of prisoners.

"These are all matters that prison managers, and the National Offender Management Service, will need to monitor closely."

Inspectors found that the prison, which has room for 542 inmates, was "reasonably safe", though first-night arrangements needed improvement and anti-bullying arrangements were weak.