Sir – It is very sad indeed that 230 years of history has ended so abruptly with the closure of Northallerton Prison, the oldest in the UK. From the day in July 1986 when I first entered the establishment, my visits over 27 years as a member of the Independent Monitoring and Parole Boards have taught me so much about human life.

Unfortunately, there will be many unhappy families because of the minister’s decision which fails to recognise the many positives that the establishment has continued to create.

I find it very hard to comprehend that a prison which has been so well recognised over recent years for its good practice should close. It has worked innovatively with local partners to reduce reoffending and ultimately cut crime. Staff have been commended for their honesty, respect and passion, carrying out difficult duties, as well as the open and transparent way the prison has been managed. The personal touch of officers working with offenders has been exceptional and having been tasked with inspecting the establishment, our board has regularly commended staff commitment on this key area of their work.

Prison officers and management seem to have an immense amount of patience, goodwill and commitment to get the job done and wherever possible achieve a positive outcome.

On occasions like this, so little is remembered about the many awards and accreditations which have been won and the standard of excellence achieved. It is a great pity that a team which has been so committed and respected will now be lost forever.

Northallerton as a district will greatly miss the 20,000- plus hours inmates have worked in the community making a valuable contribution to its wider development over the past year. The prison has been at the heart of the town for so long and I only hope that the Ministry of Justice will allow some of the historical artefacts to be given to the town as a fitting memory. The establishment, its staff and friends deserve at least that.

I have made many friends and acquaintances who I will miss immensely. I wish them all the very best in their endeavours.

DAVID A KERFOOT MBE Ainderby Steeple, Northallerton.