A Bradford MP is calling for more imaginative solutions to overcrowding in prisons, following a report that Armley jail has 60 per cent more prisoners than there should be.

MP Marsha Singh spoke of his concerns shortly before the results of an unannounced inspection on HM Prison Leeds were made public today.

The report, based on the inspection between June 30 and July 4 this year, said that almost all prisoners were two to a cell designed for one.

It also noted that in one month alone, 436 new prisoners had to be settled into the prison.

HMP Leeds is a category B local prison. Its main function is to receive people committed to custody by the courts. It takes until trial all adult male prisoners remanded from the West Yorkshire area, and convicted prisoners for short periods.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said: "Overcrowded, pressurised local prisons are now part of the landscape of the prison system and Leeds is no exception. At the time of the inspection it held 1,250 prisoners, 60 per cent more than its certified normal accommodation."

Mr Singh said: "Issues with prisons are very important. I think the report just confirms what a lot of people already know about Armley.

"Conditions are pretty poor but this is reflected nationally. We are on the cusp of a crisis.

"The overcrowding can cause all sorts of problems with rehabilitation courses availability and such like - it is very frustrating."

The report found that in spite of these pressures Leeds had succeeded in providing many of the basic elements of decency for prisoners.

Mr Singh said he was pleased that the way the prison was run was commended in the report.

Anne Owers concluded: "Leeds is a testimony to what an effective governor and senior management team can achieve, in terms of motivating and supporting staff to change both cultures and procedures.

"However it is increasingly difficult, even for enthusiastic and committed managers and staff, to move beyond humane containment, and to provide the positive work and activity that can prevent re-offending, and slow the prison's revolving door."

Commenting on the report, Phil Wheatley, director general of the prison service said:"I am immensely proud of the achievements that Stacey Tasker has made at Leeds in what is one of the most challenging environments in the Prison Service."