Inmates with a history of poor behaviour are being transferred to an open prison which is unsuitable for them, a report reveals.

Overstretched staff at Ford Prison then have to go through the process of sending the prisoners back to a "closed" prison which is better able to cope with them.

The problem is highlighted in the annual report by the board of visitors at Ford, near Arundel.

The board, a watchdog group, is also concerned about alleged bullying of prisoners by staff and the number of drink and drug-related incidents in the jail.

The 2000/1 report, which has been sent to Home Secretary David Blunkett, stated: "The board would like some assurance from senior prison service management that more action will be taken to categorise prisoners before transfer to an establishment consistent with their level of security risk.

"There have been many instances where men sent to Ford have a history of behaviour and offences which render them unsuitable to remain."

Some prisoners transferred to Ford to prepare for release under the new electronic tagging system - called home detention curfew - are having to stay at Ford longer than expected because prisons are not sending the necessary paperwork with them.

The report said: "Our first concern is for the prisoners who we think are being treated unfairly and are suffering because of prison service inefficiencies in categorisation and availability of appropriate accommodation."

There have also been continuing complaints from prisoners about staff bullying, although the board is confident the problem will be addressed.

David Bourne, assistant governor at Ford, said the problems faced by staff at the prison were the same as at any other open prison.

He said Ford took only prisoners classed as the lowest risk, saying: "We do a further assessment when they arrive here and, on rare occasions, prisoners are felt to be unsuitable for open conditions so arrangements are made to send them back.

"It is a safety mechanism we adopt and part of an ongoing, standard, checking procedure."

Mr Bourne said security staff were constantly vigilant and the prison was doing everything it could to reduce drug and alcohol incidents.

Mr Bourne said tackling bullying was always a priority at prisons, both for staff and prisoners, and an anti-bullying committee had been set up to look into the problems.

The report also said the prison's industrial manager and head of finance were suspended from duty throughout the year.

Mr Bourne said he could not comment on personal staff matters except to say the suspension had happened some time ago and the matter was being dealt with.

Overall, the board said governor Ken Kan was continuing to make improvements at the prison.