Conditions are so appalling at Lewes prison they could be driving inmates to commit suicide.

Five people have killed themselves at the jail since November, two in the past fortnight.

The Argus has been highlighting the disgraceful overcrowding in this jail for months. Scores of prisoners are held in a wing which has poor heating, lighting and ventilation.

It also has many pipes and bars on the windows from where prisoners can suspend sheets or items of clothing.

The board of prison visitors has already written to the minister in charge of prisons, Beverley Hughes, asking her to ensure money is spent on improvements.

Her Government faces a crisis over prisons. The number of people in jail is heading for a record 70,000 and is still rising.

Action has to be taken to build new jails to take the extra numbers and to look at alternative ways of dealing with offenders.

Urgent steps must be taken to make conditions more tolerable in jails such as Lewes.

Staff must also receive special training on how to spot prisoners who are depressed.

The suicide rate at Lewes is shocking and unacceptable. The governor and the Government must try to lessen the chances of people taking their lives within its grim walls.