People to be given chance to see inside former Blundeston Prison site

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And now, a charity is helping people to satisfy their inquistive natures with tours of a historic prison site before it is redeveloped for homes.

Lowestoft-based Badger Building bought the former Blundeston Prison earlier this year for £3million after it was closed by the Minsitry of Justice in 2012.

It is currently working on plans to redevelop the area for housing and community use – but found it was inundated with requests for people eager to have a look around the jail which was home to famous prisoners Reggie Kray and the so-called 'Lotto lout' Michael Carroll.

Managing director and Blundeston resident Stephen George therefore offered to give the keys over to charitable organisations to organise their own open days, so long as former guards and prison officers came forward to facilitate events.

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Stradbroke Masonic Lodge is one of those Badger Building has let inside, with 250 people already given tours during May and another series over the weekend of June 25 and 26.

Graham Horton, of Lakeland Drive, Lowestoft, who helped organise the tours, said: 'The prison officers helped to bring to life the daily routine, feeding arrangements, education, rehabilitation and workshop facilities available to prepare prisoners for release at the end of their sentence.

'They all had tales to tell of celebrity prisoners such as a certain Mr Kray, as well as tales of those who managed to escape, the methods they used and the shortness of their taste of freedom.'

Pre-booked tours last an hour and start every 30 minutes, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Prices are £7.50 per adult and £5 for under-16s. Email stradbrokelodge3291@hotmail.com or call 07572 486259 to book.

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