The construction of the Isle of Man's new prison has slipped behind schedule.

Contractors were meant to be finished on the site by December 13, but this wasn't achieved and the Christmas holiday period and recent bad weather have hampered completion of some external areas in the complex.

The Department of Home Affairs says the site has now entered what is referred to as a 'transition phase'.

The Works Unit was handed over early in September, but efforts to finish off the main prison building are continuing. While prison staff have been undertaking a programme of commissioning and familiarisation, the formal hand-over of the site to the department did not take place as scheduled.

Home Affairs Minister Martin Quayle says the transition of construction site to fully functioning prison isn't just a case of handing over a set of keys, as training is needed for prison officers and maintenance staff prior to the transfer of prisoners from Victoria Road.

The fitting of cell and gate locking devices is also the department's responsibility for security reasons, and this is now underway.

While work is continuing, the removal of site offices, plant and equipment has started, and it is now hoped the prison will become operational sometime in April, although no specific date has been given.

(Image: A recent picture from inside the new prison at Jurby).