THE opening of Liverpool's new prison is set to be delayed by a bitter row over staffing - plunging Home Secretary John Reid into a fresh overcrowding crisis.
The 350-place HMP Kennet, a new jail being set up in an empty wing at Ashworth Hospital, was due to open in April, providing desperately-needed extra cells as Britain's prisons struggle to cope with record inmate numbers.
But last night, the Home Office and the Prison Officers Association (POA) were heading for the courts over plans to transfer staff from other jails, to work forced overtime.
The union was given until 4pm yesterday to back the overtime scheme or face legal action, but insisted it was standing firm.
It complained it had been trying for eight months to discuss with Mr Reid how the 200 staff at HMP Kennet were to be recruited, but had been cold-shouldered.
Glyn Travis, the POA's spokesman, said: "It would be a recipe for disaster to take staff from other prisons when they already face a shortage of almost 1,000 officers.
"The Home Office can announce when it is opening HMP Kennet - but it is up to us to determine when the prisoners go in, on the basis of safety and security."
In a sign of the row escalating, the Home Office accused the POA of "taking advantage of current population pressures" to fight agreed overtime procedures.
A spokeswoman added: "This would make it difficult for prison managers to quickly bring on board additional accommodation that may be available."
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