Building work has started on a new development at the Hydebank Wood site for women prisoners in Belfast.

The step-down facility is being built for women prisoners close to the end of their sentence.

The two storey house will include six bedrooms, communal living, dining and kitchen areas, as well as family and group rooms.

The work is due to be complete in August 2015.

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NI Justice Minister David Ford said: "The new stepdown facility will house up to six female prisoners nearing the end of their sentence and prepare them for return to the community.

"As part of the prisons reform programme, it will support the individual's progress by enhancing employment opportunities on their return to the community. Prison officers will work to encourage responsibility and self-esteem, placing appropriate levels of trust and support prior to release.

"This arrangement has operated successfully for prisoners in Northern Ireland for a number of years.The dedicated facility improves our capacity to assess and manage risk as prisoners return to the community."

(CD/IT)