Danger Gas at Dartmoor Prison

May 13, 2026, 14:15
UKHealth

Introduction

A health group is punishing the prison service. This is because a dangerous gas called radon was at Dartmoor Prison.

Main Body

The gas was too high for a long time. The prison knew about the gas in 2020. But they did not tell the health group until 2023. All people left the prison by August 2024. Now, old workers and prisoners are suing the government. They say the government did not tell the truth. Also, the government pays 4 million pounds every year for the empty building. This is a big waste of money. The government is now checking 42 other prisons. They think 16 other prisons have the same gas. Some people are already talking to lawyers about other prisons like Exeter and Portland.

Conclusion

HMP Dartmoor is empty. No one can use it now. The prison service must go to a meeting about the punishment.

Learning

πŸ•’ The "Past Time" Pattern

In this story, we see a clear way to talk about things that already happened. We use did not to say 'no' in the past.

Look at these examples from the text:

  • They did not tell the health group.
  • The government did not tell the truth.

The Simple Rule: When you use did not, the action word (verb) stays in its basic form. You do not add "-ed".

  • ❌ did not told
  • βœ… did not tell

πŸ’° Money Words

How do we talk about spending or wasting money?

  • Pays β†’\rightarrow giving money for a service.
  • Waste of money β†’\rightarrow spending money on something useless.

Example: "4 million pounds for an empty building is a waste of money."

Vocabulary Learning

danger (n.)
a situation that could cause harm or loss
Example:The danger of falling is high when the stairs are wet.
gas (n.)
a substance that can move freely and fill a space
Example:The gas in the kitchen smells like cooking oil.
prison (n.)
a building where people are kept as punishment
Example:The prisoner was sent to prison for breaking the law.
health (n.)
the state of being free from illness
Example:Regular exercise helps improve your health.
group (n.)
a number of people or things that are together
Example:The group of friends went to the park.
high (adj.)
tall or at a great level
Example:The mountain is very high.
time (n.)
a period during which events happen
Example:We need more time to finish the project.
tell (v.)
to give information or say something
Example:Please tell me the truth.
left (v.)
past tense of leave: to go away from a place
Example:He left the house at nine o'clock.
money (n.)
a medium for paying for goods or services
Example:She saved money for her future.
people (n.)
human beings in general
Example:People enjoy music and dancing.
meeting (n.)
an event where people gather to discuss something
Example:The meeting will start at 3 p.m.
punishment (n.)
a penalty given for wrongdoing
Example:The punishment for cheating was detention.