In 1996 the prison came under intense criticism after six inmates escaped whilst being transferred to other jails.

"[2] This followed reports that inmates at Blundeston had seen their fruit quota cut after some had been accused of fermenting it to make alcohol.

Blundeston provided workshops, training courses, a Listener Scheme and a full-time Resettlement Officer.

On 4 September 2013, the Ministry of Justice announced that it intended to close Blundeston Prison by March 2014.

[5] The closure of the prison led to criticism from local politicians,[6] including planning proposals to allow the site to be used for a large housing development.