THE search for a new governor at HMP Berwyn is still ongoing four months after the prison’s first chief was suspended.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that the selection process - started in September to fill the role left by Russ Trent at Wrexham’s super prison - has not been completed.

Mr Trent’s suspension in August was not linked to the recruitment of a new governor, which began before his suspension, and he was due to move to another role in the Prison Service.

Currently, his former deputy, Mark Greenhaf, is filling the position on a temporary basis.

The Prison Service has not made public the reason behind Mr Trent’s suspension, but has said an investigation is being carried out into allegations made against him.

He took charge of the prison when it opened its cells early last year with a mission to change the way prisoners are supervised.

A more “liberal” prison regime has seen inmates treated to en-suite cell facilities, TVs and laptops as well as the opportunity to make regular phone calls to loved ones.

But the prison has come under fire in recent months over levels of drug abuse as well as violence and intimidation of staff.

Before being named the prison’s first governor, Mr Trent, an ex-Royal Marine, was the project director who oversaw its development.

A job advertisement which appeared in September for a new person to take on the role stated the salary would pay up to £76,352 as well as payments for unsocial hours.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson was unable to confirm that a shortlist for the high-profile vacancy had been drawn up.