Mill Street: 'We'll stop probation plans' (From Oxford Mail)

Mill Street: 'We'll stop probation plans'

6:00am Monday 6th April 2009 in News

ANGRY protesters have vowed to fight proposals for a probation centre in their street — even if it means chaining themselves to its railings.

About 70 people packed out a public meeting on Saturday against plans to open the centre in Mill Street, West Oxford.

But they were told they might have just days to stop probation officials signing a lease for offices.

As reported in last week’s Oxford Mail, the plans would bring up to 350 criminals — including sex offenders and those with convictions for violence — to the street each week.

Rosemary Preston, told the meeting at the Railway Club in Mill Street, said: “We fear a threat to the social quality of life in Mill Street. We live in a socially mixed and pretty harmonious community.

“I do not think it is just the sex offenders or violent criminals – the petty thieves could cause us so much problem.”

Fellow resident Dan Rawstorne said: “There is a lot of anger about this. They are introducing a concentration of all the county’s serious offenders into this area without even consulting the residents.

“The only outcome for us is that it doesn’t go ahead.

“If it takes us chaining ourselves to the railings then it would not surprise me if that’s what people do.”

Dr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, told residents he had written to planning officials, the Government and the Thames Valley Probation Service – and would invite officials to Mill Street to see the site and meet residents.

Susanna Pressel, city councillor for Jericho and Osney, disputed claims the scheme would not need new planning permission and promised to investigate.

Residents agreed to distribute leaflets, start a petition, seek legal advice, write letters and set up a website.

l Another meeting will be held at the Railway Club at 4.30pm on Saturday, April 18.