A decision on plans for a new probation centre in West Oxford has been postponed until the end of August, it emerged this morning.

Campaigners in Mill Street, off Botley Road, are opposed to plans for the probation centre serving about 350 criminals, including sex offenders.

They have urged Thames Valley Probation service to consider alternative sites to Trajan House and in June, the service agreed to examine a list of 12 alternative sites until today’s deadline.

This morning Thames Valley Probation service issued a statement which said a decision would not be taken until the end of the month, and would be made in consultation with the Ministry of Justice.

The statement said one of the reasons it agreed to the six-week freeze in June was to “acknowledge the depth of feeling of opposition by residents of Mill Street and the surrounding streets to our presence at that location.”

It added: “By the end of August the Ministry will confirm the timing of its decision on the suitability of all properties.

“They will tell us which ones best meet our requirements and, once we have that final list, Thames Valley Probation will — with the Ministry of Justice, determine its final choice.”