THE battle over locating a third hostel for criminals and suspects has been won but we suspect not the war.

When news of the scheme to put a hostel in to Headley Way broke, we highlighted the unacceptable attitude of Stonham Services — a private company taking public money to provide this facility — in that it would not consult with neighbours.

Its sentiment in a letter only given to neighbours after the deal had seemingly been secured was: You can’t choose your neighbours so live with it.

No doubt there will be those in the justice system who will label those Headington families who had the temerity to oppose the scheme as ignorant reactionaries. But that just shows their own ignorance.

We, and most people, accept that such hostels have to go somewhere.

But what these officials fail to realise is that by not telling anyone about the potential hostels for their neighbourhoods all they do is create anxiety and a lack of trust.

A third hostel appears likely for the city and so we say to the Ministry of Justice to treat the public as adults and consult and inform rather than bulldozing plans through.

You’re morally obliged and you may be surprised at the reaction.