THE news that the Ministry of Justice is planning to take over a building in Oxford as a probation office will disturb a lot of people.

If negotiations are successful, up to 350 criminals will visit the new centre each week.

Opponents say it is not just the venue that causes concern, but the fact those living nearby were not informed of the proposals.

The building, Trajan House in Mill Street, is currently empty.

Under plans being drawn up, probation services would be concentrated at the new location. The office could open as early as next April and see rapists, murderers and other criminals trot along the streets.

In a shocking display of arrogance, the probation service says it is not legally obliged to consult people — but would talk to residents once it had gone through. In other words, it’s a fait accompli that’s being pushed through on a nod and a wink.

At the very least local people deserve to be consulted before a project of this magnitude is given the go-ahead.