RESIDENTS opposed to a new probation centre in West Oxford have been offered CCTV cameras.

West Oxford Community Against Mega Probation Centre (Wocamp) is opposing plans for a probation centre at Trajan House in Mill Street.

Members are concerned about the impact 350 criminals, including sex offenders, would have on the neighbourhood. Last month, the service agreed to consider 12 alternative locations until a deadline of August 14.

Thames Valley chief probation officer Gerry Marshall said yesterday that CCTV cameras could be installed in and around “whatever building was chosen for the probation centre” and added that CCTV might also cover approaches to the probation office.

Father-of-two Dan Rawstorne, 34, of Mill Street, said: “That will cost money that the taxpayer hasn’t got. It would make much more sense to site the new building in the city centre.”

Mr Rawstorne claimed the probation service had suggested that Mill Street was a high-crime area “in a bid to strengthen their argument, when that is simply not the case”.