Press Release – For Immediate Release - 15 June 2009

Crowds Challenge Probation Service At Town Hall Over Mega Centre

Monday 15 June 2.00 - 7.00pm

Oxford Town Hall

Large numbers of local residents and campaigners are expected today to turn out for an ‘Open Day’ at the Oxford Town Hall in St Aldate’s between 2:00 and 7:00pm, to speak out and register their concerns to the Probation Service.  Outraged residents who fear a planned probation centre could bring hundreds of criminals to an Oxford street will challenge officers and convey the message that the new centre is not welcome, and should be opened elsewhere.  Residents will show their dissatisfaction and anger at the process, lack of consultation and the inappropriateness of the site. 

Gerry Marshall, Thames Valley Probation’s chief officer and Malcolm Fearn, head of the Board of Thames Valley Probation Area will be there to face the crowds and give answers. 

Many residents are worried about the impact of 350 criminals, including some sex offenders, regularly walking to the centre at Trajan House in Mill Street.  Residents claim it would be inappropriate to put services for the county’s criminals in a residential area.  The centre does not need planning permission, and neighbours are concerned that it will have a detrimental effect on the family-friendly atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Local residents are considering a judicial review and legal injunction to stop the signing of the lease.  The case the campaigners are arguing is that the Ministry of Justice did not follow the right procedure when procuring the property and it is a huge waste of tax payers’ money.

For interviews and further information please contact Tamsin Morrison, tamsin@nildram.co.uk; Mobile: 07931 961 557; www.wocamp.co.uk

 

Notes to Editors:

  • The residents have the support of their local MP Dr Evan Harris, around 2000 petitioners, and the Chief Executive of the Unlocked, the ex-offenders association.
  • Three nurseries and a primary school are within 600 yards of the site and it is a significant distance from other relevant services, such as the magistrates court and police station.
  • The residents have had a few protests outside town hall and at the university. And they have met Jack Straw personally.
  • If the probation centre goes ahead it will destroy a community.  Families and senior citizens will move out.  Surrounding house prices have been forecast to drop by 16 per cent. This means if those living there want to move due to the influx of offenders on their doorstep, they may not get a fair price for their homes and may find it very hard to sell.
  • The proposed probation in Mill Street, Oxford centre needs to be so large because it is merging offices in the city centre, Cowley,  Banbury, Abingdon

 

 

 

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Crowds Challenge Probation Service At Town Hall Over Mega Centre