Press Release – For Immediate Release - 19 August 2009
Residents Thank TVPS for Re-think on Siting
West Oxford Community Against Mega-Probation Centre (WOCAMP) thank Thames Valley Probation Service (TVPS) for their re-think of Trajan House and the opportunity to put forth alternative properties for a Probation Centre. Local residents fully support TVPS and the Home Office Property Group on their decision to re-evaluate Trajan House on Mill Street according to the criteria given to them on the 22 July.
The re-think on Trajan House has been down to several factors. Over the past month three residents from Mill Street have taken two TVPS board members, the Chief Officer and the Chair on an outing to show them the properties which the WOCAMP group has found and believe to be more appropriate. Since Trajan House was found by TVPS, there has been a change of economic circumstances and the Youth Offending Service has also pulled out from occupying the extra space.
Although residents are unable to disclose the list of alternative properties they have suggested, they strongly believe that TVPS can find a property that better meets their budget, size requirements and closer to amenities for both staff and clients. Alternative properties cannot be named due to the commercially sensitive nature for TVPS and also residents do not want to impede TVPS’ ability to find the most suitable location.
Tina Lees, Chair of WOCAMP said “We thank TVPS for their re-think during the freeze period. We have worked with them and handed over a list of 10 properties we think will better meet the needs of TVPS, their clients, and the greater community. Over the coming weeks, we urge that Trajan House is re-evaluated according to the new criteria outlined on the 22 July. We understand that at the end of August we look forward to hearing when the decision will be made and the suitability of all properties”.
It is believed Trajan House holds greater risks than the other properties put forward due to planning issues as discussed at the recent Central and West Oxford Community meeting, correspondence from the Law Society and the threat of legal challenge.
Local MP Dr Evan Harris, said “It is a tribute to the local campaign that they have forced the Ministry of Justice and TVPS to stop and think again, but the key phase is only now starting. I will be seeking to find out whether ministers will be involved in the decision and ensure that they know the real risks of trying to stick with Trajan House when other properties are better all round.”
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For interviews, images and further information please contact Tamsin Morrison, Mobile: 07931 961 557; tamsin@nildram.co.uk; or visit www.wocamp.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
• Press release from TVPS on their website dated 14 August 2009
• The scandal over the siting of this probation centre has been publicised in the National media see Libby Purves: https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/libby_purves/article6040959.ece and Daily Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5115692/Sex-offenders-and-criminals-to-attend-office-near-nurseries.html But the fact that the MoJ has blundered like this before requiring ministerial apology is new.
• 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 Trajan House 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