POLICE in Blackbird Leys have been given a stay of execution while a search for their new base continues.

The team was due to vacate its premises in July, when the lease expires.

Community figures were worried that losing a visible symbol of policing on the estate could lead to a rise in crime.

The number of offences recorded fell during the three years the office, off Blackbird Leys Road, was open, despite it not having a counter service for the public.

Thames Valley Police admitted in January it was closing the office to save £12,000 a year. But it said yesterday the office, leased from NHS Oxfordshire, would remain until a more suitable base was found.

Police spokesman James Williams said costs and lease terms had not been finalised, but the preferred option should be significantly cheaper and still provide everything the team needed.

He said: “The landlord of the current office has offered to allow Thames Valley Police to remain there beyond July if necessary, if a move into a new office is later than that.”

“We have undertaken a review of options near the current office, with a decision likely to be made shortly.”

A number of councillors pledged to pay to ensure police stayed on the estate.

Parish council and ward member Val Smith has a £10,000 councillor community budget for 2013/14 to support projects in her ward.

If an agreement can be reached, she said she would help install a base at the Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

The move was backed by Oxford City Northfield Brook councillor Scott Seamons.

Mrs Smith said: “The problem with the community centre is that inside isn’t entirely appropriate. The current location is perfect as it is.

“So now we are looking at the possibility of making alterations to the inside of the community centre, to give them more space and a better place to operate.

“We are willing to do whatever it takes, as it is essential that the office stays here.”

Blackbird Leys Parish Council also said it would “do whatever it took” to ensure the police had a visible base on the estate.

Council chairman Gordon Roper said: “We have fought for it, we’ve brought the plight to the attention of the people, and we have promised to do what we can to save it. It will go to a vote but I am sure, with the strength of feeling, the parish council will help with the rent.”

The total number of recorded crimes in Blackbird Leys fell from 338 in October 2011, to 297 in October 2012.