Some will see the creation of a police base at Blackbird Leys, Oxford, as a sign of a progressive police force.

Others will interpret it simply as going back to basics - a return to good old-fashioned policing.

Years ago, police lived and worked on their patch, and were easily available for people to ask for help and advice.

Just ask followers of the long-running TV series, Heartbeat.

Many feel that policing has become too remote. You see the occasional police car, but rarely do you see officers close at hand, on bikes or on foot.

The police base at Blackbird Leys will help to redress the balance.

No longer will people on the estate have to trudge to Cowley police station. Now they will have their own officers nearby.

It is a step in the right direction.

The concept has already been adopted for Rose Hill, Littlemore and Barton. There is no reason why it should not work on The Leys.