Sir – Do people and their communities really matter? In recent days I have heard that the people of Mill Street, Oxford are to have the probation offices of Banbury, Bicester, Abingdon and Cowley combined in a mega-centre at the end of their residential cul-de-sac. The result will be 350 people on probation a week using the road, amongst them will be violent people and sex offenders.

This is a frightening prospect for the elderly and parents with young children and not helpful for those on probation either.

There are numerous other disadvantages to the scheme such as traffic, narrow road and footpaths, and passage through a residential area.

All appears to stem from a flawed picture of the benefits of centralization and cost cutting, neither of which are proven.

The Probation Service has tried to get this scheme through without residents knowing about it until the lease on the building was signed. Do support the Mill Street protesters in their fight to stop this development and watch out for undesirable plans for change that may suddenly affect you.

Elgin Crewe, Witney