AT a time when the Government is being battered from all sides, it makes a refreshing change for a minister to take time to speak to the public.

More so, when you consider that more than 50 disgruntled individuals had planned to corner Justice Minister Jack Straw about a controversial planned probation centre in Botley.

In the end, the majority of those campaigning against the facility in Mill Street were satisfied the Government was prepared to listen to their views.

Mr Straw was in Oxford to speak at Magdalen College about a separate issue, but found time to speak to those who had got wind of his movements. Fair play to him.

He promised to raise the issue with Government colleagues, which might sound like he was fobbing them off, but he said he had similar concerns about plans for a probation centre in his Blackburn constituency.

The Oxford centre would see scores of convicted criminals reporting there each week.

It is understandable those living nearby have concerns.

At least they know that their protests have been heard at the very top.