An animal rights group says a new centre to house animals for research at Oxford University could become a target for protests.

The building, planned for the science area off South Parks Road, will bring animals now kept at several sites together under one roof.

Protesters recently prevented Cambridge University from building a research laboratory and the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) says it is considering an Oxford campaign.

NAVS campaigns director Tim Phillips said: "This is very disappointing.

"In 2000 Oxford closed their big facility at Northmoor (in west Oxfordshire) and we hoped they would be moving away from animal experimentation to more modern techniques.

"It's almost habit with old institutions like Oxford to stick with such outdated ways of research. Aston University, for example, is building a new neurosciences facility that is completely animal-free."

A spokesman for the university said yesterday: "Animals are used in research only when it is essential to do so because no effective alternatives exist. The university is committed to ensuring that every opportunity is taken for the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal use.

"Other methods of investigating living tissues, such as cell culture technology and computer modelling, are used whenever possible.

"Current research involving animals is helping in the fight against disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetes, and research into the causes, prevention and treatment of major diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and HIV.

"All animals will be accommodated in the highest quality conditions, with the university's veterinary services department on hand to provide care and advice.

"The university believes that bringing closely-related facilities used by a range of science departments under one roof will facilitate more effective collaboration between departments and sharing of best practice.

"It will also free up space in existing buildings in the university's science area for other research groups."

Oxfordshire has already witnessed a fierce animal rights campaign at Hillgrove Farm, near Witney. Violent clashes between protesters and police eventually forced cat breeder Christopher Brown to close down.

The university says the centre will mainly accommodate rodents, but has not ruled out keeping primates and other highly-evolved animals there.

Oxford neurologist and chief executive of the Medical Research Council, Prof Colin Blakemore, who has been targeted by animal rights protesters in the past, lent his support to the scheme.

He said: "I support new facilities that will improve the welfare of animals and progress vital medical research."

Lucy Ferguson, spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they would work with the university to keep disruption to a minimum.

She said: "This is a legal, Government sanctioned activity and as such policing will be in support of this. We are continuing to liaise with Oxford University about security on the site and are working with them to ensure minimum disruption should protests occur.

"Any protesters will be allowed to protest peacefully as long as it does not interfere with the activities of the university and other businesses and residents in Oxford."