The Probation Service has rejected Oxford councillors' calls to shame criminals by making them wear distinctive clothing while doing community service.

Offenders cleared alleys filled with rubbish and vegetation in Barton in a joint initiative between the city council and the probation service.

And local councillor Mick McAndrews, whose suggestion prompted the start of the scheme in the area in 2002, is now calling for those taking part to be forced to wear distinctive clothing to mark them out as offenders.

He said: "I think if someone commits a crime, they should be seen to be doing their punishment. They should be wearing big yellow jackets, as a deterrent to others."

City council leader Alex Hollingsworth, who is the other Barton and Sandhills councillor, has backed the suggestion. He said: "The idea of offenders being visible would mean people could see the criminal justice system at work."

The suggestion, though, has been rejected by probation officers who said it would add a humiliation element to punishment. A probation service spokesman said: "If we had offenders in bright clothing they would be pilloried.

"The work we do is geared towards improving communities, clearing overgrown paths, areas frequented by drug users, painting subways and making areas brighter, cleaner and much safer.

"All the work is carried out through us, charitable organisations and the council, and is supervised by a qualified supervisor."

She added all offenders carrying out community work were risk assessed.

A report to the city council's north east area committee which covers Barton, highlighted the success of the community service scheme on the estate.

Probation workers now want to find similar schemes and work with the council across the city.