Liam Byrne MP met with Jack Straw today to discuss the Kitts Green Probation Centre. Committee members of the protest group and local Labour councillors Marje Bridle and Ian Ward were also present at the meeting in the Ministry of Justice.

The MP for Hodge Hill won the meeting last month following the strength of the opposition campaign by local residents. 7,000 people signed a petition to say the probation centre was unwanted.

Lorraine Owen, Tracey Hemming and Wayne Platt from the protest group will tell the Justice Minister that the centre was opened without consultation and is located close to local schools. They will ask him to move it to a more suitable location.

David Hanson, the Minister of State for Justice is due to visit the site later this month.

Liam said:

"We are taking this issue as high as it can go. Local people have campaigned tirelessly for the centre to be moved and now they have a chance to put their case to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice himself."

He added:

"I want to thank all the local residents who have made their voices heard by signing petitions, attending the weekly demonstration and writing letters of support - it is your commitment that has secured this meeting."