IT WOULD be easy to dismiss the residents who oppose the new probation office in Kitts Green as NIMBYs - short-sighted bigots who think it should be sited anywhere but in their neighbourhood.
But that would do them a disservice. They have real concerns that some of the offenders who will use the facilities will pose a risk to local children and point out that several schools are close by.
They have every right to expect their concerns to be addressed.
Chief probation officer Hilary Thompson has already spoken at length to the Birmingham Mail.
She insisted that the number of serious offenders using the centre will be small, that it is best to know where such people are and that the most effective way to stop them re-offending is through rehabilitation.
We hope that she, her colleagues and politicians will continue to answer the protesters' questions and, if changes are needed in the running of the hostel, they are made.
If this row is to be settled, it is crucial that trust is established between the residents and authorities.
Rest assured that the Birmingham Mail will be there to raise questions and get answers on behalf of our readers.