IT IS probably too early for families in Kitts Green to pop open the champagne just yet, but there is good reason for them to be hopeful that a controversial probation centre might be moved.
Justice Minister David Hanson met campaigners and head teachers yesterday and was sympathetic to their arguments.
Local people were optimistic that the centre in Mackadown Lane could soon be shifted elsewhere.
We applaud Mr Hanson for listening to residents' concerns, though it would be better still had politicians and civil servants consulted widely and thoroughly before pressing ahead with plans to build this place in a heavily populated area with so many schools.
However, the minister gave no cast iron guarantees and set no time-scale for the probation centre to be moved.
Campaigners must continue to exert pressure if this issue is not to disappear from politicians' radar.
Words come easy for governments. They often find action altogether more difficult.