ABOUT 80 jobs for local people will be created if an extension goes ahead at Campsfield House immigration detention centre, Kidlington, it has been revealed.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) held a public exhibition of its plan for a 280-bed extension to the Langford Lane centre on Saturday.

Cherwell district councillor for Kidlington Douglas Williamson said he was joined by a dozen residents at the show at Cygnet Nursery in Evenlode Crescent and that he was “reassured” by the promise from MoJ representatives that the jobs would be offered to local residents.

He said: “At the moment it doesn’t look controversial from the planning perspective.”

Mr Williamson said members of the Campaign to Close Campsfield – a group which opposes any detention of people who have not committed a crime and which has called on the government to shut the centre – also attended the exhibition.

The proposals include a new kitchen, dining room and space for “education, faith, health and visitors” and would be built in a field west of existing buildings within the security fence.

The MoJ said it would submit a planning application to Cherwell District Council in due course.

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