County probation officers yesterday went on strike as part of a nationwide protest against Government plans to privatise most of the service.

Napo, the Trade Union for Probation and Family Court staff, is protesting against Government plans to privatise 70 per cent of the probation service which it says will have a significant impact on public safety and protection.

About 20 Oxfordshire-based members of the Napo Thames Valley branch walked out at noon yesterday.