‘Not welcome’ committee

Published 7 Sep 2010 10:00

ANGRY residents gathered near the halfway house being used by axe killer Thomas McCulloch on Monday morning in protest against his expected arrival.

The Reporter revealed last week how prisoner McCulloch had been staying in the Strathclyde Road homeless unit in Dumbarton for days at a time as he prepares for life on the outside.

Around 30 residents gathered in anticipation of McCulloch’s impending ‘home visit’ in a “show of unity” against the move.

According to media reports at the weekend, McCulloch was due to return to the West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) homeless unit yesterday morning (Monday), however at the time the Reporter went to press he had not appeared.

A concerned resident spoke to the Reporter while standing with the crowd.

She said: “The whole point of this meeting is our safety.

“We are all living in fear.

“We have fifty-seven names on a petition to get this homeless unit closed - a decent family could be living in there.

“The whole point of this was a show of unity and to say we are not having it.

“We are all scared and frightened and we can’t understand why the council won’t back us up - where are our rights as tenants and residents?”

After McCulloch failed to show up, the crowd, which included the press, dispersed.

Police attended the scene and maintained communication with the crowd throughout their protest.

Chief Inspector Fergus Byrne said: “Police are aware that a number of persons gathered at Strathclyde Road in order to protest about the apparent release of Thomas McCulloch which was erroneously reported in the national press.

“Officers attended to ensure that public safety was maintained and no breach of the peace occurred. We will continue to monitor developments in this regard.”

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 07 Sep 10

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