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Saddleworth’s Glitter site shut by Facebook
Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date online: 24/11/2009
A website which gave worried Saddleworth villagers a chance to air their views on a convicted paedophile house-hunting in their community has been closed down.
The site was launched by two concerned fathers after reports that shamed former pop star Gary Glitter was looking for property in the area with a £900,000 price tag.
It was believed he was planning a visit, despite being refused accommodation at a hotel, after contacting a local estate agent.
Publican Julian Taylor, a father of four, and his friend Jarrod Lowe, who has two children, began a forum on the social networking website Facebook under the United Republic of Saddleworth tag inviting comments on Glitter’s plans. But Facebook has closed the site and removed all names and messages sent by Internet users.
In an e-mail to the men, who both live in Uppermill, Facebook says: “The group has been removed because it violated our terms of use.
“Among other things, groups that are hateful, threatening, or obscene are not allowed. We also take down groups that attack an individual or group, or advertise a product or service.”
But today the fathers defended their campaign and said they have opened a new website dedicated to giving the community a chance to debate a wide range of community issues.
A welcome message says: “The site aims to be light-hearted, informative and above all for the people of Saddleworth to air their views.”
Mr Taylor (41), who runs The Church Inn, said: “We never intended to cause any upsets. As parents, we wanted to give people a chance to have their say on Gary Glitter.
“His planned visit has thrown villagers into ferment. Parents and other interested parties simply wanted to air their views.”
Mr Lowe said: “Our new site has a variety of sections and will promote honest debate on subjects relative to our villagers.”
Last week, Chief Supt Caroline Ball, head of the Oldham police division, said dangerous offenders were rigorously managed and monitored by specially trained staff.
Glitter (65), was jailed for four years at Bristol Crown Court in 1999 for having a computer collection of 4,000 hardcore photographs of children being abused. He was convicted again in Vietnam in 2006 for molesting two local girls aged 11 and 12, and served 27 months in prison.
Have Your Say
I think there should be a lot more groups closed down on facebook if they are going to close this one. There are many many worse groups on facebook.
erm... what relevance has the last comment to the issue in hand? I sense a personal issue.
Julian Taylor needs to concentrate on his pub business after the appalling meal we had at the Church recently. These two are acting like a couple of vigilantes it is no wonder that facebook shut them down!
I cant see the negative comments which have nothing to do with glitter emptying the pub as it is. I have enjoyed a warm friendly atmosphere in there and remarkbly inexpensive, looks to me like saddleworth1 has a personal thing against Julian , so u would be fine with a nice meal sat with gary glitter elsewhere? cant see him welcome where you drink!!!!
i cant think what the church inn has got to do with this story only someone has a personal problem with me so if they are man or woman enough to not hide behind saddleworth 1 and flake they can come along and inspect the kitchens we have nothing to hide ...for all of our customers who enjoy the pub thanks yours Julian Taylor
please will you 2 clowns start one up to keep jedward out of oldham lol
i think you 2 need to get a life,first your the republic of saddleworth,now you have a new site for the people of saddleworth,what can you lot discuss,sheep and wellies?,i cant think of much else,maybe you 2 are the real jedward,wake up and smell the coffee,not the manure
I'd just like to say that it's not a personal issue, just making others aware of the findings of experts available for all to see at scores on the doors website.
Here's a quote about mangements attitude: The business has a poor track record of compliance and/or no appreciation of hazards or quality control. Other areas were as bad.
It's an attitude issue, please deal with it!
You wanna me in Julians gang?
yeah keefey what a great idea i think u two likely lads should set up site to keep em away!!!
Now all we need is for the health & hygene department to close the kitchens which failed their 6 monthy inspection yet again!
By Flake @ 24/11/2009 13:10:02
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