Villagers want Glitter banned

UNITED . . . Jarrod Lowe (right) with Julian Taylor and Martin Warburton and (below) Gary Glitter

FURIOUS villagers have launched a “United Republic of Saddleworth” in a bid to ban Gary Glitter from their community.

The convicted paedophile is tipped to fly to the area this week to begin a hunt for a secluded house in the £900,000 price bracket.

But father-of-two, Jarrod Lowe, has turned people’s champion by creating a page on Facebook offering anxious families a chance to air their views about Glitter, real name Paul Gadd.

More than 500 people signed up in the first 12 hours — with more joining at the rate of 20 an hour — following Friday’s exclusive Chronicle story.

Mr Lowe’s campaign is backed by father-of-four, Julian Taylor, landlord of the Church Inn, and retired policeman, Martin Warburton.

Mr Lowe (39), of Uppermill, said: “I have touched a nerve in the community — the responses have gone into melt down.”

Publican Julian Taylor added: “Everyone is united in their revulsion.”

Retired Saddleworth bobby Martin Warburton, who was on the force at the time of the Moors Murders, said: “It’s hard to understand why a man like this would want to come here.”

Meanwhile, the Chronicle’s website has been bombarded with comments from readers.

Some are worried about children’s safety and one warns property prices would slump if Glitter moved in.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “Clearly, I hope any plans Mr Gadd has to move to Saddleworth do not come to pass. It is a very difficult issue.

“Mr Gadd is a free man, albeit subject to the conditions of the Sex Offenders’ Register.

“It is possible to live anonymously in large cities but not in village areas where people tend to know each other.”

Saddleworth parish councillor Ken Hulme said: “Memories of the Moors Murders make us particularly sensitive to adults who prey on children — this is the last place Gary Glitter should think of moving.

“I hope no reputable estate agent will help him or any vendor be prepared to sell a property to him — however difficult the housing market might be.”

Glitter was refused accommodation at Clough Manor in Denshaw by hotel owner Alan Tupman. Local estate agents The Jones Partnership confirmed it has been contacted by representatives it believed acted for the shamed glam-rock star.

Estate agent boss Gwyn Jones said no further contact or viewing appointments had been made.

“I am aware of the community’s concerns and will attempt to keep everyone informed,” he added.

Glitter (65) was jailed for four years at Bristol Crown Court in 1999 after admitting to possessing 4,000 images 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.

He is reported to have searched for hideaways in the south-east of England, but settled in central London.


Facebook users can check out United Republic of Saddleworth/Gary Glitter.