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Far-right activists making 'mockery' of council, says trade union

Far-right activists making 'mockery' of council, says trade union

Following concern that the group congregating there are "spreading far-right, neo-nazi and white nationalist" agenda in the town, Jim Bollan of West Dunbartonshire Community Party presented a motion to the council urging the local authority to take down all banners, posters, flags, flyers and photos at the bandstand.
The motion was agreed upon unanimously.
However, two weeks later, it is understood that the banners remain in place.
Clydebank TUC secretary Tam Morrison claims the lack of action is making a 'weekly mockery' of the local authority.
He said: 'These fascists are making a weekly mockery of every single councillor that backed the motion.
'The council have been good in saying they'll stand up to racism, well, now's their chance.
'Enforce the decision, take these hate posters down and get them in the trash where they belong.'
West Dunbartonshire Council said it monitors the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed.
It is understood that the group which have links to Patriotic Alternative congregate at the Bandstand every Wednesday morning.
Pictures supplied to the Clydebank Post show the banners at the stand on the morning of Wednesday, June 25 and July 2.
Banners at the Bandstand on Wednesday, June 25. (Image: Supplied) Picture of the banners on the Bandstand on Wednesday, July 2. (Image: Supplied)
Councillor Jim Bollan says, following the banners still being displayed, he has contacted senior council officers in the hope they can help remove the material.
He said: "Disappointed the racists have been displaying their banners again in Clydebank after the recent council decision.
"I understand there have been no prior written requests by these racist groups or individuals to WDC seeking consent to display these racist & hateful banners on Council property.
"I have therefore contacted senior council officers and provided them with information which may assist the council in enforcing the recent decision by WDC to have this offensive material removed."
A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council is asking members of the public who are offended by the banners to report them to Police Scotland.
They said: 'We are disappointed that this group continues to affix posters and flags to our bandstand despite being advised repeatedly that they are not permitted.
'Officers continue to monitor the location daily to ensure any unauthorised displays are removed as quickly as possible.
'Members of the public should contact Police Scotland if they are offended by any banners on display, even if these are later removed.'
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