OUTRAGED residents living in Dreghorn are staging daily protests after discovering THREE convicted sex offenders are living among them.

Worried parents and neighbours have joined together for the last two nights to stage a peaceful, protest in the streets where they say there is a "paedophile triangle".

The impromptu meets were held after residents had seen a Facebook post by the UK Database which shared pictures and details on the three men who, they say, have been convicted of child sex charges and who they claim are living in properties in Tiree Court and Ronaldsay Court.

Colin Burns, who headed up the protests said once the news hit social media, the community felt compelled to act.

He told the Times: "They have basically set up this paedophile triangle where the three of them have been put in amongst us. We hope that having these protests will make the council and the police see that this village does not want paedophiles living here. We won't stand for it. "

Another villager, Ian Hay added: "We want North Ayrshire Council and the police to get the message that we are not going to put up with paedophiles. Dreghorn is not a paedophile haven."

Parents who attended the protest voiced concerns about the fact that both the streets act as a thoroughfare for youngsters coming to and from Dreghorn Primary School and Greenwood Academy.

Nicole Wright said: "We just want our kids to go out and play and be safe. There is two schools near these streets and a play park. None of us feel like we can let our kids out safely now."

Another mum, Sandra Meney, who has two children aged eight and two, added: "Let's see if the councillors who make these decisions on where to put these people would like them to be living next door to their children and grandchildren. I don't think so."

Mum-of-two Coleen Richards said: "I just wish they were able to let us know when they are moving these people in to live next door. We have a right to know."

The decision on where to rehome sex offenders after they have been convicted or released from prison is taken by MAPPA - Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements. 

It is the process through which the Police, Probation and Prison Services work together with other agencies, including the relevant local authority, to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community in order to protect the public.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “If you think someone may be abusing children, please contact the police rather than taking the law into your own hands.

"Police Scotland is fully committed to the investigation of child abuse using all of its resources, nationally and locally, to protect Scotland's children. If you are concerned that children may be at risk or suspect someone may be abusing children then please call 999 if you think there is immediate threat, or 101."

For the full story see next week's Irvine Times. Out on Tuesday.