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HUMAN RITES FIGHT BY NEXT DOOR PAGANS

Neighbours can spy on naked rituals

By Billy Paterson

A PAGAN tried to stop his neighbours building an extension - because they would be able to see him performing nude rituals in his garden.

John Patterson, 51, claimed the proposed building would infringe his human rights.

He told council planners: 'My religion is something I wanted to keep totally and utterly secret because of public misconception and misunderstanding.

'Under article nine of the European convention on human rights you are entitled to practise or perform your religion in public or private as you wish.

'I had a hedge round that part of the garden which made it completely
private but my neighbour's dormer window will overlook the area.'

South Ayrshire planners gave his neighbour Ronnie Walker the go-ahead for the extension in Logan Drive, Troon.

Mr Patterson added: 'I felt the decision was particularly unfair. Now I am left to spend thousands of pounds planting higher hedges and trees and living the rest of my life in shade and shadow.'

Troon community leader Nan McFarlane, said: 'I know there are pagans on Arran who dance around naked in the woods but I didn't expect that kind of thing in Logan Drive.

'Having said that, I do have some sympathy for the man. This is a massive extension and people are entitled to privacy in their own garden.'

One female neighbour, whose house overlooks Mr Patterson's, said: 'I know nothing about any nude rituals... but I'll be having a look tonight.'