Bit of damp squib’

THE turnout at a mass gathering in protest at lockdown at Balgay Park has been described as “pathetic”.

The Saturday demo in Dundee was one of many organised by the UK Freedom Movement across the country.

However, only a few dozen people attended in the City of Discovery to listen to protester Daniel Clark.

Councillor Fraser Macpherson, who represents the West End, said: “What is reassuring and unsurprising about this so-called ‘mass demonstration’ in Balgay Park is that the turnout was pathetic and the people of Dundee rightly ignored it.

“I never doubt the good sense of the local community so the near-zero turnout shows how this ‘protest’ had no public support whatsoever.”

He branded the event more of an “ill-judged protest”.

However, among the protestors was Dundee octogenarian, Phil Gibson.

The retired football coach said: “I genuinely don’t see the need for us all to stay at home all the time.

“I’m 80 and have had lung cancer for nine years, but surely if I’m sensible and stay away from others as advised there is nothing to stop me going out and about.

“This l ockdown is causing more mental anguish than it is saving lives and protecting people’s physical health.”

He added: “We have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and we can’t see them. That is very hard to cope with.

“I’m not convinced we are getting told the truth all the time about this situation and we are seeing a lot of harm caused in the meantime. People are really scared and I don’t believe there is any need to be.”

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His wife Irene, 79, a former nurse at Dundee Royal Infirmary, said: “I too am against lockdown. I think we are being told lies.

“We manage other illnesses so I believe we can manage this one.”

John Stewart, 55, from Lochee, attended the demo thinking there would be a big turnout and was disappointed so few turned up.

John said: “I’m against lockdown because I really don’t believe it is doing any good. You just have to look at transmission rates in other countries.”

However, one woman who was exercising in the park told the Tele she was “disgusted” by the message being spread.

She said: “I have had coronavirus. I was ill for 20 days, the worst illness I have ever experienced.

“These people demonstrating against l ockdown should be ashamed of themselves.

“I have two children with special needs and this virus would be awful for them if they got it.

“There have been so many deaths we have to do what we can to prevent even more.

“If that means lockdown has to continue, then that’s what should happen.”

Another witness described the event as “a bit of a damp squib”.

She said: “A few peaceful demonstrators gathered to listen to Daniel Clark, who took centre stage.

“He used a loudspeaker to make his anti-lockdown views known to the small crowd who had stopped to listen.

“There was a little gentle heckling, apart from one man who gave a spirited challenge to the views.

“Four police officers on bikes stood by but at no time were they required to intervene.

“After just over an hour the small crowd dispersed when the speaker eventually stopped.”