Dad’s plea after fire at home
A GOOD Samaritan helped a dad-of-four after a devastating fire broke out in his home.
John McLaughlin is now appealing for the man to come forward so he might thank him.
It comes as locals complained a church congregation is blocking the street from emergency services with fire crews backing up the claims.
A FATHER has appealed to a Good Samaritan to get in touch as he wants to thank him for helping when fire broke out at his home.
John McLaughlin, 54, returned from a trip to the shops to find his Clarkston home on fire and his immediate reaction was to go in.
Fortunately no-one was at home when the fire took hold and damaged an upper floor, front room and attic space.
A passer-by stopped to help and pulled John back from the building. He also raised the alarm with neighbours and called the fire service.
Dad-of-four John said: “I would really like to say a massive thank the man who stopped to help.
“I have no idea who he was and if anyone knows of him I would really like to hear from them.”
Early indications suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault at the house on Carolside Avenue and it is not known when the family will be able to return.
Fire crews tackled the blaze around midday but were hampered in their efforts due to cars parked close to a nearby church. One appliance had to reverse and find another way in.
Residents said the incident came after months of confrontation between churchgoers and locals over congested parking on Carolside Avenue.
John backed calls for something to be done.
He said: “I attend St Joseph’s myself and I know about the parking situation. It has been highlighted on a number of occasions and I think something needs to be done now.”
One fire officer contacted Councillor David Macdonald about the blockage.
The officer said: “Cars parked irresponsibly meant that we had to reverse back down Carolside Avenue and go back onto the Main Street and back onto Carolside Avenue further up.
“I am sure you are aware that every second and minute we are delayed from tackling a fire can be vital.
“I think the street is particularly busy at that time due to church services and people accessing shops on the Main Street so might not have all been due to local residents.”
Nick Hopkins, who lives on Carolside Avenue, said: “Because we back straight onto St Joseph’s Church, it’s very busy at mass times and people park in places where they shouldn’t.
“It is a significant frustration to people here and there is quite a lot of anger here. It’s a regular topic of conversation.”
A priest from St Joseph’s Parish refused to comment.