Fuming Clydebank residents have branded shamed councillor Craig Edward as ‘disgusting’ after he pleaded guilty to making, having and distributing nearly 700 images and videos of indecent children.

Disgraced figure Edward was bailed at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Wednesday after admitting three sexual offences, 18 months after he was initially charged whilst sitting as a Labour councillor within West Dunbartonshire Council for the Clydebank Central ward.

The charges related to times when he was a community councillor, housing association chairman, political campaigner for the SNP and Labour, and an elected councillor.

And, as the Clydebank Post spoke to Bankies on the streets of Edward’s ward on Thursday, outraged constituents spoke of their shock that the active public figure was hiding a sinister side behind closed doors.

Local shop worker Michelle met Edward whilst doing her job, and admitted she was fooled by his manner with people.

She said: “It is pretty shocking. You certainly don’t expect that from your local councillor.

“He had been in my place of work trying to bump up his profile, I actually thought he was a lovely man.

“It just goes to show you don’t know people.

“I absolutely don’t think he should be a councillor and he shouldn’t be anywhere near kids.”

Resident Paul Cummings agreed, focussing on the fact Edward fled to England but continued to do his role as an independent councillor for West Dunbartonshire Council, a fact previously uncovered by the Clydebank Post.

Paul said: “The story is shocking. The fact he was doing his job from another country as well, he shouldn’t be allowed to do that.

“How was he able to get the job in the first place? And that amount of images. He should do jail time.

“Councillors have interaction with kids.”

Pal William McQuade added: “They should lock him up.

“It’s vile.”

Those remarks were echoed by Bankie Michael Kane, who noted: “He shouldn’t be allowed to have a job.

“It’s terrible that he has been getting away with it for so long.”

Retired Linda hopes Edward will relieve himself from his post at WDC whilst admitting the revelations of the description of the images found on him made her sick to her stomach.

She told our journalist: “It makes me feel disgusted.

“Because he pled guilty, he should have been instantly dismissed.

“Hopefully he will do the right thing and resign.”