A firestarter who torched his own flat has been allowed to move back into the building – after being released from jail over the blaze.
Neighbouring families have hit out at the decision to let Eric Black, 32, return to his home.
And young families are said to have been told to declare themselves homeless if they want to be moved away from the thug.
Black is back within the high-rise property after serving just half of his prison sentence.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Black torched his home after neighbours in Drury Lane Court, East Kilbride, reported him for playing loud music.
Police broke down the door after he made threats about setting the place on fire, then torched his bedding and other items.
Black was jailed for 15 months in October over the June 7 incident.
One neighbour said: “It’s shocking. We were not notified of this until three weeks ago and since then we have been trying to stop his return.
“Families with children were offered to leave their properties and present as being homeless to be placed in temporary flats elsewhere.
“The other neighbours have not been offered that.”
South Lanarkshire Council sources say the local authority had no choice but to let him return.
One said: “He is a council tenant and has a legal right to return to his home."
A council spokesperson said: “The council is working with key partners, including Police Scotland, to closely manage and monitor concerns that have been raised at Drury Lane Court.”
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