Residents consider legal action aganist 'Beast'

Legal action's now expected as Wanganui residents continue their fight against the release of Stewart Murray Wilson.

Locals made it clear to officials at a public meeting last night that they don't want the serial sex offender released to monitored accommodation at Wanganui Prison in their district.

The Corrections Department made it equally clear alternative options aren't available.

Whanganui MP Chester Borrows says the matter's far from over.

"As I understand it there's a move within some people in Whanganui to seek judicial review on the decision to place him in Whanganui. I can understand people will do what they feel they have to do."

Councillor Ray Stevens says an urgent meeting being held tonight will lay out all legal options the council has on the table.

"Myself and the rest of the team will be, I can assure you, backing the residents 100 percent, but we will have legal constraints and we'll see exactly what our legal team have got, and hopefully it will be good news."

Over 200 residents turned out to the public meeting last night to voice their frustration, but many have said the gathering raised more questions than answers.

Wanganui Mayor Annette Main says there's concern that even with the parole conditions Wilson will be subject to, locals still won't be safe from him.

"I guess we understand that the Department of Corrections feel that they made the best decision for the country as a whole, none of us are accepting it's the best decision for Whanganui."

Ms Main says the predominant questions were why Whanganui, and how will the community be kept safe when he's released to a house in the grounds of Whanganui Prison.

"Nobody accepts this, we didn't want it in our community I think what has come out of this meeting is the need for much more information that will actually give people the level of comfort they're seeking."

Chester Borrows says there's understandable disquiet among residents.

"Well my view is that I would rather he wasn't here, but the fact is that I have faith in the corrections research to say that this is the safest place for him to be."

Mr Borrows says it's been made clear there are no other options available.

The Department of Corrections declined an interview with Newstalk ZB, but released a statement saying they're pleased to have the opportunity to continue engaging with the local community.

Photo: Stewart Murray Wilson (supplied)