SERIAL killer Peter Sutcliffe returned to one of his little-known South Lakeland haunts on Monday and sparked political controversy and outrage in a tranquil village, report Andy Bloxham and Andrew Daniels.

Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper', is serving life in prison for the murder of 13 women in a bloody six-year killing spree from 1975 to 1981.

He visited Arnside on Monday under the supervision of prison staff on a day-trip from his Broadmoor high-security hospital cell.

The moment he learned of the visit, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins wrote to Home Secretary Charles Clarke seeking a guarantee it would never happen again.

"It is both breathtaking and despicable that a serial killer should be brought to Arnside because he was apparently feeling depressed," he said.

"There is a real risk both that local people will feel threatened and that potential tourists may feel put off coming."

Cumbria County Councillor for Arnside Ian Stewart said he would have "preferred that Sutcliffe had not visited Arnside at all".

Sutcliffe, now 58, and his family used to holiday in the seaside community, where his uncle kept a caravan on New Barns Caravan Park.

The ashes of his father, John, were scattered in Arnside last June but Sutcliffe was not allowed to attend. However, the authorities decided to allow the multiple murderer to visit and grieve at the site this week on compassionate grounds.

The visit to Arnside came as a shock to the community. Chairman of Arnside's Abbeyfield Society Kay Perrott said: "I think it's outrageous.

"A lot of people are still alive who are relatives of the people he killed and to let him out and for them to talk about it on compassionate grounds is disgraceful. He showed no compassion after the trial."

Broadmoor spokesperson Paul Robertson said the cost to the taxpayer would amount to no more than the cost of diesel during the return journey to and from Arnside.

Cumbria's top policeman, Chief Constable Michael Baxter, said the visit had passed without "any additional cost to the constabulary".

Mr Baxter served as a crime scene detective on two of the murders and said he had been "haunted" by the Ripper's return.

Owner of the caravan site where Sutcliffe used to holiday Bob Barber said: "I was very friendly with Peter years ago. He was an ordinary fun-loving lad who liked motorbikes and a pint like everybody else.

"I imagine a lot of people are upset he's come back and I think it's all quite strange. I don't think he should be let out personally."

Mr Barber speculated that the ashes could have been scattered on the adjacent beach at White Creek. Cemetery representatives said the remains were not interred in the parish graveyard.

Not all the reaction to the visit was negative, however.

Parish councillor Jack Baker said: "I have no problem with it whatsoever."

Parish council chairman Coun Dave Willacy said he thought the general reaction would be so what?' A Home Office spokesperson said: "The decision was made by (former Home Secretary) David Blunkett because he felt it was the right and proper thing to do.

"The decision was re-affirmed by Charles Clarke and a full and comprehensive risk assessment took place and the individual was supervised at all times. At no point was there any danger to any members of the public."

Report by Andy Bloxham and Andrew Daniels...