Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

Vandalism in Co Tyrone town condemned by local councillors

Councillors in East Tyrone have condemned a number of acts of vandalism which have taken place in Stewartstown in recent weeks.

Last weekend a Falklands War memorial was damaged in the town while damage was also caused to an allotment made by the local Men’s Shed.

One councillor has described those responsible for the vandalism as ‘thugs'.

Read more: The Farmer’s Home Strabane: Inside one of Co Tyrone’s oldest watering holes

The UUP’s Trevor Wilson said the war memorial was ‘offending no-one’.

“It was offending no-one and nor was it intended to,” Cllr Wilson said.

“Nonetheless, its presence proved too much for some thugs who decided to destroy it in an act of wanton vandalism.

“Even by the shocking standards of hate crime in Northern Ireland this is a new low.

“There is absolutely no sign of mutual respect, tolerance or understanding on display here.

“Mere words are insufficient to condemn the people responsible for this act.”

Meanwhile Sinn Féin councillor for Torrent, Niamh Doris, said there was a strong sense of community in Stewartstown and the vandalism was ‘completely wrong’.

“Last weekend allotments done by Stewartstown Men's Shed were vandalized by youths and over the past weekend further damage was done throughout the village, including the attack of a memorial which is completely wrong,” Cllr Doris said.

“Stewartstown is a lovely community and the village I now call home.

“There has been serious investment by private businesses which has opened the village up for visitors and it has a strong sense of community, no better displayed than at this time of the year when all from both sides and none come together to do the flowers for Stewartstown in Bloom.

“I would appeal with anyone with any information to call the police on 101 and I will be asking that the community police are in the area more regularly to stop this senseless nonsense from happening again.”

Read more: NI footballer using her studies to help dream of turning professional

Read more: Omagh football club founded by hospital workers to celebrate 40 years

To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.