Ulster Unionist Assembly Member Sandra Overend has described the latest paint attack on Bellaghy Orange Hall as disgusting, disappointing and hurtful. The attack took place overnight (Friday night/Saturday morning) when sectarian graffiti was scrawled right across the front of the Hall.
The Mid Ulster MLA said;
“This disgusting attack on the Orange culture is the second such paint attack on Bellaghy Orange Hall in less than a week and I share the hurt and disappointment of the unionist people of the village.
I have spoken to members of the Orange in Bellaghy and they have again insisted that they will rise above such provocation and not let it deter them from their beliefs. I commend them for this stance.
The people of the village of Bellaghy do not want this aggravation and division where there is normally peace and respect. I totally condemn this attack and ask for other representatives to do likewise. I have talked to some in the village who are not linked to the Orange culture and they explained that this attack was not done in their name. I therefore appeal for leadership from across the community both in condemning this act and in offering any relevant information to help to find the guilty party, who should be subject to the full rigour of the law.”
Sandra, who spoke to the PSNI on discovering the graffiti, is appealing for anyone with any information to report it to the police to help them in their investigations.