Mid Ulster MLA, Sandra Overend, has expressed her concerns over a security alert in Toome following an attack on Ballymacall Orange Lodge Hall.
The Ulster Unionist commented:
“People in Mid Ulster who have been trying to travel to work or school have been greatly inconvenienced by this lunacy. Bomb alerts and disrupting daily life in Northern Ireland belongs in the past and those responsible for today’s alert aren’t winning any support with this behaviour.’
“Unfortunately we have seen another glimpse of the past in the constituency this weekend with an attack on Ballymacall Orange Hall. The Hall was significantly damaged and daubed with graffiti. This only serves to stir up tension and division in an area where relations between the two communities have long been tenuous.’
“The hall, which serves as a focal point for many in the community has been the target of many attack in recent years, the events of last weekend only add to local worries that there is an unwanted element in the community that wishes to intimidate the unionist minority in the area.’
“In the run up to the summer months we do not need anyone hyping up tensions in the area. It is important that the community works together to ensure that those trying to cause division in the area do not succeed.’