Councillors express disgust at vandalism

COUNCILLORS have condemned further incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Ahoghill area.

Cllr. Jackson Minford and Ald. Stewart McDonald were speaking after graffiti was daubed at locations in the village in what is being seen as a rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area.

TUV Alderman McDonald has said he is “disgusted” by recent incidents of vandalism in Ahoghill.

He was referring to the vandalism of a business premises and Ahoghill Community Centre.

He said: ”I am disgusted that a business in Ahoghill had its security doors defaced with sectarian graffiti which was discovered earlier this morning. Acts like this have no place in our community.

“The good people of Ahoghill are hardworking, decent citizens who want nothing to do with this nonsense. It is completely unacceptable that anyone would target a local business in this way, and those responsible need to catch themselves on and reflect on the harm they are causing.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at the top of the Link Road on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to come forward and assist the police with their enquiries. Every piece of information could be vital in ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

“Our community must stand united against this kind of behaviour. We must make it clear that intimidation, vandalism, and hatred have no place in Ahoghill, and that we will not allow such actions to go unchallenged.”

Ald McDonald added:”I am disgusted to see yet more graffiti appear in Ahoghill – this time at the Community Centre, where seating, the outdoor covering, doors and fencing have all been defaced.

“This comes less than 24 hours after similar nonsense was daubed in the Link Road area of the town.

“This is nothing more than mindless destruction of property and it must stop. I appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI so that those responsible can be caught and held to account for their actions.”

Cllr. Jackson Minford also strongly condemned the extensive graffiti. He said: “I am extremely disappointed to see this graffiti that has marred our community centre.

“Any graffiti or damage that falls to Council to remove or repair ultimately results in a cost to ratepayers.

“I have raised this issue with community police, as such unacceptable behaviour is to be condemned and cannot be allowed to continue.”

“Anyone with information about vandalism or other anti-social behaviour is urged to contact police on 101.

“Council staff are already working to remove the graffiti, with the clean-up expected to be completed by the end of the week.”