Concern expressed over flags

She said: “My office has received many complaints this week about illegal flags across Upper Bann that have been put up without the consent of local residents.

“The Minister for Regional Development made a commitment last June to fully review the flags protocol which is meant to be addressing this crisis. He promised action yet last week he confirmed to me that no progress has been made.

“He has a statutory duty to address this issue and is failing to do so. The people I represent are proud to live in mixed neighbourhoods and welcome people from all over world into their communities with open arms.

“They accept that everyone has a right to celebrate their culture and heritage but do not agree that flags make a positive contribution to community relations of the regeneration of our neighbourhoods.

“There are also many small independent businesses employing local people and regenerating important retail centres in Upper Bann. They want to do business on a shared street not one which has been claimed by one side."

She went on: “I appeal to those who have erected the flags to show more respect for their neighbours. The flags poison community relations and undermine trust. They are perceived as aggressive and threatening.

“They are not seen as positive statements of identity nor do they reflect the new Northern Ireland which I believe the vast majority of people in this area want to build.”