Vandalised church is inundated with help

St Aidan’s in Glenavy was vandalised in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Reverend Linda Cronin said she had been “overwhelmed by support” from “all walks of life”.

Rev. Cronin added: “I’ve only been here six months so it was quite a shock really but it was more a sadness and disappointment that someone would choose to do that.

“But we’ve just pulled together as a community and we stand together because we can’t have that happening regardless of our allegiances.”

Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor for the area, David Honeyford, said he was “gutted”. The Alliance rep said: “Reverend Linda Cronin has worked tirelessly and been a key member of local team throughout this pandemic, working for everyone in Glenavy and the surrounding area and as a community we thank her and the parish for their help.”

The graffiti will be removed by the council.