Far-right group uses old Moygashel sign to stir fresh racial tensions

The post, which was made by Ulster Awake on Saturday afternoon [March 19], claimed six of the group’s activists came across the sign - which warned landlords not to let to foreign nationals - while leafleting homes in the Dungannon suburb that very day.

Along with the picture, they said on Facebook: “As you can see from the photo the locals seem to be wide awake to the threat of migrant invasion, and are obviously not afraid of being called ‘racist’ for being aware.”

They went on to goad others across Northern Ireland to “grow a pair” like those living in the area.

But, after visiting Moygashel, the Times can reveal that this sign is not up in the village, while flags and bunting which can also be seen in Ulster Awake’s post are not present either.

When the sign was put up over a year ago, it did come in for some criticism, but local DUP councillor Kim Ashton said a lot of work went in with the community and the sign was subsequently taken down.

“It wasn’t reflective of the community within the village,” she told the Times.

“If people want to try and create tensions... they will have to stand over that themselves.”

Ulster Awake have been blasted by some after posting the image on Facebook.

One woman said: “It scares me that pages like this exist in this day and age and actually want to show pictures inciting hatred and segregation in our country.”