Lisburn tops intimidation tally for NI

The report revealed that, between 2012 and 2015 there were 236 reports of paramilitary intimidation forcing people from their homes in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

The overwhelming majority of the reasons for the intimidation were said to be “paramilitary”, with less than ten related to sexual orientation or race.

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “We have a statutory duty to provide housing for people who find themselves in this situation and this does provide further pressures on limited resources and social housing.

“The Housing Executive has had to directly deal with the consequences of community conflict in Northern Ireland since it was created in 1971.

“It is obviously very concerning that in 2015 many families are still coming to us for help because they feel insecure in their own homes.”

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he was very concerned about the statistics that had been released by the Housing Executive.

He also said that he was currently working on a number of incidents if intimidation in the Lisburn area.

“I am presently dealing with a number of local cases involving intimidation and It is a matter of concern that Lisburn would have this kind of problem when it comes to social housing,” said Mr Donaldson.

“It is wrong that people should be forced out of their homes for whatever reason and were there are cases involving people who are alleged to have broken the law, it is a matter for police to deal with those issues and people should not take the law into their own hands.

“We will continue to work closely with all public agencies and communiuty groups to deal with intimidation were it arises and resolve issues at the heart of those cases.”