Flags an unwelcome sight for nationalists outside JDLC - reader

In a letter, Leanne Peacock says that issues which have arisen in the past few weeks support her assertion.

She points to the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre on the Garryduff Road describing it as a valuable resource to the local area and widely used by local people from all backgrounds within the community.

However, she says that unionist flags are clearly visible on almost every lamp-post outside the facility and says this is a most unwelcoming sight particularly for people who are from the nationalist community and has the result of acting as a deterrent for nationalist people wishing to use the facility.

However, Ms. Peacock states: "This is a facility in which everyone regardless of their background should feel welcome to use without feeling intimidated. It is the responsibility of the unionist politicians leaders within the Ballymoney area to ensure that such facilities are not surrounded by unionist flags and so are left open and inviting to all members of the community.

"Secondly, the bonfire situated at Finvoy over the 12th period as witnessed by local people was extremely dangerous. Situated unnervingly close to a petrol station this bonfire has on an annual basis been of concern to local residents.

"In addition to this local people have reported seeing flames coming out across the road when travelling along this stretch of road on the night of the bonfire. This is obviously of great concern to local people and an extremely dangerous and frightening situation for members of the public travelling on this road on the night in question.

"I am not a fan of bonfires but it is the responsibility of the organisers of such a bonfire to ensure that it is carried out in a safe manner for all involved and the public in general.

"Safety was clearly not a priority this year and I would urge unionist leaders as well as the local council in conjunction with bonfire organisers to ensure that this situation should never happen again.

"This bonfire site has since been left in an unsightly state with the remnants of the bonfire still not being cleaned up. This negatively affects the image of the area and it is important that this is rectified and the site returned to its former state as soon as possible.

"As an area close to the triangle area and so attracting tourists from all over the world Ballymoney and surrounding areas and the leisure facilities within it should be open and welcoming to everyone.

"The appearance of these flags at the public leisure facility of the Joey Dunlop Centre and unattractive sights in the surrounding countryside sends out a very negative image and such sights are both detrimental to the efforts of the local area to attract tourism and have a negative effect on community relations within the area.

"I hope that local unionist leaders will take these issues on board and ensure that something is done in the immediate future to ensure that a more positive image of this area is promoted.

Go Raibh Mle Maith Agat.

Laoi ine N Pheacoig

Note - Ballymoney Borough Council operate a neutral policy on flags and emblems andcannot be held responsible for what takes place outside the confines of their premises.