Police to patrol 'symbolic' buildings

The ongoing patrols will be keeping an eye on buildings associated with both sections of the community in the hope of preventing another year of sectarian strife.

Last year there were several attacks on community buildings like Orange Halls, churches, sports clubs and homes across the community divide in the Rasharkin area.

And 2010 got off to a bad start with a sarcastic 'Happy New Year' message daubed by graffiti writers on Rasharkin Orange Hall and then last week there were two more incidents in the area - an arson attack which caused severe scorch damage to Ballymaconnelly Orange Hall and a paint attack on Drumcon Orange Hall.

There was also graffiti daubed on Dunloy Orange Hall and police said all the attacks were being treated as sectarian.

Inspector David Anderson of Ballymoney PSNI said there had been an absence of such attacks in the Rasharkin area at the end of last year but then there was the New Year incident followed by the incidents last week.

He said: "It is damaging community relations and while the vast majority of people across the community don't support this there are a small number who obviously do and that can cause damage to cross-community links.

"I would appeal for people who see any suspicious activity or vehicles in and around 'symbolic' buildings to get in touch with us because we want to catch these people.

"And our patrols also give attention to symbolic buildings in the area," said Mr Anderson.

If you can help police contact them on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers confidential freephone number on 0800555111.