‘We are not going to go away’ - McCrea

Condemning recent vandalism at Bellaghy and Stewartstown Orange halls Mr McCrea said anyone who thought they could erode that culture will not win.

“I think it is important that the people who attack our Orange halls get the message loud and clear that we are not going away and will remain part of the United Kingdom,” he said.

He recalled that Orangemen across Mid-Ulster have come back “better and stronger” following similar attacks in the past.

“The Orangemen in Bellaghy and Stewartstown and, indeed, across the Mid-Ulster constituency have had many attacks on their halls and have always come back,” he said.

He stressed it was important that the people behind them realise they are breaking the law.

Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend also expressed her disgust at the recent attacks, describing them as “disappointing and hurtful.”

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