Calls for local representatives to help end intimidation at north Belfast park

By Q Radio News

There have been calls for local representatives to act following a number of claims of sectarian incidents in a park in north Belfast.

Politicians have said a group of men at Grove Playing Fields on Thursday night told people wearing Gaelic games jerseys and football tops to leave.

A banner saying "Anti British GAA not welcome" was placed at the park last weekend.

The same message was spray-painted in the grounds.

MP John Finucane says people using council facilities should not be intimidated.

“Last weekend we had a banner erected at the Grove Playing fields attempting to intimidate members of the GAA from using a shared council facility.

“This was followed up by the intimidation of Catholic families and soccer players off the facility.  

“This is a shared space owned by the council and which everyone should be able to use free from sectarian intimidation and harassment.

“Unfortunately these are not isolated incidents and there seems to be a concerted attempt going on to claim territory in clearly shared spaces, to intimidate residents and stoke up sectarian tensions in other areas of north Belfast.

“Cars were attacked last weekend, and residents are being abused as flags are erected in mixed areas of North Belfast.

“The police have a role in ensuring that residents remain safe in the face of sectarian harassment but there is also an onus on all community and political leaders to show leadership, to condemn these actions and do all in their power to bring them to an end.”

North Belfast MP John Finucane has called today on local political and community leaders to show leadership against attempts to mark out territory, intimidate residents and stoke up sectarian tension.https://t.co/FrJKs4BC4vpic.twitter.com/KOLxNG7zq9

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) June 20, 2020

Meanwhile, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Paul McCusker has condemned the incidents on twitter:

Two further reports made to police just now of individuals erecting flags in North Belfast shouting sectarian abuse to the public including a 9 year old child who was left terrified. This is shameful and those behind this need to be dealt with by the PSNI. It’s 2020, wise up!

— Paul Mc Cusker (@Paul_Mc_Cusker) June 20, 2020