Some families “feel unsafe” after the group puts the flagpole on the lamp post
Some families in the development of new mixed-use social housing in Lisburn said they were frightened after a group of men placed their flags on lamp posts.
The group wore dark clothes and hoods and saw the alliance flags erected on Saturday night on Altona Drive and Altona Gardens.
A man said he was told if anyone had removed the flag and “their house will be burned down”.
Police said they will have “any complaints about the flags” with local community representatives and partner agencies.
A few weeks later, some residents were sent out flyers claiming to be a loyal paramilitary organization.
The videotape seen by BBC News NI appears to show four men erecting flags on ladders in the area.
Conor Batchelor said he faced the display on the lamppost with these people.
“They say that anyone who touches the flag will have their houses burned down. Now we live in fear.”
Union sign erected on lamp posts in new housing development [BBC]
The 30-year-old's former partner lives in the area with their two children, and he said they want to live in “peace and harmony with other religions, other cultures.”
He said it should be a “friendly and welcoming” environment.
He added: “We're really upset.”
Mr. Batchelor described the new housing development as a “mixed area.”
Some of him may support the flag, but he said it should be “on their property”.
He added: “Not on a public lamppost or a house for outsiders who don’t want flags.”
Conor Batchelor said some people may support the flag, but he said they should be placed on their property, not on the lamppost. [BBC]
The £16 million mixed-use development was launched last year.
Carol Carey, who lives in the area with four children, said she no longer feels safe.
She added: “I do feel uncomfortable. I don't want to do this for the kids.”
She said police told her that “we can do nothing” because they are not paramilitary flags.
“People on this street are already scared because they have letters,” she added.
Video footage appears to show four men erecting flags in the area [BBC]
Last month, some residents received flyers through their home mailboxes, claiming to be loyal paramilitary organizations.
The flyer has a UFF (Ulster Freedom Fighters) logo and text and warns: “Anyone who removes the flag of loyalists from Lampposts will be processed”.
They also wrote: “This is faithful Lisbon, not the Republican West Belfast.”
Northern Ireland Police Department (PSNI) said officials in Lisbon knew of the flyers and they were still investigating.
Union sign erected on lamp posts of new housing developments on Altona Drive, Lisburn [BBC]
A PSNI spokeswoman added: “Police received a report on Saturday, April 19 about flags erected in the Alton Avenue area of Lisburn.
“Every case reported to the police will be considered individually and in the event of a crime, they will be handled.
“Officers continue to interact with local community representatives and partner agencies around any complaints about the flag.”
