SDLP express concerns over vandalism

This week the SDLP has voiced their concerns over the recent outbreak of graffiti vandalism in the Strabane Area.

Town Forum member and party member Liam Stewart said “The graffiti was discovered early last week on a wooden barricade, on the town centre side of the Mourne Bridge. The graffiti consists of three large painted letters representing a group. Vandalism of this nature is totally unacceptable, and is being carried out by a very small group of individuals who have no respect for our town or how it looks to the outside world.”

“The SDLP in Strabane has been lobbying constantly for clean the streets, repair derelict buildings and help businesses by welcoming a scheme to revamp shop fronts. Now for a small group of people to actively deface our town is an attack on residents who work and shop in Strabane, and businesses who are struggling to maintain custom and employment in these difficult financial times.”

SDLP Strabane Branch Chairperson and Sh. Councillor Jim McIntyre has also condemned this vandalism and said “The graffiti is situated at the entrance to Main Street in Strabane Town Centre, the worst possible area for vandalism like this to be carried out. This graffiti is very intimidating for shoppers and visitors to our town. Tourism is vital to Strabane’s economy, yet this graffiti will have a detrimental effect on Strabane’s ability to attract people to our town.”

“With Derry named as UK City of Culture for 2013, it is hoped that Strabane will benefit from the influx of visitors to the North-West and give businesses a much needed boost over the next number of months. We need Strabane to be looking its best not only for the run up to the City of Culture, but to attract tourism throughout the year. This sort of behaviour cannot be allowed and I would call on the relevant authorities to remove this graffiti as soon as possible.”