United against ’Hate Crime’

COMMUNITY representatives from throughout the borough have united to condemn a recent spate of hate crimes against Catholic, ethnic minority and disabled communities in Ballymena South and to show solidarity with the victims.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Oct 2011, 11:42 BST

The attacks have included vandalism and personal injury, according to the PSNI who are calling on witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Last week police officers met with and discussed the situation with local church members, community activists and cultural groups and on Friday night officers also attended a peaceful protest against hate crime by some 50 people in the Ballykeel estate.

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Ballymena PSNI, Inspector Pete Bouma said: “It’s tremendous so many community leaders have taken the time to speak out against hate crime.

“We want to work with local communities to make life safer for all. We would encourage the community if they see this type of activity to report it to police immediately, give full details of the incident and location with a description of those involved and identify the culprits, if known”.

Speaking on behalf of Ballymena Borough Council, the Mayor Cllr Hubert Nicholl said he unreserved condemned “these senseless attacks”.

“They achieve nothing but sadness for the individuals concerned and the community at large,” said the Mayor.

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“Through our Good Relations Unit, Council will continue to work in partnership with others to promote good community relations in Ballymena.

“Through Council’s Good Relations Strategy we will continue to develop our themes “Create a Climate for Change” and “Promote Provision of Shared Space” for all our citizens so that everyone who lives, works, socialises or visits Ballymena feels welcome, safe and respected,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Greater Ballymena Support and Unity Forum, acting chairman, Jan Roscoe said: “Hate crime can take many forms, be it sectarian, racist, religious or disability related, however, we must always be mindful that unfortunately hate crimes are not restricted to a narrow section of our community and that in today’s society anyone can find themselves a victim of a hate crime”.

The Forum’s acting vice-chairman, UUP MLA Robin Swann added: “Hate crime doesn’t only have an effect on the victim. Its effects and consequences ripple across our entire community, this is why we cannot let hate crime win. We must do everything we can to stamp out this scourge on our community”.