Orange halls come under attack
TWO Orange halls have been subjected to petrol bomb attacks in north Antrim.
Rasharkin Orange Hall, targeted on Monday night, was attacked on almost a weekly basis last summer with paint, graffiti and petrol bombs.
An Orange hall at Glarryford close to Ballymena was also attacked.
Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has called on Sinn Fein "to do more" to defuse the hostility to the loyal orders in the area.
"This sectarian violence and trouble has gone on long enough and it must end," he said.
"I call upon Sinn Fein to do more and step up to the mark when it comes to these attacks. We cannot let this escalate into the summer months."
He said he viewed the attack as part of a campaign of intimidation by republicans towards the local Protestant community in Rasharkin.
"Many of these Protestant residents live in fear of violence and attacks from Republican elements," he said.
"This cannot continue, they will not rest until the last Protestant leaves Rasharkin.
"I call upon Sinn Fein to stand up and be counted; to accept responsibility for the problems currently being faced by local residents' in Rasharkin and to offer leadership.
"If Sinn Fein truly believes in a shared future then they should respond with action rather than words." Councillor Finlay added."
Police have said scorch damage was inflicted to the front wall of the hall at Glarryford after a petrol bomb was thrown at it.
Officers are investigating both attacks and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
Over the past week, Orange halls have been targeted in Portstewart and Portglenone.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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