Ballyclare barber shop thanks community for support in wake of vandalism attack
A Ballyclare business that was targeted by vandals has thanked the local community for supporting a fundraiser towards repairing the premises.
After almost 30 years living and working in the town, Turkish-born barber Umit Guler saw the windows of his shop on Rashee Road smashed on Tuesday, June 9.
It comes after violent disorder erupted in the wake of protests relating to the stabbing of a man in north Belfast the previous evening.
The fundraiser was set up by Sheila Tang Cleland, who wrote: “Growing up mixed-race in Ballyclare for over 45 years now, this story really got me.
“This local family's business was damaged due to the absolutely vile attack on a man in Belfast. That matter, of course, definitely needs dealt with, but this family didn't need this, nor did it achieve anything.”
On the fundraising page, Umit’s wife Joann told of how the couple have been married for almost 30 years and have raised two children, adding: “He built a business. Paid taxes. Sponsors a local football team. Speaks Turkish with a Northern Ireland accent. Likes a pint in his local. He calls this home. We are proud of our wee country and the contribution we make.”
Joann went on to express her gratitude to all those who contributed towards the fundraiser: “I want to thank everyone who has commented, messaged and called. What you have all done is lift us up.”
South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken said there was “no justification” for the attack on the premises, regardless of any concerns people may have had about the shocking events in north Belfast.
"How attacking a businessman, who has been working in our town for over two decades, counts as protest is beyond me,” he added. “I took the opportunity to tell him, and the Turkish Consul General who was there in support, that these vindictive acts are not, in any way, representative, of the people of Ballyclare.
"But what is now abroad is a sense of fear; a fearfulness perpetuated by the near insistent misinformation being spread on social media by who knows whom – and for what reason? That a mere rumour of ‘action’ is made on Facebook, Telegraph or whatever, causes our health workers to change their plans, for our public transport to be curtailed, for parents to consider taking their children out of school, for businesses to shut early. I heard from a constituent who had to cancel an MRI scan because some Facebook ‘warrior’ thinks it’s funny to scare nurses from doing their jobs.
"Just who do we think is behind these calls for disorder on social media; who gains from making Northern Ireland look like a throwback to the Troubles?
"Violence, in whatever form, has no place in our society. It achieves nothing, damages communities, and does nothing to advance any grievance or argument. Instead, it leaves local people, businesses and families to deal with the consequences.
"The PSNI have my full support as they work to restore order and investigate these incidents. We will continue engaging with local residents, businesses and the police in the days ahead to ensure that the concerns of our community are heard and that Ballyclare remains a safe place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”