Graffiti concerns at Gilford’s community hall

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in the area, Colum Porter, said the graffiti, sprayed in black paint, features anti-police slogans “plastered from one end of the wall to the other”.

Mr Porter said the words ‘F....the police’ were particularly upsetting to children and elderly people passing the hall and his young child had already queried the abuse and asked what they meant.

“I am worried this problem will extend to other properties in the town and it needs to be nipped in the bud,” he said. “Gilford has been fortunate not to have been plagued with this type of problem too much in the past and we don’t want to see it starting now.

“If people get away with it once, they will have another go. I have reported the issue to the local police and am waiting to see what action can be taken.”

Secretary of Gilford Community Club, Jim Flanagan, said he has also complained about the “eyesore” to Banbridge District Council, in the hope officers there might be able to help remove it.

“The hall is run by trustees and is used by a wide range of community organisations, from bowls groups, to those involved in music and drama, and everyone is upset by this,” said Mr Flanagan. “The wall is pebble-dashed, so it would be very difficult for us to start trying to scrub it off ourselves.”

Mr Flanagan said the hall had been refurbished at a cost of over £100,000 several years ago and the work included new roof, windows and doors.

“It is very annoying that the hall we worked so hard to bring up to standards has now been plastered with this sickening graffiti,” he added. “I would appeal to everyone to look out for culprits at work and contact the police immediately if they see any suspicious activity in the vicinity.”