Ward hits out at PSNI flag tactics

While it is understood members of the local community removed a number of flags over the weekend, a police spokesperson confirmed two remaining tricolours were removed by the PSNI on Monday, August 16.

The spokesperson said, “Following negotiations with the community and partner agencies, police removed two flags in the Peggy's Loaning area on Monday. If complaints about flags are received, each incident is treated individually, the issue is discussed with the community and followed-up as necessary.”

Independent councillor Dessie Ward said, “It never ceases to amaze me how a couple of tricolours erected in the Peggy’s Loaning area every August can cause such a fuss when there are hundreds of unionist flags and bunting erected across the Banbridge District every year which stay up for months at a time,” said Mr Ward.

“While I am opposed to any flags being placed on lamp posts in this manner, including my national flag of which I am very proud, I believe that an even-handed approach must be taken by the authorities in relation to the removal of these flags.

“It is not acceptable for the PSNI to come into Peggy’s Loaning every year and take tricolours down whilst ignoring the many unionist flags only a short distance away in the Huntley area.

“Statements of condemnation from unionist politicians only serves to show them up for the hypocrites they are.

“Now that the PSNI have demonstrated their willingness to move in to take down tricolours in Peggy’s Loaning, they now must demonstrate impartiality by moving very quickly to remove the other flags in the Banbridge area which have been in place for many weeks now,” he added.

The PSNI spokesperson said any complaints about the police service and its actions would be handled by the ombudsman.