Tower block banner ban

A HUGE banner proclaiming “A United Ireland Is For Everyone” was removed yesterday from Divis Tower in West Belfast.

The high-rise slogan was first sighted on Sunday but several people appeared to load the giant promo into a van on Monday morning.

Initially it was unclear if the banner, urging people to “talk about” the prospect of Irish unity, was removed due to the weather taking a turn for the worse from Sunday onwards

High winds picked up yesterday, as well as heavy rain. And later in the day the police said there were concerns about the banner at the top of the tower block.

The giant message had what appeared to be a Sinn Fein logo on it, but the party have not yet commented on its appearance.

The wording on it read: “A United Ireland Is For Everyone. Let’s talk about it.”

Explaining why the banner was removed, the PSNI said there were safety issues at the Lower Falls site.

Inspector Brown added: “The Police Service is committed to working with local communities and responding to any issues where there is a concern for public safety.

“Police were made aware of a large banner in the area of Divis Street on

Sunday night.

“The banner posed a clear health and safety concern.”

Meanwhile, the weather put a dampener on events marking the centenary in Lisburn, Co Antrim, where a parade was held.

SUPPORT At the Lisburn parade

HIGH RISE Political banner on top of Lower Falls flats

MURAL Centenary marked on East Belfast gable

MUSIC Flute band in Lisburn yesterday