Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WORKERS DOWN TOOLS AFTER SINISTER THREATS
Housing Executive forced to withdraw staff from sites over safety concerns
HOUSING Executive contractors have been forced to withdraw from an area after receiving threats.
Tenant’s services workers were removed from a number of sites in the Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.
It followed threats and menacing graffiti.
A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We can confirm that contractors have had to withdraw tenant’s services, including health and safety work, from a number of sites in Rathcoole following threats to staff and graffiti targeting contractors in the area.
“The safety of our staff and contractors is paramount and we utterly condemn this behaviour. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
People Before Profit North Belfast councillor Fiona Ferguson added: “These actions are unacceptable and intolerable
Graffiti at Rathcoole flats
for any worker, and should be roundly condemned by all. No one going to work should face threats against their life.
“The anonymous culprits behind these messages do not speak for the majority. My solidarity is with those affected, their families and the wider community who do not support these violent threats.”
Police said they are investigating reports of criminal damage at a construction site in the Rosslea Way area of Rathcoole.
Inspector Bryan said: “We received a report on Tuesday morning that graffiti had been daubed on the site hoarding at some stage overnight.
“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101 quoting reference 266 of 23/11/21. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
No one at work should face threats against their life FIONA FERGUSON