The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Taxpayers count cost of Orange Order march in Fife.
COWDENBEATH: No arrests made but police probe acts of vandalism and graffiti spraying
Taxpayers have been left counting the cost of the weekend’s controversial Orange Order march through Cowdenbeath.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland’s annual parade, which was addressed by Northern Irish DUP leader Arlene Foster, attracted thousands of people from across the country to the town on Saturday.
Police have confirmed there were no arrests made, but with more than 100 extra officers drafted in to help ensure safety at the event, and graffiti daubed on walls and street furniture throughout the town, the bill for staging the event and clearing up afterwards is likely to be substantial.
Council workers were on duty on Saturday night and Sunday to clear away offensive slogans and posters which appeared before, during and after the Orange walk, and investigations are ongoing to try to find those responsible.
A bus stop was plastered with anti-Orangemen posters, a junction box in Foulford Place had the letters IRA spray-painted on it, and other buildings along the parade route were also targeted with abusive messages directed at the marchers and the DUP itself.
Kevin Sayer, Cowdenbeath community manager, said Fife Council will try to recover the cost of removing the graffiti from the culprits, should anyone be convicted of the offences.
“We removed the graffiti in Cowdenbeath on Saturday evening and Sunday as a matter of urgency,” he said.
“However, if anyone notices any other instances please let us know by calling 03451 550022 or completing a form online.”
The walk caused significant travel disruption on Saturday afternoon, with several roads in and around Cowdenbeath closed for the procession.
The parade itself attracted an estimated 4,000 people taking part and coach loads of marchers came from across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The event also attracted the attention of many onlookers lining the route.
Chief Inspector Tom Brown, local area commander for west Fife, said: “I would like to thank the public for their patience, cooperation and support during our policing of this parade.”