SINN Fein has accused loyalists of trying to whip up sectarian tensions graffiti appeared was daubed near a sports complex in Derry.
The ‘Fenians Out’ graffit was scrawled along the wall facing the Foyle Arena at Limavady Road in the Waterside.
It has been removed by local council workers.
Waterside Sinn Fein Councillor Christopher Jackson said he believed the graffiti was designed to intimidate users of the Council-run sports complex and nearby St Columb’s Park.
He was alerted to the graffiti by people arriving at the Foyle Arena yesterday morning.
“It is disappointing to see this but it is not surprising.
“Over the last few weeks there has been a concerted effort to raise tensions in the area and this is just another attempt to make people feel unwelcome while they are using the Foyle Arena or St Columb’s Park,” he said.
“The message we need to get out is that all council facilities are open to everybody and there is no place for sectarianism anywhere.
“We have to ensure people feel safe and comfortable using Foyle Arena and St Columb’s Park.”
He added that every effort should be made to avoid ‘no go areas’ which was the intent of those behind the graffiti.
There have been ongoing talks between politicians, police, council and voluntary groups about a range of issues affecting St Columb’s park including repeated problems of anti-social behaviour.
But despite the positive work, some loyalists in the area don’t want cross community engagement.
“There is a small minority carrying out actions such as this, trying to undo that good work,” added Cllr Jackson.
The council is currently reviewing security at the park and plans to introduce CCTV cameras to identify trouble makers.
Police say the graffiti was daubed on the wall overnight between Sunday, August 6 and Monday, August 7.
Officers are treating it as a hate crime and have appealed for anyone who knows who was behind the graffiti to contact them on the 101 number quoting reference number 371 07/08/17.
Or they can contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.
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