A number of families have been forced to flee the area
Clanmil Housing Association have issued a statement after a number of families were foced to leave their properties due to intimidation from the UDA and attacks.
Catholic families living in the Annalee Street and Alloa Street areas were forced to flee their homes after they were attacked last week, just months after they had been previously targeted and intimidated.
Local councillor Paul McCusker said the homes of Catholic families were targeted, and on Thursday evening ethnic minority families were also targeted nearby. It is understood this has taken place following reports the West Belfast UDA last week pulled out of a deal to stop attacks on the development.
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There has been widespread condemnation following the attacks from local representatives, including calls for intimidation points to be reintroduced in Northern Ireland.
The housing association managing the properties where the attacks have taken place has said that it is working with the police and local community to ensure the homes are welcoming and safe for everyone.
A Clanmil Housing spokesperson said: “Everyone should be allowed to live in peace and feel safe in their home, free from intimidation or threat.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers at Annalee Street and Alloa Street remain our priority and we are continuing to do all we can to support them.
“We have also been continuing to work with the PSNI, local community and political representatives and other statutory agencies, both to support our customers and towards ensuring that these homes are safe and welcoming for everyone.”
North Belfast Sinn Fein MP John Finucane has organised a meeting at Girdwood Commmunity Centre in the wake of the sectarian and racist attacks and has called a “strong and united message” that this intimidation will not be tolerated.
He said: “This urgent multi-agency meeting will aim to address the latest sectarian and racist incidents in the Lower Oldpark area. “On Monday, fellow Sinn Féin North Belfast representatives, Gerry Kelly MLA and Councillor Tomás O’Neill met with community activists in the area. “Elected representatives, community activists and statutory agencies will come together and it is important that we send a strong and united message that racist and sectarian intimidation will not be tolerated. “The vast majority of people in North Belfast want to live in peace and for those responsible for these incidents they do not represent these communities. “We must all stand together against sectarianism and racism and provide full support to the victims. “Nobody should ever be a victim of sectarianism and racism, especially in their own home. They should be able to live safely and free from intimidation. “Sinn Féin will continue to stand and support those affected by these despicable acts and is calling on others to do the same.”
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