Council workers subjected to ‘vitriolic abuse’ as more flags are erected in Magherafelt

Mid Ulster District Council have confirmed that council employees were subjected to ‘vitriolic abuse’ as they removed a sign from a roundabout in Magherafelt town centre this morning.

Tensions have been mounting in the town over the last few days after an unsanctioned flag and flag pole was removed by contractors appointed by the council late on Wednesday evening.
Up to 15 Union flags appeared on poles across Magherafelt town centre overnight while a sign, threatening the council with legal action, was erected in the centre of the roundabout. — Tensions have been mounting in the town over the last few days after an unsanctioned flag and flag pole was removed by contractors appointed by the council late on Wednesday evening. Up to 15 Union flags appeared on poles across Magherafelt town centre overnight while a sign, threatening the council with legal action, was erected in the centre of the roundabout.

Mid Ulster Council employees have since constructed a steel barricade around the roundabout.

Last year the Mid Ulster District Council voted that the Union flag, which has flown for over 70 years in the town centre, be removed as part of the £1.9 million Public Realm Scheme revamp.

Mid Ulster District Council has defended their decision to remove the flag. It has also confirmed that planning permission has been granted for a piece of public artwork at the roundabout, not a flagpole. A spokesperson for the council said this afternoon: “Council employees were erecting fencing at the roundabout in Magherafelt this morning, as part of the preparatory work for the new piece of public art which is to be located at the site. They removed a small post and notice which had been placed there. While engaged in their work, however, they were subjected to vitriolic abuse by onlookers. This is completely unacceptable. Our staff should not have to endure this kind of behaviour when they are simply doing their jobs and the incident has been reported to the police.”