DUP Leader Arlene Foster meets group responsible for erecting illegal flag in County Derry

DUP leader Arlene Foster has met with the group responsible for erecting an illegal Union flag and flag pole in Magherafelt town centre.

The meeting between The British Truth Forum and Mrs Foster took place on Thursday when the former First Minister visited Magherafelt.

Tensions have been running high in the south Derry town after an illegal Union flag and a flag pole, which were erected on a roundabout in the town centre, were removed by Mid Ulster Council back in February.

In a retaliation move, the British Truth Forum sanctioned the erection of a dozen more Union flags within town.  Union flags have since appeared in towns and villages across the constituency in an apparent show of support.

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.

At that time it was agreed that the town centre be a ‘shared space.’

Last night, a spokesperson for the British Truth Forum last night told the County Derry Post that the former First Minister, had assured them that they have her ‘full support.’

“We met with Arlene Foster on Thursday to discuss the national and socialist Mid Ulster District Council and their anti-British agenda.  During the meeting we also expressed our concern at the increase of IRA memorials across the constituency and how Sinn Féin are quite happy to pull down the flag of our country which has been flying for over 75 years,” said the spokesman.

He continued: “We also highlighted the concerns that we have in relation to the charges of theft and criminal damage brought against the council. We feel that the PSNI are dragging their feet on these issues. The PSNI need to remember that they work for the British tax payer, not the Executive or any local government.

“We thank Mrs Foster for taking time out to meet with us.  We feel that the meeting was very very successful. She seemed to be very interested in what we had to say.  Mrs Foster assured us that we have her full support and she will help us in our efforts in getting the flag reinstated,” said the spokesman.

Last night, at the time of going to print, Mrs Foster had failed to comment on the meeting.