Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - Angry residents hit out at racist graffiti in their areas

15 March 2011

South Belfast News 14th of March 2011 by Ian Allen RESIDENTS across South Belfast have described racist graffiti scrawled close to their homes as “terrible”, saying those responsible do not speak for the majority of local people.

Vandals sprayed swastikas and the letters ‘KKK’ in the Four Winds and Botanic areas this week, much to the disgust of locals who said they are more than happy to live in a mixed society.

Four Winds residents were stunned to see the initials of the infamous white supremacist group daubed at the entrance to a quiet cul-de-sac, saying they hope the graffiti is a one off.

Carol Crawford, who lives at Windermere Village, said her daughter told her about the graffiti and that she had no idea why it had appeared.

“I wouldn’t want to see any sort of graffiti beside our homes never mind that sort,” she said. “I haven’t a clue why someone would spray that around here but I hope I catch them at it next time.”

Carol’s neighbour Frank Mason echoed her sentiments, saying he didn’t want to see the area marred with racist graffiti.

“I am very much against any sort of racism and graffiti for that matter so it is certainly not something I want to see around here,” he said. “But hopefully this is a one-off because the problem has never arisen before as far as I’m aware. The area is very multi-cultural now and we have no problem with that at all.”

Fellow Windermere Village resident Sinead Commander said she wouldn’t want her children to see the scrawling, as many of them are friendly with children of other races.

“It is certainly not something I would want my children to see as they might find it upsetting,” she said. “But you normally wouldn’t see anything like that up here and I definitely do not want it to start.”

Meanwhile in the Botanic area of South Belfast swastika signs have been daubed on walls.

John Cooper, who lives on India Street, where the Nazi symbol appeared this week, expressed his concern over racist graffiti appearing in the area.

“Earlier in the week there was one further down the street saying ‘Pakis Out’ but it has been painted over,” he said. “It is not nice to see that sort of racist graffiti, next they will have something to say about gay people.”

South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell has called for a zero tolerance approach to tackle the racist spray painting.

“But hopefully this is a one-off because the problem has never arisen before as far as I’m aware.”

“The individuals behind these actions seem intent on trying to intimidate and cause fear among migrant families living in South Belfast,” he said. “They should listen to the community and realise their actions are out of touch and unwanted.”