Members of Magherafelt Protestant Coalition along with victims’ campaigner, Willie Frazer, last night staged a protest outside Magherafelt District Council offices as the row over Christmas lights for Castledawson village continues.

DUP councillor, Anne Forde signed both, Mr Frazer and Chair of the Protestant Coalition, Will Lennox in so that they could attend the meeting.

Speaking last night, Will Lennox said: “We are representing all the people of Mid Ulster here tonight because if Sinn Féin can get away with holding the children of Castledawson to ransom over some flags, they can do it anywhere else in Northern Ireland.

 “It is absolutely disgusting that a council body would do this to children,” said Mr Lennox.

Mr Frazer added: “It is completely and utterly ridiculous that Sinn Féin refuse to give Christmas lights, which were bought with Peace 111 money to this community group because of three flags.

“Come Christmas, Castledawson will be decked out with flags, not because the community want it but because Sinn Fein think they can dominate,” said Mr Frazer.  

The issue was not raised during the meeting but it will be discussed at a council meeting later this month.

“We are very disappointed that the issue wasn’t raised tonight, but we will not let this go,” said Mr Lennox. 

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