A SIGN welcoming people to Limavady as the “Home of the Londonderry Air & Danny Boy” has been targeted by vandals.
Paint was daubed on the “London” portion of the sign meaning it will be removed and repaired.
Controversy surrounded the sign, with Sinn Fein councillors on Causeway Coast and Glens Council objecting to the inclusion of the word “Londonderry”.
Limavady-based DUP councillors, Alan Robinson, James McCorkell and Aaron Callan issued a joint statement to condemn the attack on the new tourism signage.
Former Mayor of Limavady Mayor Alderman Alan Robinson hit out at what he described as an ongoing intolerance toward the unionist community and its culture.
“The signs had only just been erected in the past week and highlighted Limavady’s links to the world renowned tune ‘The Londonderry Air’ and the song Danny Boy that was later set to the tune,” he said.
“The signage was initially a request of Limavady Chamber of Trade and it’s content was agreed at a council workshop including a cross-party group of Limavady based councillors.
“At the time I left that meeting feeling refreshed that we had reached an agreement whereas in my 13 years as a Limavady councillor there had been little consensus on most topics in a very fractious council environment.
“However the consensus soon unravelled when pressure was brought to bear upon the nationalist and republican elected representatives who soon after opposed the inclusion of Londond2erry.”
The latest row comes just days after the kerbs of a roundabout in the area were painted red white and blue.
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat described the painting as “sectarian colours”.
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