A NORTH Belfast resident has spoken of his concern and anger after Union flags were erected in his street for the first time this summer.
Several flags were erected on the residential Thorburn Road in Newtownabbey in July. Since then he has contacted the Department for Infrastructure and the PSNI, but to no avail.
The resident says the street is mixed in terms of religion and that the flags were not welcomed by the vast majority of residents.
"This is the first time flags have appeared in the area. I am here five years and some residents have been here for 20 to 30 years and there has never been any flags here," he explained.
"This is a quiet residential area. It is also a very mixed area. I am from a mixed marriage myself.
"There are also neighbours from Poland, Ukraine and the Middle East.
"When I saw them up, I was very saddened. It is not acceptable in a mixed area.
"One of my neighbours told me they would love to sell their house but are worried about the impact of flags in the area on getting it sold.
"I have contacted both the PSNI and Department for Infrastructure to log a complaint. DfI apologised and said removing them could raise community tensions. There is not much you can do."
