Belfast Telegraph - 1 May 2003
Ballymena
targeted by racist gang for hate mail
Anger
at Easter leaflet blitz
By Staff Reporter
A WHITE Nationalist Party 'recruitment' gang, which police sources say descended on Ballymena over Easter, is believed to have been behind the distribution of racist and sectarian leaflets in the town.
Sources say the individuals came over from England to spread their message and, while in north Antrim, they carried out a leafleting campaign during peak shopping hours in areas like Ballymena's main town centre street - Wellington Street.
Shocked car-owners returned from shops to find the leaflets underneath their car window wipers.
It is understood police may have combed CCTV footage to establish who was handing out the leaflets amidst calls for action to be taken on the grounds of incitement to hatred.
A PSNI spokesman said they knew of the leaflets and were examining their contents.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of the distribution of the leaflets and are studying their contents.
"These will be evaluated in light of the relevant legislation. If this discloses any offence appropriate action will be taken."
The leaflets have been condemned by Ballymena's DUP Mayor, an SDLP councillor and Chamber of Commerce president Audrey Wales, as well as the recently-appointed Town Centre Manager.
Concern has been growing in Ballymena in recent months about attempts to stir up racial discontent.
The leaflet drop is the latest development and follows a wave of racist stickers and also attacks on the homes of ethnic minorities on the town.
One of the White Nationalist Party leaflets claimed only a "humane phased repatriation can save Britain from this floodtide" of migrants.
Another leaflet was headed "Stand by Loyal Ulster!"
The leaflet said anyone living in Northern Ireland who feels they are Irish should be removed from the country.
Town Centre Manager Colin Neill said: "I would deplore anything that
incites any sort of racist or sectarian hatred or bigotry."
Ballymena Guardian - 30th April 2003