Red, white and blue paint on Limavady roundabout won't be removed

Colr. Chivers said a bridge on the Seacoast Road has also been painted in red, white and blue colours. She reported the matter to the Department of Infrastructure, but a spokesperson said they would not be removing it.

Colr. Chivers said those involved “with this sort of vandalism” are “putting themselves in danger as these are busy areas”, and claimed it “gives off entirely the wrong impression to people coming into the town, especially tourists. I am disappointed with the Department’s response. What does it say for Limavady when we are trying to promote the town and welcome tourists?” said Colr. Chivers.

“I will be taking this matter to higher authorities to ensure it is removed. To me this is anti-social behaviour and vandalism.”

A Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said: “The painting of departmental property is an offence under Article 87(1) of the Roads (NI) Order 1993. However, TransportNI would normally only deal with situations that are considered to be a road safety problem, e.g. painting on the face of road signs, or graffiti containing offensive language or messages. Experience has indicated that it is counter-productive to remove such graffiti unless there is local support for the removal. Without such support, repainting generally occurs very quickly and is often more extensive and offensive than the original painting. The Department must also take into account the safety of those who are asked to undertake the removal and the risk of escalating the problem.”