Cochrane says rioters must stop destroying their local area following attack on community centre

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has said that rioters are destroying their own neighbourhood following damage that was caused to East Belfast Network Centre at the former Templemore Avenue School site which is still being rebuilt. Violence flared for a sixth night in the Newtownards Road area of East Belfast. Paint was thrown around the site and other building materials were damaged. The project is being run by the East Belfast Community Development Agency

Judith Cochrane MLA said: “The people who have been out rioting are destroying their own neighbourhood. The Templemore Avenue School site has the potential to be a great asset to the local community but yet rioters have sought to cause damage to it.

“It is hoped that this project will help kick start regeneration in the area and provide a space for start-up businesses and local organisations.

“This attack is unacceptable. They are only harming their own community. I hope that this project will not be delayed by this attack and that not too much damage has been caused.

“There is no justification for any of the violence that has occurred in East Belfast for six consecutive nights.”

ENDS