Councillor Billy Webb said: “This security alert has caused massive upheaval and must be condemned.
“A number of families faced the trauma of being evacuated from their homes in the early hours of this morning. Commuters have also been affected, with forced road closures causing unnecessary delays.
“I want to praise Council staff and all those involved in working quickly and effectively to calm local residents affected.
“The people behind this must be apprehended and dealt with before the courts and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible.”