Dual language sign in north Belfast damaged for a second time, now will be replaced

A dual language sign in north Belfast erected last October has been damaged for a second time, it has emerged.

The sign at Downview Park West in the Fortwilliam area was one of a number first damaged shortly after they were erected, with paint sprayed over the Irish wording of the street name.

They were cleaned by Belfast City Council workers but one will now have to be replaced, at a cost of approximately £1,000.

The council has promised the sign, and another one damaged in south Belfast, will be replaced as soon as possible.

“Belfast City Council is aware of damage to signs at Downview Park West and Haypark Avenue. New signs have been ordered and will be replaced as soon as possible,” a spokesperson said.

The council also confirmed the sign at Downview Park West was damaged and cleaned previously by staff.

When the sign was damaged the first time, North Belfast SDLP Councillor Carl Whyte said following the incidents in October: “The only reason I can see why anyone would do this is prejudice and bigotry. It must stop.”

A single resident or councillor can make an application for a dual language sign, either Irish, Ulster Scots or another language.

Approval can be granted if its erection is supported by 15% of residents on the electoral register.

In Downview Park West, 70 residents, approximately 40%, voted in favour, 36, or 20% opposed the move while 71 did not respond to the survey.

The council received two complaints, one fearing it would be lower the value of their home, the other arguing it was waste of time and money.

Members of the DUP unsuccessfully attempted to defer a decision on the application

Irish language signs at two streets in north Belfast will go ahead despite attempts this week by the DUP to block surveys of residents.

At a recent Belfast City Council committee meeting, second street nameplates in Irish were approved for Mount Eagles Glen, Emersons Lane, Dunblane Avenue, Floral Gardens, Cardigan Drive, Thornberry Road and Mill Valley Road.

Oldpark DUP councillor Jordan Doran objected to signs for Dunblane Avenue and Cardigan Drive, both in the Cliftonville area.

Mr Doran has previously objected to dual language street signs at Ballysillan Road, and to a residential development of 18 social housing units at Hillview Retail Park on the Crumlin Road.