Banbridge Council with a unionist majority has distinguished itself this past week by removing symbols of Britishness from its walls, in case they cause offence.

Yes - a number of plaques were taken down from the walls. These included such provocative symbols as a plaque from the RUC Male Voice Choir and from the Royal British Legion!!! The Unionist Councillors that make up a majority on this Council have distinguished themselves by extinguishing these public symbols of …erm…the Union!

The move was in response to a Sinn Fein-proposed equality impact assessment which has seen numerous plaques presented by the police and Army regiments removed from public view. Even though consultation on the display of flags and emblems has yet to be completed.

I ask, why should emblems that represent people who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country be removed from the walls of our council building?

As over 600 people congregated outside Banbridge's 'House on the Hill" last week to demonstrate their concern, do you think that there is a determined effort to wipe the face of Britishness from Banbridge Council and beyond???