DUP councillor Alan Lewis said he reported the matter to the PSNI after it used his name to make a false claim
Alan Lewis has said the contents and claims in the letter have “nothing to do with him” and he “totally rejects” the messaging within it.
He also said he has reported the matter to the PSNI, after it used Mr Lewis’ name to make a false claim.
The document, which is also circulating on WhatsApp, states that “the following behaviour is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated in Clough”, listing drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and “the wearing of, or any display of Republican / Nationalist symbols: GAA, O’Neills, Celtic FC clothing etc”.
It goes on to declare that “nationalist culture will not be welcomed” and “Islamic culture will not be welcomed”, before warning that reports of any such activity “will lead to a swift eviction by force”.
The letter further threatens that in such a scenario “no warning will be given” and that both “the property and your vehicle’s/private property will be subject to sustained attack”, adding that “extreme lengths will be taken when called for”.
Describing Clough as “a safe Loyalist community”, the letter claims residents “go to great lengths to protect its residents and our children” and instructs recipients to contact Mr Lewis “as an independent advisory” to make their “living/family situation known to him to ensure a safe and enjoyable settlement into your new home”.
In a statement provided to this newspaper, Councillor Lewis strongly rejected any suggestion of involvement, condemning the content of the letter and stating it is not connected to him in any way.
“It has been brought to my attention that an anonymous and threatening letter circulating in Clough and Seaforde, delivered to some households, which is designed to intimidate, makes reference to me and asks members of the local community to contact me,” he said.
“I wish to make clear that this correspondence has nothing whatsoever to do with me and I was unaware of its circulation until it was brought to my attention.
“I totally reject its contents and make clear my rejection of it,” he added.
“I have referred this matter to the PSNI. Threats and intimidation can play no part in the democratic process.
“As a local Councillor I am always available to work for all my constituents and to help everyone with the issues of concern to them. Anyone with information on those responsible should contact the PSNI.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason also condemned the “racist and sectarian leaflets that have been distributed in South Down”.
The South Down MLA said: “It has been reported to me that sectarian and racist leaflets have been distributed in the Clough and Seaforde areas.
“These hate filled leaflets are disgusting and have no place in our society.
“I would urge anyone who has received the leaflet to report it to the police as a hate crime.”
