THOSE responsible for posting sectarian slogans on the website of Castlederg Young Loyalist Flute Band have had their access to the site blocked, bandmaster Trevor Donnell confirmed this week.
The band came under fire earlier this week after it emerged that slogans including 'Clean up the streets, kill a Taig' had been posted on the site.
The offensive rants came to light after the group applied for use of the council owned Mitchell Park site for a fireworks display on Monday, November 5.
Band representatives were called upon to make a presentation to Strabane District Council regarding the proposed display. During this presentation, band members expressed concern that by being summonsed before the chamber, they were being singled out.
This was refuted by nationalist councillors however, who said they could not be expected to vote on whether to grant the use of Mitchell Park while the offensive postings remained on the band's website.
In a follow up meeting earlier this week, it was decided that council would give use of the land to the flute band as long as the Northern Ireland Office were happy that proper safety measures and proper stewarding were in place.
Speaking to the Strabane Chronicle on Tuesday, band master Trevor Donnell said that while he was happy the application had been granted, it was wrong of council to think they had complete control over their site.
"We weren't even aware that these remarks had been posted on our site until it was pointed out to us. It is impossible to monitor the site 24/7 and for all we know, similar remarks could be back up today. I do know however that our webmaster has removed the comments and the IP addresses of those responsible have been blocked. We will be keeping a good eye on the situation in the future," he said.
Mr Donnell said that he had proof that other sites belonging to the nationalist community in Castlederg also contained sectarian remarks.
"Our site has been pinpointed but there are GAA and republican sites from the Castlederg area which contain material we would deem offensive. When I met with our web manager recently, he was able to show me some of the material. I think it was naive of Strabane District Council to throw this up to us when the general public can post whatever they like, as is the case on many websites.
"Saying that, I would welcome the news that council have voted to give us this land. The fireworks display will be inclusive and all sections of the community will be made very welcome on the night," Mr Donnell added.
