Recent stone-throwing and vandalism in Dromore has damaged windows, caused upset and must stop at once said West Tyrone Councillor, Pat McDonnell.

He condemned the vandalism which took place at Dromore Presbyterian Church.

"I was disgusted to hear of these recent acts of vandalism. I understand that damage was caused to a very valuable window in the church and that the adjacent hall has also suffered from these mindless activities. It is hard to understand the thinking of those who would feel inclined to hurl a stone at a church window - they are certainly not acting on behalf of anyone in Dromore and they should catch themselves on."

Cllr McDonnell continued, "There has been a Presbyterian house of worship on this spot since the early eighteenth century and this site is part of our shared Christian heritage in Dromore. The present building was erected due to the efforts of the formidable James Reid Dill, a Donegal man who served as minister for over half a century. Much of the necessary funds were raised by this energetic and - at times - controversial clergyman during a tour of Scotland."

He added, "James Reid Dill was an early champion of good community relations - he addressed the Catholic congregation in the old chapel in the Glen of Aughadarra when Father Mathew, the great apostle of temperance came this way in the early 1840s - and it is important that his noble spirit in these matters should continue to be honoured.

"To the minister, elders and congregation I extend my sympathy at this vandalism and I call on those responsible to mend their ways."