Community Murals Stolen From Articlave, Coleraine

Canvas murals worth more than £1,000 have been stolen, the Coleraine Chronicle has reported.

Seven history murals in Articlave, which were mounted to lampposts, have been taken over a two-week period.

One MLA suggested the thefts could be an attempt to stir up political tensions.

One of the lamppost-mounted paintings singled out by thieves was especially commissioned to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

"This was a big project for Articlave that involved the local community and saw input from local historians," said Joanna Doey, the secretary of Articlave Community Development Group.

"A lot of effort has been put into it but that has been lost now. We also intended to produce a book on each of the 48 murals, but how can we do that when seven of them are now missing? We are trying to improve the village and make it a place everyone can be proud of, but then something like this happens."

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan described the murals as a "real positive" for Articlave, and said the feeling in the local community at present was one of anger.

The finger of blame, he said, could be pointed at tourists who are taking the murals for souvenirs, or people from outside the village "trying to up the ante."

"It could be a case of people looking for a reaction," he said, "but perhaps that's my cynical thinking."

Mr McQuillan called for the murals to be returned.

(NE)