Threats force walk-out by home repair staff

Home repair workers in north Belfast have walked out after loyalist paramilitary threats to staff, it was revealed today.

Housing executive chiefs confirmed warnings were made in an attempt to force the authority to allocate properties under pressure.

Staff at a district office in the city also halted work and have refused to go into the area.

Political representatives have been urged to intervene in an attempt to have the threat lifted.

Paddy McIntyre, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said he did not expect anyone to work amid fears for their safety.

He said: “It is wrong that a threat from a few misguided people can put at risk the delivery of services that local people need and, in fact, have the right to expect.

“We need assurances that our staff can continue to go about their work safely and we are talking to public representatives as a matter of urgency.”

The alert followed a telephone call on Thursday from an ex-Ulster Defence Association prisoners’ association in the staunchly Protestant Ballysillan district.

The caller said a message had been received from an unknown source that no more vacant properties were to be let out in the area or tenancy repairs carried out.

The warning came a day after the Executive refused demands from a Ballysillan resident to give an empty house next door to her friend.

A contractor and maintenance officer were also confronted by a mob who ordered them out as tensions rose.

“The basic message was staff safety could not be guaranteed,” a source said.

“Contractors and staff have now refused to go back into the area.”

Around 40 employees at an Executive office which deals with Ballysillan staged a walk-out as soon as they learned of the threat.

Even though they returned to their desks today, union representatives insisted they were not prepared to return until their safety was assured.

A statement issued by public service union NIPSA said: “Staff have had no alternative but to withdraw estate visits whilst a threat to colleagues health and safety remains.

“Our members, whilst returning to work today, will be monitoring the situation and will review their decision on a daily basis.

“They are determined that staff must be allowed to carry out their duties and provide a vital service unhindered by threats and harassment.”