Taxpayers have been left counting the cost of the weekend’s controversial Orange Order march through Cowdenbeath.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland’s annual parade, which was addressed by Northern Irish DUP leader Arlene Foster, attracted thousands of people from across the country to the Fife town on Saturday.
Arlene Foster starts to speak pic.twitter.com/3ic31f0f6Y
— Leeza Clark (@C_LClark) June 30, 2018
Police have confirmed there were no arrests made but with more than 100 extra officers drafted in to help ensure safety at the event, and graffiti daubed on walls and street furniture throughout the town, the bill for staging the event and clearing up afterwards is likely to be substantial.
Council workers were on duty on Saturday night and Sunday to clear away offensive slogans and posters which appeared before, during and after the Orange Walk, and investigations are ongoing to try and find those responsible.
One message read ‘Dirty Orange B*****ds’ alongside the words ’66 HA HA’, a reference apparently mocking 1971’s Ibrox disaster when 66 fans died in a stairwell crush during an Old Firm game.
A bus stop was also plastered with anti-Orangemen posters, a junction box in Foulford Place had the letters IRA spray-painted on it, and other buildings along the parade route were also targeted with abusive messages directed at the marchers and the DUP itself.
Kevin Sayer, Cowdenbeath community manager, said Fife Council will try to recover the cost of removing the graffiti from the culprits, should anyone be convicted of the offences.
“All offensive graffiti – when motivated by prejudice or hate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation – is removed within 48 hours of being reported,” he said.
Huge crowds for Orange march in Cowdenbeath pic.twitter.com/RBJgS4EFim
— Leeza Clark (@C_LClark) June 30, 2018
“We removed the graffiti in Cowdenbeath on Saturday evening and Sunday as a matter of urgency.
“However, if anyone notices any other instances please let us know by calling 03451 55 00 22 or completing a form online.”
Chief Inspector Tom Brown, Local Area Commander for West Fife said: “During the Orange Order parade on Saturday June 30, an appropriate policing resource was deployed to ensure the safety of the public.
“I am pleased to note that the event passed without incident, with no incidents of disorder reported and no arrests made.
“A few incidents of minor vandalism, which at this time, are not linked to those involved in the parade, have been reported and inquiries are ongoing.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience, co-operation and support during our policing of this parade.”
