'˜Bomb hoaxes create fear' says McShane

He was speaking after Friday’s security alert at Quay Road in the town during which a suspicious object was discovered but later declared a hoax.

Cllr McShane said in a statement: “We have had a number of hoax or suspect packages which have turned out to be false. Whomever is responsible, the alerts are creating hardship and fear within the local community.

“No violent Republicanism is present in the area. That leads to unanswered questions about the security apparatus and connections to Loyalist Paramilitaries. I wish to seek further clarity around the composition of the device before commenting further.”