Ellie Ames 06 August 2024

Council to support businesses after racist attacks

Council to support businesses after racist attacks image
Image: Jonathan Boomer / Shutterstock.com

Belfast City Council has agreed to financially assist business owners struck by ‘racist criminal attacks’ during disorder at the weekend.

Councillors at a special meeting yesterday condemned the ‘violent destruction and racist intimidation across the city, caused by far-right agitators’ that took place on Saturday 3 August.

The disorder saw demonstrators set fire to a business premises and attempt to march to the Belfast Islamic Centre, with three police officers left injured.

Police received four reports of assault and several of criminal damage, including ‘extensive’ damage to local businesses.

The council said: ‘We stand in solidarity with those in our minority ethnic communities across the city, who own and run businesses, contribute to our culture and identity in Belfast and make Belfast an open and welcoming place to live, work and study.’

Officers will submit a report setting out a programme of financial assistance for affected business owners.

As councillors met yesterday to discuss the disorder, rioters gathered in Belfast for a second night, hurling petrol bombs, heavy masonry and bricks at police and attempting to torch a supermarket that was also targeted on Saturday.

A man in his 50s was hospitalised following an attack that police are treating as a hate crime, with witness reports of attackers stamping on his head. 

His condition is described as serious.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
£73,051 to £75,342
Are you ready to shape the future of a thriving district? Swadlincote / Agile
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Wellbeing Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 pro-rata (pay award pending)
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 - £25,992 Pro Rata
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a temporary 18.5 hours Finance Officer position until 31st December 2025.  You will provide a high quality serv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 / £39,513- £43,693 p.a. i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression
We are looking for a fulltime permanent Social Worker to join our 14 - 25 Navigation Team.    WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be an experienced social wo Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner