North Down Cricket Club had planned a cross-community summer sports camp for local young people, with a local GAA club due to participate. However, the cricket club, based in Comber, have now announced they will no longer be running the summer scheme following some negative social media reaction.

Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said she was disappointed by those criticising the club.

“North Down Cricket Club aimed to bring together children from all backgrounds to have them try different activities, interact with each other and most of all, have fun. This summer scheme has now been cancelled due to some online commentary. It is a disgrace the club felt it had to do that in the wake of such criticism.

“Those who have criticised the club do not represent the vast majority of people in Comber or further afield in Strangford. The club was trying to bring positivity to the local community and has been met with hostility and bigotry from some quarters. 

"Denying children the right to play sport together for purely sectarian reasons is not acceptable on any level.”

Comber Councillor Rachel Ashe also hit out at those behind the criticism.

"Comber is a welcoming and open town, and the cricket club plays a big role in that. The vast majority of the town stands with them.

“The people who have criticised the club and forced the postponement of the summer scheme need to realise this is not who the town is, and such hatred is unacceptable."