Cllr McCollum has said: “The sectarian and racist graffiti that has defaced the subway at Strand Avenue is deplorable and Alliance has been in contact with the relevant agencies to request its immediate removal to see the existing artwork restored.

“These slogans of hatred and division are to the detriment of everyone in our community and I would urge anyone with any information on who is responsible to contact the police.

“The majority in Holywood believe in a shared and open community and have no time for these disgusting views whether they are sectarian, racist or otherwise.”