THE community has loudly voiced that there is 'no place for racism in Inverclyde' after hateful anti-Islamic graffiti appeared in Port Glasgow.
The inflammatory text appeared on the side of tenement flats on Fyfe Park Terrace at the weekend, sparking outrage from a number of Port Glasgow residents and passers-by.
The appearance of the offensive message comes amid a wave of disorder and violent unrest in England which followed the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
The disorder has been fuelled in large part by misinformation online and anti-immigration sentiment.
Responding to the incident, local Labour MP Martin McCluskey said hat Islamophobia had "absolutely no place" in the area.
He said: “Inverclyde is known for being an open and welcoming community. Over recent years we have welcomed people from many backgrounds who have settled happily in our community.
“There is absolutely no place for Islamophobia, or any form of racism, in our community.
“No one should face abuse or threats of violence because of their religion or the colour of their skin.
“With the scenes we have seen in recent days, I know many people from minority communities are feeling vulnerable.
“We all have a responsibility to say clearly that racism has no place in our society.”
A spokesperson for the Inverclyde Muslim Centre praised the wider community for the support the group has received in the face of prejudice.
They said: “The Inverclyde Muslim community is committed to continue building on the excellent relations we currently enjoy with all communities.
“We are grateful for the support from our elected representatives and the wider community against all kinds of racism, discrimination and Islamophobia.”
Tommy Rodger, secretary of Port Glasgow West Community Council, said he intended to raise the matter with River Clyde Homes as soon as possible.
He said: “We want this graffiti eradicated immediately.
“Scotland have had no part in these recent incidents in England so to see it reflected up here, I have no idea who would have done that.
“We have two Muslim members of our community council and have been along to the Inverclyde Muslim Centre in Greenock. We’re closely involved in anti-racism.
“This needs to be cleaned up immediately before it gets out of hand. What we don’t want to see is it being copycatted all around the place.”
Rodger added: "This is far-right thuggery. We don't want it in Scotland, let alone Port Glasgow."
A River Clyde Homes spokesperson vowed that they would take immediate action at the site to remove the graffiti.
They said: "RCH Group is appalled by the recent incident of Islamophobic graffiti discovered on a building at Fyfe Park Terrace.
“This hateful act of vandalism is completely unacceptable and has no place in our community.
“We utterly condemn this despicable act. Diversity and inclusivity are part of our core values and we are committed to creating safe and welcoming communities for everyone.
“We are taking immediate action to address this issue. Contractors will be on site to remove the offensive graffiti as soon as possible.
“We urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the police."
