A COUNCIL has been urged not to be "running away from" calls to remove a new UDA mural in Co Armagh.
Concerns have been raised over the two-panel display placed on a wall next to homes on Avenue Road in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
The mural features images and details about the UDA including a photo of senior figure John McMichael and former leader Andy Tyrie.
One nearby householder described feeling "sick, scared and defeated" after being unable to get assistance from authorities.
He told The Irish News how he and his neighbours desperately contacted politicians and public agencies seeking help to stop the mural going ahead.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said no planning approval had been sought for the display and it was seeking further information.
Police are also making enquiries to "establish who has ownership of the wall involved".
SDLP Lurgan councillor Joe Nelson said the local authority should be tackling the issue as a planning enforcement matter.
"The council is the planning authority. If people object to something that has been put there without planning permission the onus is on the council to check enforcement action to remove," he said.
Mr Nelson said he believed the display would need planning consent.
"If you want to put a sign on a shop you have to get planning consent so it's something similar," he said.
He added: "I don't think the council should be running away from it."
DUP MLA Carla Lockhart said she has spoken with residents and those involved in the erection of the mural, and she believes that "progress is being made".
Sinn Féin councillor Liam Mackle said he would raise the issue at the council's environmental services committee, saying it may be a sign of the UDA "marking its territory".
