Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is immediately withdrawing its staff from inspection duties at Larne Port over concerns for their safety and welfare.
The move was unanimously agreed by the Council’s Group Party Leaders at an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon and agreed at Full Council.
It follows an upsurge in sinister and menacing behaviour in recent weeks, including the appearance of graffiti within the local area referencing increasing tensions around the Northern Ireland Protocol and describing Port staff as “targets”.
Trade unions on behalf of Council members of staff assisting with checks at the Port have raised serious concerns around the safety of staff and have sought reassurance on what measures are in place to keep staff safe.