Up to 50 Catholic families have fled homes in a Co Antrim town since May because of loyalist paramilitary threats, it was claimed today.
Sinn Fein accused the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force of orchestrating a major intimidation campaign.
Mr Martin Meehan, a councillor for Antrim town, said other political parties have ignored the crisis. He "The situation is that there is pipe bombs, petrol bombs, paint bombs, physical and mental assaults, not only in homes but nationalist people in the centre of Antrim itself," he said.
"I have called at council level for a civic forum, with all political representatives, all community associations to tackle this particular issue. It seems for whatever reason to have fallen on deaf ears."
Mr Meehan's claims were dismissed by Ulster Unionist councillor Paddy Marks. Who said: "Even one family being forced out is one too many. But we have a safety committee on the council which the police are involved in and we get regular reports of sectarian intimidation.
"So I reject completely what Martin Meehan has said."
Inspector Chris Yeats of the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed a number of intimidation incidents were being investigated. Urging the public to help, he added: "We can assure all Antrim residents that any information provided will be vigorously followed up."
PA