Time for threatening loyalist murals to go
Threatening murals in Derry's loyalist estates could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to funding from the Arts Council' 'Re-imaging programme'.
Earlier this month, the UDA agreed to a notorious wall mural in Belfast - 'The Grim Reaper' - being replaced by a portrait of King William of Orange.
The mural was painted 10 years ago on a gable wall in Tavanagh Street in the mainly Protestant Village area of the city.
It is now hoped that Derry loyalists will follow suit.
David Malcolm, a spokesman for the Ulster Political Research Group in Derry, said: "The UPRG and Conflict Transformation Initiative have been meeting with Derry City Council and community groups regarding the Re-imaging project.
"The plan is to try and gain acceptance from the communities to replace paramilitary murals in loyalist areas with community artwork."
Preliminary discussions have already taken place and one project in New Buildings, which will be used as a model, was completed last year.
Mr Malcolm said: "As further funding becomes available we would hope this initiative will spread to areas including Irish Street, Lincoln Courts, and Clooney
"We have to bring loyalist commmunities on board one at a time. A lot of working class loyalists see these murals as part of their history. It's a case of changing their attitudes towards the murals, now that we are coming out of conflict, and realising that others see them as threatening."
Sue Divin, community relations officer with Derry city council, said: "The city council is working with local communities and many have now successfully applied for funding to re-image their local areas. There will be a major launch during Community Relations Week right across the city in May."
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Weather for Derry
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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