NIHE to look at rota for ‘rubbish strewn’ Fahan Street steps connecting Derry city centre and Bogside

A build-up of excess rubbish on the thoroughfare leading from the Bloody Sunday memorial at Rossville Street and Joseph Place to Fahan Street has prompted complaints from residents.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue asked the Housing Executive to place the Fahan Street steps area on a permanent rota for clean-ups.

Councillor Logue said: “This is a very busy area used by residents and people going into our city centre on a daily basis.

“Just going to look at the steps it is clear very quickly the amount of rubbish, broken glass on the steps and strewn across the walkway between homes in Joseph Place and Rossville Street.

“As well as trying to keep the area clean for local residents it’s also important to acknowledge its proximity to the Bloody Sunday memorial.”

The steps are also among the main access points between the city centre and Free Derry Corner, the Bogside murals and the Museum of Free Derry.

Colr. Logue said they should be maintained, principally for the benefit of local people, but also for people visiting the area as tourists.

“I have asked the Housing Executive to place the Fahan Streets steps area on a permanent rota for clean-ups.

“Hopefully this will alleviate some of the problems and if any residents have any other issues affecting them they should feel free to contact me,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “Our local Maintenance Manager was contacted by a councillor regarding these steps, which are in Housing Executive ownership.

“We have a routine cleaning arrangement in place here, although the implementation of a more regular cleaning of the area is being considered.”