Why is London Street now two colours?

Heritage activist Mark Lusby is unhappy with how London Street now looks.

Mark Lusby, of the Friends of the Derry Walls, has written to the local council to outline his concerns.

He says there is, possibly, a very plausible reason why a different colour of paviour was chosen for the reinstatement of a section of London Street after the recent installation of a gas main.

However, he says the “mismatch” in public realm treatment part way along London Street - in the heart of the Walled City Conservation Area and directly opposite St Columb’s Cathedral - is a major cause for concern.

Mr. Lusby, who also questioned the timing of the work - “in the middle of the tourist season” - claimed the impression created was that “we don’t really care about the Walled City as both a conservation area and as a NI signature tourism destination.”

He added: “I couldn’t imagine such a public realm treatment being left in front of the Titanic building in Belfast - particularly at the height of the tourism season.

“I think we need to encourage the highest possible standards in the appearance of the Walled City as the premier tourist destination within the city and district.”