Decision not to proceed with controversial bonfire welcomed

The decision not to proceed with the building of the controversial bonfire in Meenan Square in the Bogside has been welcomed.

Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr (SDLP), who is the chair of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Bonfire Working Group, commended the clear leadership from the young people of the Bogside in deciding not to proceed with the bonfire.

Cllr Barr added: "I know the whole community will be pleased at this decision and many residents will be relieved that the area will be able to avoid the kind of anti-social behaviour that has been seen in the past.

"It is clear that the young people of the Bogside and the builders of the bonfire have decided to put their community first through their decision. Hopefully, this can be a sign of things to come for our local community and we can make progress across the rest of the city as well.

“I also believe that this week’s news calls attention to the pressing need for additional youth services across the city as the current lack of provision has been a catalyst for some young people to turn to anti-social behaviour in the past.

"These challenges have also only been worsened by the cost-of-living crisis as well as the removal of programs delivered by the Education Authority which had proved extremely successful in combatting this issue. I believe our local Council and the Education Authority need to step up to this challenge and ensure that all areas of the city have access to youth services so we can give our young people opportunity.”