Call For Removal of Peace Walls

Monday 03 March 08

SDLP councillor Alban Maginness has expressed concerns about the people of Belfast's long-term acceptance of peace walls. Mr Maginness also said that that the city council should convince people that there are other ways to guarentee their safety. "Rightly or wrongly, many people feel they are essential for security. We also need to face up to the consequences of having so many physical obstacles to social and economic development," he said.

There has been an increase from 9 peace walls when the first ceasefire was called, to more that 40 peace walls today, according to BBC.

"Certainly in north Belfast, the existence of the peace walls is a major obstacle to sensible solutions to meet the high need for social and affordable housing."

Mr Maginness said the SDLP hoped to see a working group set up to reach out to people who lived close to the peace-line. The group would "point out some of the benefits of working more closely together for a city that everyone can be part of and where everyone can have a better life."

What do you think about this, is it a good idea to remove the peace walls, will you still feel safe if they're not there? What is the alternative? WIMPS Forum