Clean graffiti call

Following a spate of telephone calls from tourists who had visited Londonderry and wanted to take unspoiled photographs of the walls from the Bogside, Mr Middleton called on the Cityouncil and any other organisations with control over the Walls, to do “whatever it takes” to keep the Walls clean.

“I received a number of telephone calls from people who were on a tour bus and who had viewed the murals in the Bogside and wanted photographs of the Walls, but complained to me that, to use their words, the Walls were ‘plastered in graffiti’ and they could not get an unspoiled photograph.

“The graffiti they referred to was of a political nature and they complained that it was unsightly. What we need to ensure is that all the relevant bodies that have a say in the City’s ancient Walls, as well as our own council offices do everything they can to ensure the Walls are kept free of graffiti. This is particularly important given that we are approaching the UK City of Culture year . The Walls should not be used as political billboards,” he said.

He continued: “Every effort should be made to ensure that Walls are kept clear of this sort of activity. These people were trying to take pictures of the Walls in all their glory, and a lot of work had been done of late to improve the look of the green space around the Walls in this area, but the look of the graffiti distracted from the setting.”

He added: “I am calling on everyone to get involved and keep these wonderful monuments, our built heritage, clean. The Walls are one of our greatest attractions and should be treated with care.”