SDLP call for peace walls removal

There are now more than 40 peace lines in Belfast

The people of Belfast should not resign themselves to the long-term acceptance of peace walls, the SDLP has said.

SDLP councillor Alban Maginness said the city council should convince people there were other ways to guarantee their safety.

He said nine peace lines in Belfast when the first ceasefire was called had now increased to more than 40.

A proposal for the removal of peace walls is to be put before the council on Monday evening.

Mr Maginness said the barriers were "part of the harsh reality of life in parts of our city," but they could not "simply be removed".

Alban Maginness wants a group set up to deal with barriers

"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.

"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."