PUP say work needed after sectarian attack

Nigel Gardiner has said that more work was needed to build positive community relations following the attack in which a pregnant teenager was injured by a bottle thrown at her at the Londonderry interface last Tuesday night.

He said: “Attacks such as this continue to make life difficult for Fountain residents, and this one stands out in particular as a vulnerable young women was the victim.

“It is fortunate she was not badly injured physically, but I am sure she was pretty shaken by the incident especially as she is pregnant.”

Mr Gardiner, a community worker in the City, said building positive and lasting good relations is essential if communities are to shake off the legacy of the Troubles.

He continued: “A lot of excellent work is being done at grassroots level to build community relations and promote engagement between people from different backgrounds.

“I have been involved in this work and there is a real commitment from both communities to delivering change.”

However, he was keen to point out that despite progress, significant interventions were needed to address a range of issues that continue to impact on quality of life in Londonderry.

He said: “Sporadic attacks across the interface are an ongoing concern.

“However, hate crime in general is also an issue in the City and is something that needs to be addressed.”

A native of the city, Mr Gardiner said he was proud of the rejuvenation that has taken place over the past 10 years. “We have much to be excited about in Londonderry, but all groups must work together to ensure we have a City that is safe and free from all types of violence and hate crime,” he commented.