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The pressures on Protestants in Londonderry city have continued
during the past month, with almost daily attacks on people
and houses in the Fountain area.
Residents have told the Orange Standard about the difficulties
of living in one of Northern Ireland's most vulnerable interface
areas. Children and young people have been attacked by thugs,
and petrol bombs and bottles have been thrown from Abercorn
Road and from the Walls into the Fountain estate.
Threats have been shouted by thugs from London Street, and
all this has created an atmosphere of tension within the area.
As one resident has said, the attacks have become routine
that in many cases the victims have not reported the incidents
to the police, as the assailants almost always get away.
It's an intolerable situation, but the bravery and courage
of the Fountain people has to be stressed, because as our
readers have said, they have no intention of moving from the
area, and are more determined than ever to stay in this famous
district.
Nevertheless, they deserve better than this, and it is up
to the authorities to provide the protection which these good
people are entitled to receive.
Derry City Council could also do more to help, and its attitude
towards the Protestant minority has not set a very good example.
For instance, a new medal struck recently to mark the 30th
anniversary of the Council, contains no reference to the city's
name. There is no reference to Londonderry, and the term 'Derry
City Council' is not balanced with any other reference.
And the City Council has also ignored Protestant feelings
by pressing ahead with plans for a GAA pitch at Lisnagelvin,
in the heart of the mainly Protestant Waterside. The seleciton
of this site is seen by Protestants as a calculated act of
provocation and likely to increase tension at the Irish Street-Gobnascale
interface.
Protestant spokesmen, stressing that the minority community
in the city are not opposed to GAA pitches, but feel the reality
of siting it in the area so close to Protestant estates is
provocative. They have also pointed out that a suitable venue
for the site can be found at Prehen.
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