Alliance hails survey that says majority want peace walls removed

12.04.00pm GMT Tue 5th Feb 2008

North Belfast Alliance Party Representative Gerry Lynch has welcomed a survey released today showing that four out of five people living in Belfast interface areas want peace lines removed. The survey was conducted by Millward Brown, and over 1,000 people answered 18 questions about their views on peace lines 10 years on from the Good Friday Agreement.

Gerry Lynch stated: "I strongly welcome these findings. This poll shows the groundswell of support from people in interface areas for getting rid of the peace lines.

"Many people say that while they want the peace lines removed, they do not think the time is right yet. The reason for this uncertainty is personal security. It is time for the Executive to create the environment where people have the confidence to grasp the shared future which they strongly desire.

"Segregation costs £1 billion every year and it hurts the whole community. Creating more shared facilities and removing barriers to a united community will help to free up cash to improve frontline public services.

"It is extremely telling that over 60% of those surveyed felt that politicians should be doing more to create the conditions needed to remove these walls. The Executive must take note of this and act accordingly.

"This survey shows the will among people in divided areas for a shared future. People want to see the shackles of segregation removed as soon as is can be done safely."

ENDS