Mural 'sends positive message'
THE first of two murals designed to build bridges across a divided east Belfast community is due to be unveiled off the Newtownards Road.
Monday's ceremony in Wolfe Close will reveal a mural depicting two children. One is the grandson of loyalist community worker Jim Wilson, the other a niece of community worker and former Sinn Fein deputy mayor of Belfast Joe O'Donnell, from the nationalist Short Strand.
Dylan Wilson, 14, is shown reaching out to shake the hand of Dearbhla Ward, 12, against a background of crosses.
The mural is based on the poem No More and is designed to send a message to those who wish to continue violence that the next generation wants no part of it.
Speaking to the News Letter ahead of the unveiling, Jim Wilson said: "I believe this is the first project of its kind where a pair of murals have been painted with one on each side of the divide.
"Everyone involved hopes they will send a positive message - that the violence belongs in the past, and that's a view widely supported in the community."
The original idea for the murals came about during a meeting of representatives from both sides.
As Mr Wilson explained: "People need a way to show that there is no desire for continued conflict. We are working with republicans to ensure that no one else is going to be killed and the murals are one small part of many ongoing projects."
PUP leader Dawn Purvis is to attend the unveiling.
The East Belfast MLA said the mural "symbolises the future we wish for all our children" and added: "This mural epitomises the transformation taking place in our community - not just in terms of the environment but in the transformation of relationships.
"Community activists are working extremely hard to improve the quality of life for people from all over Ballymacarrett."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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