THERE has been condemnation after a threat by youths to destroy the iconic Free Derry Wall if wood for a bonfire is removed.
A group of young people describing themselves as ‘Bogside Republican Youth’ erected a sign at the August 15 bonfire saying ‘If the wood goes, the wall goes’.
They are also believed to have been responsible for graffiti scrawled on the Free Derry wall on Saturday morning, stating: ‘Take our wood? We’re prepared, are you? BRY’.
The bonfire caused uproar last year when youths built in the middle of Lecky Road.
Earlier this month discussions between community workers, public representatives and those building the bonfire broke down without agreement.
It is understood the youths demanded that they be allowed to burn flags and other material on the bonfire.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue said there was deep anger in the community at the threat to destroy Free Derry wall.
“There is no room in this community for any type of threat against anyone,” said Cllr Logue.
“People in the Bogside are very angry that any group would make such a threat.
“There were extensive consultations with all the young people involved and a proposal was put forward and was accepted but then they decided it was not enough because they wanted to burn flags,” she added.
Free Derry wall is one of the city’s main tourist attractions bringing in thousands of visitors every year.
The words ‘You Are Now Entering Free Derry’ were first written on the gable wall in the Bogside during RUC raids in January 1969.
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