The Donegall Avenue mural was created as part of a project with members of the community and the police
Martin Snoddon speaking at the new Donegall Avenue mural (Image: Justin Kernoghan)
24th September, 2022.
A UVF mural in South Belfast has been transformed into a positive historical memorial as part of a project between the community and police.
The paramilitary mural on Donegall Avenue had been in place for a number of years and was recently replaced with a new one showing the history of the founding of NI as part of a project called Moving Forward.
The aim of the scheme was to rebuild relationships with some members of the Village area and the PSNI, which had become fractured over the years.
The project was led by consultant and historian Martin Snoddon and Eddie Kelly from the Greater Village Regeneration Trust.
Martin Snoddon said at the unveiling of the mural on Friday, September 23: "This project was all about building relationships between the community here in the Village and the police by finding common ground in our interest of the history of Northern Ireland.
"Over the course of a few months we came together for a number of workshops and historical trips to Belfast City Hall, The Union Theological College and Cenotaph, where we learned about the history of the foundation of Northern Ireland and the impact it had in South Belfast.
"While there is still work to do in building respect between the two parties, the project was very successful in helping them understand one another and engaging in a healthy dialog.
"This new mural that has been created is also a way of promoting the positive aspects of the community by showing some of the key events that have helped shape it into what it is today."
Eddie Kelly thanked those who took part in the scheme, which was funded by the Belfast City Council Policing and Community Safety Partnership grant, and hoped more work can be done in the future.
He said: "For years there had been a prominent UVF mural on Donegall Avenue and we wanted to do something to highlight the more positive aspects within the community here.
"While some were apprehensive at first, I am thankful to all of those who took part and worked with our neighbourhood policing teams so that we can begin to build relationships here in the Village and help the area grow."
MLA Edwin Poots said it was "great to see the formation of Northern Ireland delved into and discussed so deeply with participants".
He added: "It was very evident GVRT had worked hard to develop relationships with both the community and police. I am confident this relationship will be built upon and developed going forward. Well done to all who contributed."
Martin Snoddon speaking at the Donegall Avenue mural
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