Derry gates row rumbles on

28/09/2009

The row over a controversial set of alley gates in Derry's Bogside area has taken a new turn after the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) rejected claims that local residents support the reintroduction of the gates.

First installed earlier this month in a lane between Joseph Place and Fahan Street, the gates were cut down by members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, the Derry Journal reports.

One week ago, Colm Burton of the Triax neighbourhood management team said that surveys carried out show that the majority of residents are in favour of the gates.

However, the RNU have been collecting signatures for a petition against them, claiming they have the signatures of 106 people who are against having gates in the area.

According to reports in the paper earlier this month, the gates were removed by hardline republicans who used angle grinders and saws to cut them down.