A political party is set to open an advice centre at one of Northern Ireland's most notorious peace lines, it can be revealed.
People Before Profit's only elected Councillor here, Gerry Carroll, said the move is about bringing the people of the Falls and Shankill together.
A mural depicting conflict and peace at Northumberland Street on the Shankill
BY REBECCA BLACK – 20 FEBRUARY 2015
A political party is set to open an advice centre at one of Northern Ireland's most notorious peace lines, it can be revealed.
People Before Profit's only elected councillor here, Gerry Carroll, said the move is about bringing the people of the Falls and Shankill together.
The Belfast councillor will officially open his new office next week at the Twin Spires centre, close to the peace line at Northumberland Street.
"We're attempting to challenge sectarianism and break down divisions in one of the most notorious interfaces in Northern Ireland," he said.
"We'll be opening it as an advice centre and will be helping clients with any issues they might have in terms of the Housing Executive, benefits and employment rights, and public sector cuts."
Mr Carroll has been touring both the Falls and Shankill to publicise the office. He said there has been a very positive reaction so far.
Mr Carroll was elected last May in the Sinn Fein-dominated Black Mountain district electoral area of the new Belfast super council.
"There has obviously been a history of division in the area, but we want to bring the working-class people together," he said.
"In 1932 both sides came together in the Relief Riots, and there is a strong trade union tradition on the Shankill."
Mr Carroll has said he is not affiliated to either of the major traditions in Northern Ireland.
"I am not a nationalist or a unionist. I am a socialist," he said.
BY REBECCA BLACK – 20 FEBRUARY 2015