SINN Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said there is anger in the community around comments from SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan that there needs to be talks about bonfire issues in the Bogside and that any settlement should not be left to the last minute.
Councillor Patricia Logue said: “People are angry today to hear SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan in the media saying the worst thing would be to leave any settlement around bonfires to the last minute and its important that we find a solution.
“Over the last number of months a series of meetings have taken place to try and find a resolution to the issue of bonfires, with a particular focus on the Bogside area.
“Like many I am astonished at his comments as the SDLP were invited to every meeting on the bonfire in question but never attended.
“All political party’s have been invited to these meetings.
“The meetings have been attended by the various statutory agencies, the Council, community organisations, local residents and there have been engagements with young people from the area.
“Local residents have also carried out wide spread consultations in the district.
“All these efforts have been very constructive in trying to find positive solutions and outcomes not politicking or grandstanding at last minute.”
