COUNCIL chiefs have been forced to remove billboard erected in the Waterside area of Derry after unionist politicians objected to ‘Derry Christmas’ on it.
Deputy Mayor Derek Hussey first raised concerns at a council meeting over the Derry City and Strabane District Council marketing campaign, launched by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Now his objections have been supported by DUP councillors Graham Warke and David Ramsey, who claimed members of the public had complained to their party after a large billboard with the branding appeared close to Spencer Road at the Clooney Terrace and Dungiven Road junction.
In a statement, the council said: “This year’s campaign intended to engage visitors with a catchy slogan using wordplay in the tagline ‘Have yourself a very Derry Christmas’.
“However, it has since been highlighted by some council members that this may not be considered inclusive by all members of the community and as such has been amended in some campaign branding.
“Council has received no complaints from the public in response to our festive advertising, but as with all our marketing activities, we welcome feedback and take this into consideration in the planning of all our campaigns.
“The billboard in Spencer Road has been refreshed slightly earlier than planned to reflect members’ concerns.”
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