A councillor has voiced concerns over a town in Northern Ireland being considered as the UK’s first Town of Culture.
Paul Gallagher, who is an independent councillor in Strabane, County Tyrone, said the inclusion of the word “UK” in the title is problematic for him and some constituents in the mainly-nationalist town.
However, Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey said he could not understand Gallagher’s argument, as Strabane clearly is in the United Kingdom.
The town is one of 15 UK locations shortlisted for the inaugural competition run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport with a prize of £3m up for grabs.
The bid is supported by celebrities such as singer-songwriter Paul Brady and BBC Radio presenter Hugo Duncan, as well as most councillors, including the Sinn Féin Mayor of Derry and Strabane Grace Uí Niallais.
The public have been asked what they would like to see in the final bid, which is due to be submitted by the end of November.
BBC News NI has contacted Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) for comment.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
