'˜Graves have not been vandalised' - Colr. Kelly

The local Councillor said that the white solution poured over headstones in recent days was part of work undertaken by the Graves Association, and was not the work of vandals.

He elaborated that the lettering and markings on the headstones is part of a “major restoration work for the Centenary Commemorations on Sunday 27th March”.

Speaking about the project, Councillor Kelly said:

“We have been contacted on several occasions in the last few days by people who had seen the white solution on the headstones in the Republican Plot in the City Cemetery and were worried that it was some sort of vandalism.

“I would like to allay people’s fears and let them know that the solution is part of major refurbishment work being carried out on the headstones, lettering and markings.

“This is being under taken by the Derry Republican Graves Association for the Easter Centenary commemorations at the end of the month.”

Colr. Kelly added: “This year the Easter parade will be the biggest this city has seen in years so it’s very important that the plot in top class condition in advance of that.”

Meanwhile details of three days of free swimming sessions and special activity camps for children across Derry and Strabane over the Easter holidays, put forward by Mayor Elisha McCallion, were unveiled at a meeting of the Council’s Health and Community yesterday to mark the Easter Rising.