New scene for Sandy Row UFF mural

Published Monday, 25 June 2012
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An infamous paramilitary mural in Belfast's Sandy Row has been given a dramatic facelift, as part of an attempt to regenerate the area.

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The UFF image in the south of the city which depicts a masked and armed loyalist figure standing beside the words 'You are Now Entering Loyalist Sandy Row' is one of the most pictured murals in the region.

But more than 30 murals in the area have now been painted over, and the red hands replaced by an Orange king.

It is hoped an overhaul of the loyalist stronghold will help attract business back into the area and serve as part of the regeneration of Sandy Row.

Community leader Garnet Busby said the beginning of a new painting is a very significant day for Sandy Row.

"This mural has been held with fond memories for the community here and a lot of the community has mixed feelings about it going."

"A lot of us believed it would never come off," he explained, adding that it is a sign of locals moving forward.

"The new mural will reflect our culture, heritage and traditions in a more positive and welcoming manner.

"But Sandy Row is still going to be a loyalist community," added Mr Busby.

A community consultation was held to determine if the mural should be removed, and if so, what it should be replaced with.

The image of King William III, designed by artist Ross Wilson, is set to replace the UFF message.

"That's King Billy to a lot of people, but William III to most people on Sandy Row now.

"A lot of people know what he looked like on his horse, but this is looking at him as a person, and what he said and thought," he explained.

Mr Wilson said they had talked with local schoolchildren about the mural and the reasoning behind the new image.

"It's going to look striking from a distance, it's going to be important and it's going to be a new landmark."

The Sandy Row mural will be replaced with an image of King William III.

© UTV News
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28 Comments
joe in belfast wrote (325 days ago):
all murals which show support for terrorists should be removed asap, then maybe this place will begin to move on....
Switch in Belfast wrote (325 days ago):
Nice of the UDA and UVF to clink their pint glasses in a mutually arranged amount of money.No need to throw paint at our cultural differances......Throw money at it instead.Seems to work.
Ciaran in Béal Feirste wrote (325 days ago):
BlairM if you done you're homework you would know the the law regarding tricolor was repealed in 1987 and well under the good Friday agreement anyone in the north has a right to be an Irish citizen quit dragging them knuckles learn something.
Chris in Belfast wrote (325 days ago):
BlairM - It is not 'illegal' to fly the Irish flag. If you want a police state, go to North Korea.
greg in mid-ulster wrote (326 days ago):
Am all for moving foward, however new IRA/INLA murals are appearing all the time.
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