Sir, - Having lived in Dunmurry since 1960 and been involved in cross-community activities in this district I wish to respond to recent allegations about so called "sectarianism" in the village.
We had one of the earliest community development groups here in the 1960s. It was an open, democratic association of local people concerned about the well being of their neighbours and their environment.
As conditions worsened in the 1970s, residents formed a branch of PACE, seeking to maintain and improve community relations hereabouts. Indeed when the first tenants arrived to form a mixed community in Twinbrook, it was local women who introduced themselves to their new neighbours. When there were no facilities in Twinbrook, residents were transported to a Dunmurry hall where they would leave their children, under supervision, while they shopped in the village.
Cross-community activities have been maintained in spite of repeated attacks upon local amenities, as well as people. To the best of their circumscribed abilities, members of the security services have also supported those residents who still do act as responsible citizens - impartially.
Unfortunately, as other good folk in the province are aware, "good news" has been no news in some quarters, for the past 30 years. - Yours, etc.,
Dr R. Common, The Green, Dunmurry.