Minister Welcomes Progress Made To Restore Teenage Kicks Mural

Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle has confirmed he has held meetings with government officials, youth and community workers and community artists with the aim of restoring the 'Teenage Kicks' mural at Bridge End.

The artwork, which depicts a famous lyric from The Undertones' 1978 song of the same name, had been located on the Bridge End flyover since 2004. However, in June, a decision was made as part of a government environmental improvement scheme in the area.

Mr Lyttle had previously expressed concerns on the removal of the mural, and has been working with a number of groups to present joint ideas for its restoration to the Department for Social Development officials.

He said: "These are the first steps towards restoring a mural that caught the imagination of many people in East Belfast and beyond and I am delighted that people are working together on a cross-community basis on this issue.

"I understand that for many people, the value of the piece was its unplanned nature but I believe this is a genuine move to restore as much of the original work and it's positive message as possible.

"I hope that the collaborative approach, with proper consultation, creative workshops and events will include people from different backgrounds to deliver both a restoration of the mural and another community piece that will inspire everyone who sees them at this key location."

(JP/CD)