New research to identify the extent of Protestant alienation in Derry/Londonderry has uncovered a ‘tale of two cities’.

The study into 'Population Change and Social Inclusion' in the city found that although the Protestant population is now showing signs of stabilising as a result of the peace process, there is also evidence of increased segregation in the Waterside as well as a strong sense of political and cultural decline within the Protestant community.

On a more positive side, Protestants are more likely to enter the cityside and shop in other predominantly Catholic places while the majority who work in predominantly Catholic workplaces stated that they had no problems doing so.

However the findings also showed that Protestants are generally less comfortable in the Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place and Foyle Street areas and uncomfortable in the presence of nationalist symbols. Specifically republican symbols in the City Cemetery were cited as causing particular upset.

The report also argued that the policy landscape was improving - but it is not obvious to the general population what these improvements have been.

The new report was conducted by Dr Peter Shirlow, Professor Brian Graham and Professor Gillian Robinson of the University of Ulster, and Dr Brendan Murtagh of Queen’s University, Belfast.

It was funded by Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and OFM/DFM-Equality Unit.

(MB/SP)