Community associations in Portadown are preparing to remove the peace wall along Charles Street. The wall separates Edgarstown and Obins Street areas. It was built almost 30 years ago following the Drumcree dispute.

Obins Street and Park Road Community Association and Edgarstown Community Association are collaborating with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council representatives on the project. Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Duffy stated that this marks the second such removal in the area, after the Water Street wall last year.

The Charles Street wall backs onto St Mary’s Community Hall. Plans call for replacing it with a designed fence selected by both resident groups. St Mary’s will take ownership for maintenance. Duffy indicated the work will occur within months.

Jordon Russell of Edgarstown Residents Association has participated in discussions for six years. He described the process as extended. Russell noted that the groups first met six years ago to address flags on bonfires and agreed to increase cross-community efforts on culture, flags, parades, and emblems.

Russell highlighted joint activities including a fire safety workshop at Halloween with police, fire service, and PCSP for about 100 young people. Plans include a summer project targeting interventions after last year’s rioting.

Duffy mentioned ongoing work on another section of peace wall active each July, which has remained peaceful in recent years. He added that project costs are low compared to other peace walls in Northern Ireland.

Russell emphasized that the effort aims to unite communities as Portadown advances. He pointed out that this wall was one of few erected after the Good Friday Agreement. The replacement fence will be shorter and redesigned.