A billboard in Londonderry telling people to "have yourself a Derry little Christmas" has been removed after objections from unionists.

It was erected at Spencer Road in the Waterside area of the city which is primarily associated with the unionist community.

The billboard was erected by Derry City and Strabane District Council to promote the area's Christmas offering.

A number of local unionist councillors complained about the wording of the billboard and it was subsequently removed by council.

The naming of the city is contentious with members of the unionist community preferring to refer to it as 'Londonderry' while members of the nationalist community typically call it 'Derry'.

A council spokesperson stressed that no member of the public complained about the billboard.

The concerns were first raised by Deputy Mayor Derek Hussey at a council committee meeting.

The UUP councillor was concerned at the wording of the advertisement.

Waterside DUP councillor David Ramsey said that he had been contacted by a number of local people who were angered by the sign.

"I welcome the fact that it has been seen as an issue and has been dealt with," he said.

Expand Close DUP Councillor David Ramsey / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp DUP Councillor David Ramsey

"We are an inclusive city and there was people angry. It was a marketing tool, but there is a bigger picture.

"These things are preventable, but thankfully this has been dealt with efficiently by council and hopefully that's the end of it. Let's get on and enjoy Christmas."

A council spokesperson said that the billboard was an attempt to use a "catchy slogan" to "engage visitors".

"It has since been highlighted by some council members that this may not be considered inclusive by all members of the community and as such has been amended in some campaign branding," the spokesperson said.

“Council has received no complaints from the public in response to our festive advertising, but as with all our marketing activities, we welcome feedback and take this into consideration in the planning of all our campaigns.

“The billboard in Spencer Road has been refreshed slightly earlier than planned to reflect members’ concerns.”

Belfast Telegraph