A DECISION to remove a Christmas billboard bearing the name 'Derry' because of unionist objections will incur no extra cost to ratepayers, the city's council has said.
The billboard poster with the slogan "Have yourself a Derry little Christmas" was erected in the city's Waterside area to promote festive shopping.
But it was removed after unionist councillors complained that by omitting 'Londonderry' it was not "inclusive".
The slogan is a play on the Christmas song 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', which was made popular the late Judy Garland.
Derry's deputy mayor, Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey, queried the poster and suggested that "Have yourself a very Londonderry Christmas" would work as well.
"There has to be work done to ensure that within branding we remain inclusive and there has been subsequent branding that reflects that desire," he told the Derry News.
DUP councillors Graham Warke and David Ramsey said the council was "airbrushing" culture and tradition by not including 'Londonderry'.
Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed a billboard was moved.
A spokeswoman said the marketing campaign intended to engage visitors with a catchy slogan.
"However, 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," she 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."
She added its removal from Spencer Road had no financial implications, saying it was was due to be moved anyway as part of the campaign and the objection merely meant it was "refreshed" earlier than planned.
