Special funds should be released by the Stormont Executive to help regenerate sectarian flashpoint areas, the loyalist Progressive Unionists said today.
The PUP launched its Assembly Election manifesto today in East Belfast and called for an interface rehabilitation fund to "lift communities by the bootstraps".
PUP leader Mr David Ervine explained: "The funds would be aimed at strengthening and building up confidence in communities to the point where they are prepared to engage rather than turn their face away from those with whom they refuse to share space with.
"We have had the quietest summer in 30 years. Why don't we build on that by putting resources into after schools clubs, schemes to improve the environment, community based initiatives, capacity building?
"If there is local input that will build confidence to the point that people in interface areas have pride in who they are."
The Progressive Unionists' manifesto also proposes the reform of post-primary education and the reintroduction of student grants
PA