Strabane sculpture gets over the hump

The former British army Camel's Hump checkpoint on the outskirts of Strabane has been transformed into a stainless steel and …

The former British army Camel's Hump checkpoint on the outskirts of Strabane has been transformed into a stainless steel and copper sculpture.

The 18-foot sculpture of three musicians and two dancers in semi-abstract style is symbolic of a new beginning as well as being an invitation to move forward in partnership and harmony.

Artist Maurice Harron said his latest project reflected the unifying musical traditions of the Strabane and Lifford area.

"The musicians and dancers are poised, ready to begin, ready to share a new beginning and this is the message that the community of Strabane want to bring to a wider audience. "It is my hope that the sculptures will promote a positive and unique image of the area, replacing what previously represented division and conflict with a symbol of what our communities have in common - a long tradition of music and dance," said Mr Harron.

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Meanwhile, Mr Donal MacLochlainn, chairman of the Strabane-Lifford Development Commission which initiated the project, said he believed the Camel's Hump sculptures would contribute to the revitalisation of the Border towns.

"An average of 12,000 vehicles per day pass through the area and the presence of the Border in the past has had a very negative impact on the towns of Strabane and Lifford," he said.

With the development of the peace process and the dismantling of the cross-Border checkpoints, many Border areas were presented with the opportunity to experience normality.

"This opportunity has now been taken a step further by transforming the site and replacing what one represented conflict and division with a symbol of what our communities have in common," said Mr MacLochlainn.