Strabane Ulster Unionist Councillor, Derek Hussey, has welcomed a 'clarification' by those organising an educational event, the BBC Radio 1 Academy, in Londonderry this May.  It is understood that the event, being held in conjunction with the Radio 1 Big Weekend, was initially billed as being restricted to young people from Derry-Londonderry.
 
Cllr Hussey, an Ulster Unionist Councillor from Castlederg said "On Thursday past (18/04/13) I received an e-mail in regard to a BBC Radio 1 Academy to be run presumably as part of the UK City of Culture and obviously in conjunction BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend to be held at Ebrington Square in Londonderry.
 
"The Academy, to run from 11th-17th May, is offering 'sessions, master-classes, Q&A's designed to inspire young people, enable them to get hands-on with something new and pick up some life skills along the way.'  There will also be 'the chance to meet and network with industry professionals and inspirational individuals across a range of backgrounds like radio, television, music, business and more....'.
 
"All of the above is truly worthwhile but I was extremely dismayed to be advised that 'this is restricted to young people in Derry-Londonderry.'  My concern was that the UK City of Culture is portrayed as being, not just for Londonderry City, but, for the North West Region and indeed for all of Northern Ireland.  To find 'the gates shut’ to 'outsiders' was just not acceptable and I expressed my sincere concern in this regard.
 
"On Friday (19/04/13), I was more than content to have received information/clarification that the event will in fact be available to young people from throughout Northern Ireland and indeed the rest of the United Kingdom.  I encourage those young people who would be interested to register their interest immediately through the contact at ross.haymes@bbc.co.uk”