Talks have been held on the government's 'shared future' programme for Strabane.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said her main role is to build "united communities".

The Minister called on the public to help in shaping the policies which will help communities live together rather than apart.

The public forum in Strabane was one in a series she is holding across Northern Ireland.

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"I want to see how we can break the cycle of segregation," said Ms Ritchie.

"Guns now remain largely silent. Political institutions are up and running. You would think that our society could now move on. And yet we have moved on very little."

The Minister said the majority of Northern Ireland communities still live apart, are educated apart, and largely socialise and recreate apart.

"As Minister for Social Development, I can help break this cycle in both housing and urban regeneration. I can also help by starting the discussion that we all know needs to take place."

(PR/KMcA)