A NEW website covering the 'Troubles' is receiving massive interest from both sides of the divide in Londonderry.
To be launched next month, www.sharedtroubles.net is the brainchild of a man inspired by a conversation with his young children to give them an impartial overview of what happened here during the conflict.
Mr Todd said the idea arose as he drove p
ast the Droppin' Well at Ballykelly and mentioned to them it was the site of an horrific INLA bombing in 1982.
It was then he realised that his 11 year-old son and nine year-old daughter had no conception of what had gone on during the 'Troubles'.
"I then decided to get on my white horse as it were and create a resource to educate people," he said.
"After looking at the internet I found that every site, apart from the University of Ulster's CAIN site, is entirely for one side or the other."
Mr Todd said he sought the advice of Michael Gallagher of the Omagh Relatives Group who told him he was doing exactly the right thing by canvassing as much opinion as he could from as many sources as possible.
"I have spoken to a wide range of people including former soldiers, loyalists and IRA members as well as fire officers for example who witnessed terrible things," he said.
"These people are so far apart in their views but have been incredibly open."
The new website will be structured to become what the creator has described as the 'My Space' of the 'Troubles'.
All people need do is register at the site - this then captures the e-mail and IP address and then people can begin to upload their stories and photos.
Mr Todd contends that the site will be in tune with the 'YouTube' generation where young people can access information in quick, accessible and informative chunks.
"I have already received a lot of interest from staunch loyalist areas as well as the Bogside," he said.
"Some of the stories are very strong and my message is that is you are delicate do not get involved.
"The interest has been amazing. It has shown a great leap of faith from people to contact me because they don't know who I am."
The website author also said that everyone's opinion is valid.
He told the Sentinel that if you are a heavyweight politician or an old lady who once helped a soldier and got hassle for it, then you should contact the site.
"Read this and make up your own mind," he said.
