Minister announces security wall to be built in Ardoyne

The British Security minister has announced that a peace line is to be built at the interface between Glenbryn Park and Alliance Avenue in north Belfast.

Following a meeting with north Belfast politicians on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Holy Cross situation, Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced that she had instructed security forces to begin building a peace line between Glenbryn Park and Alliance Avenue. She said: “This should provide the sense of increased security sought by all residents.”

However, she also said she would not agree to the construction of a permanent gate on the Ardoyne Road.

In response Protestant residents have said that the measure falls short of what they wanted which amounted to a wall right across the Ardoyne Road.

PUP assembly member Billy Hutchinson for north Belfast said Ms Kennedy should quit her post and return to her Liverpool constituency. Mr Hutchinson has maintained that the minister had failed to understand that loyalist residents wanted a gate on the Ardoyne road, which they could close at night to ensure their safety.

Earlier on Wednesday Human Rights Commissioner Professor Brice Dickson visited Ardoyne to view the dispute at first hand. But he came under severe criticism from parents when he did not accompany the children on their return journey from school as had been expected. Prof Dickson would not comment saying the Human Rights Commission will be making a statement about the contentious school walk at the end of the week. (AMcE)