21/07/2004

Protestors take to streets over possible rail closure

More than 200 people have marched through Belfast city centre today to protest against plans to close the Belfast to Londonderry rail link north of Ballymena.

Lobby group, Into the West, presented petitions containing thousands of signatures to officials reviewing Northern Ireland's railway network on Wednesday.

One of those present, Young Ulster Unionist Council Chairman, Kenny Donaldson said the decision to close such an essential service was "damaging for those that value this service greatly".

"For to long now the people of Northern Ireland have suffered as a result of poor Public Services," Mr Donaldson said.

"Students, businessmen and the elderly all find this line a necessity for their ways of life. By removing it we are reducing any access to Belfast for the people of the North West."

Among today's campaigners were SDLP leader Mark Durkan, as well as senior representatives from rail operators Translink, which produced a report putting forward a strong economic case for retaining the threatened line.

(MB)

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