23/05/2002

Loyalists take “leap of faith” to resolve north Belfast

Loyalist residents in north Belfast have decided to accept proposals set forward by the First and Deputy First Minister aimed at defusing tension in the area.

The Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne, headed up by Mark Coulter and Ann Bill said they were prepared to accept the document which was distributed to every house in upper Ardoyne by David Trimble and Mark Durkan last Friday.

North Belfast has been at the very heart of a bitter feud between the Catholic residents of Ardoyne and the Protestant residents of Glenbryn.

Following a tense three-month stand-off at Holy Cross Primary school last summer, trouble and rioting has continued almost on a nightly basis in the area. The document’s key points involve developing and building community dialogue and improving community safety – effectively realigning the roads which separate the two rival communities.

On Thursday, Ann Bill said that following examination of the document, a public meeting was called last night to decide whether they would accept the document.

She continued: “During the public meeting everyone debated the proposals. The only thing that people worried about was that would these proposals really happen. Neither the First Minister nor the Deputy First Minister have said this is definitely going to happen. We are still at the proposal stage.

“That is why I would agree with Mark Coulter that this really is a leap of faith. We are trusting David Trimble and Mark Durkan to make this a reality and make life better for both communities.”

Meanwhile, nationalists are holding a public meeting tonight to discuss the merits of the document. The First and Deputy First Ministers have said they want answers from both communities by Friday May 24.

(AMcE)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 July 2013
Orange Order Agrees To Nationalist Talks
The Orange Order has agreed to engage in talks with a nationalist residents group in north Belfast, following an appeal by a unionist residents group. The Twaddell and Woodvale Residents Association asked local Orange lodges to speak to the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association to find a way to help the 12th of July parades pass off peacefully.
26 September 2016
Twaddell Agreement: Orange Order To Apply To Parades Commission
The Orange Order is expected to put forward a proposal which could see a resolution over a parade dispute in Ardoyne in north Belfast. A deal was reached between the Orange Lodge and Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) on Friday, 23 September, over the Twaddell Avenue protest which has being going on since July 2013.
24 May 2002
North Belfast peace strategy rejected by Nationalists
Nationalists in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast have rejected a plan aimed at easing community tensions and sectarian violence. The top ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive, First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan had drafted the plan, which had previously been accepted by Loyalist residents in the area.
22 April 2022
PSNI Thank North Coast Residents, Businesses And Visitors
The PSNI have thanked North Coast residents, businesses and visitors for their support during policing operations over the Easter Weekend.
03 July 2015
Two Arrested After Gun Fired In Play Park
Two people have been arrested after a gun was fired at a play park in north Belfast. The incident happened in the Beverley Street area, off the Shankill Road, on Thursday. A man, who was brandishing a shotgun, fired a shot into the air and left the park with a woman. Local residents stopped the pair in Beverley Street.