Menu
10/12/2007
Westlink Bridge Opens Sectarian Attack Route
Belfast's busiest road has once again become a 'front line' as tensions build between rival loyalist and nationalist youths.
The Westlink – which has previously been the scene of many clashes between 'warring' factions - is once again being highlighted after a house at Roden Street, in the loyalist Donegall Road area, was targeted twice over the weekend.
The opening of a new pedestrian bridge is being blamed for exacerbating the trouble which led to windows at the property, owned by grandmother-of-five, being smashed on Friday and on Saturday.
Community workers from the loyalist Village and nationalist Grosvenor Road areas where the attacks are happening said problems have escalated since a new footbridge was built over the Westlink.
They claim the design and location of the bridge gives youths an easy escape route.
Heather Elwood of the Village Focus Group said: "We have had 72 incidents in three weeks.
"Until this new bridge there were few problems. There had been problems in the past but both communities were working together to resolve the situation.
"There was no consultation with either community about the location, if there had been we could have told them this sort of thing would happen."
Daniel Jack from the Safer Neighbourhood Project which works in the nationalist Grosvenor estate said: "The bridge is a magnet for youngsters because it is so easy for them to access the other side."
Residents want to see the bridge closed off at night in a bid to prevent such attacks.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police in south Belfast are investigating an incident of criminal damage in the Roden Street area and are liaising with community representatives to resolve the situation."
(BMcC)
The Westlink – which has previously been the scene of many clashes between 'warring' factions - is once again being highlighted after a house at Roden Street, in the loyalist Donegall Road area, was targeted twice over the weekend.
The opening of a new pedestrian bridge is being blamed for exacerbating the trouble which led to windows at the property, owned by grandmother-of-five, being smashed on Friday and on Saturday.
Community workers from the loyalist Village and nationalist Grosvenor Road areas where the attacks are happening said problems have escalated since a new footbridge was built over the Westlink.
They claim the design and location of the bridge gives youths an easy escape route.
Heather Elwood of the Village Focus Group said: "We have had 72 incidents in three weeks.
"Until this new bridge there were few problems. There had been problems in the past but both communities were working together to resolve the situation.
"There was no consultation with either community about the location, if there had been we could have told them this sort of thing would happen."
Daniel Jack from the Safer Neighbourhood Project which works in the nationalist Grosvenor estate said: "The bridge is a magnet for youngsters because it is so easy for them to access the other side."
Residents want to see the bridge closed off at night in a bid to prevent such attacks.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police in south Belfast are investigating an incident of criminal damage in the Roden Street area and are liaising with community representatives to resolve the situation."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 June 2016
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
26 May 2021
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
