British government urged to end Police Reserve uncertainty

THE British Government was under pressure last night to drop one of its police reforms in Northern Ireland to help the security forces cope with sectarian violence.

Following Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn’s warning that his officers were being “stretched to the limit” during street clashes in Belfast, Ulster Unionists demanded the retention of 2,207 full-time reserve police officers.

As nationalists staged protests in various parts of the city against what they said was a loyalist pogrom against them, the UUP insisted republicans were orchestrating the violence.

After a meeting of Assembly members, councillors and UUP members from north and east Belfast, Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey claimed: ‘‘It is obvious there is an orchestrated republican campaign in the interfaces and violence from loyalist paramilitaries.

“We, as a group, condemn all violence and call on the Government to end uncertainty over the retention of the Police Reserve as an attempt to boost police numbers on the streets.

“We also call for the erection, wherever possible, of close circuit television cameras as the way in resolving the blame game issue.

“We call on (east Belfast) Sinn Féin councillor Joe O’Donnell to support this measure in (loyalist) Cluan Place and (nationalist) Clandeboye Drive.”

Last October, the Government released a revised implementation plan for its police reforms which promised to phase out the full-time reserve.

The Government also planned to increase the part-time reserve to 2,500 officers.

But after a summer of street disturbances between nationalists and loyalists in flashpoint areas of north, east and south Belfast, police resources have been stretched and PSNI officers have faced demands for round-the-clock protection of both communities.

Meanwhile, a report by independent arbitrators appointed by the Stormont Executive on the problems in the Ardoyne flashpoint area of north Belfast last night recommended the construction of a 3.6 metre fence and a wall to protect loyalist and nationalist residents from attacks.

The report by American conflict consultants Sue and Steve Williams also called for further attempts to build confidence and encourage dialogue between the two communities.

On receiving the report, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan said Stormont ministers had long advocated community dialogue as “a lasting solution to the tensions and divisions at this interface”.

The nationalist SDLP leader continued: “We are fully committed to supporting dialogue between the two communities which we believe to be more urgent than ever given the increased tensions in the area in recent weeks.

“We therefore ask all parties to provide feedback to the arbitrators in order to assist in achieving meaningful community dialogue.’’