Loyalists protestors strike 'peace deal' with Belfast police

The North’s new police service has struck a deal with the loyalist protestors outside the Catholic Holy Cross school in Belfast that should see the protest scaled down in the coming days.

The police have agreed to remove riot gear and ease security along the Ardoyne Rd in return for a reduction in the vigour of the 11-week protest.

The loyalists stood away from police vehicles this morning as children and parents walked to school and there were no noisy horns or whistles to greet the parents as they returned home.

Despite this move, nationalists expressed anger that they were not consulted about the new arrangements and expressed concern about the reduction in security levels.

The police have said their priority is still the safety of the children and welcomed the fact that today’s protest was peaceful.

The loyalist residents have also welcomed the fact that the police now view their protests as legitimate.