Political leaders move to end Holy Cross dispute

Political leaders in the North are finalising a package to tackle the dispute between Catholics and loyalists in North Belfast.

Loyalists suspended their protests at the Holy Cross School last night.

A forum is being set up where both sides can discuss the issues. The decision was taken after Protestant residents from Glenbryn voted in favour of a package of community safety measures in the Ardoyne area, which include the installation of closed circuit cameras to end the stand-off.

The decision was reached after direct intervention from the First and Deputy First Ministers. Chairman of the Holy Cross Board of Governors, Fr Aidan Troy, also welcomed the move.

The demonstration from Protestant residents against Catholic schoolgirls and their parents going through their area to the school has lasted 12 months, during which the children have had to endure verbal abuse and a pipe bomb attack.