Holy Cross blockade called off

Catholic children were today preparing to go to Holy Cross primary school in north Belfast without encountering loyalist protesters for the first time in three months.

Residents in the Glenbryn estate called off their blockade after negotiating a package of security measures with David Trimble and Mark Durkan, Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Ministers.

But police chiefs will retain a large security presence on the flashpoint Ardoyne Road in a bid to ensure the settlement is not broken.

Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast Alan McQuillan maintained a cautious approach was needed.

He said: ‘‘We will have a major operation in place on the Ardoyne Road, but of a different character because we don’t believe we will have a protest.

‘‘We want to make things as normal as possible but still have arrangements if there’s trouble.’’

As security forces were finalising arrangements last night, Glenbryn residents and parents from the lower Ardoyne met last night to ensure today’s school run passed off peacefully.

The meeting was later described as positive.

Loyalists suspended their 12-week picket following the intervention of Mr Trimble, Mr Durkan and others in the Stormont power-sharing executive.

A package of security measures including closed circuit TV, speed ramps and increased police patrols was accepted by the Protestant community following an intense round of negotiations.

Attention has now switched to securing talks between the two sides.

But with parents still nervous ahead of the morning school run, Mr McQuillan has pledged to maintain a police presence which has already cost up to £3m.

But the Belfast police chief indicated the ranks of Land Rovers would be reduced and more foot patrol officers deployed.

‘‘As both sides gain confidence in the new arrangements we will be able to progressively scale it down to much more normal levels,’’ he said.

‘‘But we are going to take this slowly.’’

Parents and children from the Catholic and nationalist Ardoyne area had been subjected to a torrent of abuse from the loyalists while walking through their area in order to reach the Holy Cross.

Concerns have been expressed that the blockade has yet to be declared over for good.

Fr Aidan Troy, chairman of the Holy Cross board of governors, insisted people should not be too concerned by loyalists declaring the picket was suspended.

‘‘I’m interpreting that as their phrase to move out of where they have been,’’ he said.

‘‘One good day without difficulty will be the foundation for it becoming normal.’’

Anne Bill, a spokeswoman for the Glenbryn residents, was adamant that it is now up to Stormont executive to follow through on its promises.

‘‘If security in the community can be addressed then people are quite happy to keep the protest off for good,’’ she said.