Holy Cross dispute suffers setback

Attempts to end the dispute surrounding Holy Cross Primary School in north Belfast have suffered a major setback following a statement released by protestant residents which said they were “suspending all business”.

In a statement, the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA) said they were making the move to pull out of discussions following the arrest of seven residents who were charged with public order offences.

In a statement the group said: “As of 6.15pm on September 19 2001, the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne suspended all business until further notice.

“The committee has attempted to play a positive role in influencing the upper Ardoyne’s protest. However, attempts have been recklessly undermined by the RUC to the point where we feel unable to offer any further advice regarding further future protests.”

Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 20 September banned six men from taking part in the protest outside Holy Cross primary school. The men were charged with unlawfully fighting and making an affray on September 3rd. All six were remanded on bail of £400 until November 15th; while a 17-year-old is due to appear before a juvenile court next Wednesday.

Following these arrests, loyalists said the protests would be stepped up. They have accused the RUC of being biased towards the Catholic parents who have escorted to the primary school gates in the Glenbryn area every day since the dispute began more than three weeks ago.

North Belfast Assemblyman Billy Hutchinson warned: “It’s now made people angry and people will want to up the ante in terms of the protest. I don’t blame people, in fact the police are not welcome here for what they have done.”

He added: “I think they have been totally biased and acted in a biased behaviour since they came in here on September 3.” (AMcE)