21/07/2004
Protestors take to streets over possible rail closure
More than 200 people have marched through Belfast city centre today to protest against plans to close the Belfast to Londonderry rail link north of Ballymena.
Lobby group, Into the West, presented petitions containing thousands of signatures to officials reviewing Northern Ireland's railway network on Wednesday.
One of those present, Young Ulster Unionist Council Chairman, Kenny Donaldson said the decision to close such an essential service was "damaging for those that value this service greatly".
"For to long now the people of Northern Ireland have suffered as a result of poor Public Services," Mr Donaldson said.
"Students, businessmen and the elderly all find this line a necessity for their ways of life. By removing it we are reducing any access to Belfast for the people of the North West."
Among today's campaigners were SDLP leader Mark Durkan, as well as senior representatives from rail operators Translink, which produced a report putting forward a strong economic case for retaining the threatened line.
(MB)
Lobby group, Into the West, presented petitions containing thousands of signatures to officials reviewing Northern Ireland's railway network on Wednesday.
One of those present, Young Ulster Unionist Council Chairman, Kenny Donaldson said the decision to close such an essential service was "damaging for those that value this service greatly".
"For to long now the people of Northern Ireland have suffered as a result of poor Public Services," Mr Donaldson said.
"Students, businessmen and the elderly all find this line a necessity for their ways of life. By removing it we are reducing any access to Belfast for the people of the North West."
Among today's campaigners were SDLP leader Mark Durkan, as well as senior representatives from rail operators Translink, which produced a report putting forward a strong economic case for retaining the threatened line.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Quite cloudy with some rain to start. Variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells during the day along with scattered slow moving showers, occasionally heavy and thundery. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Partly cloudy this evening with any remaining heavy showers soon clearing away. The rest of the night will then be largely cloudy with the risk of a few showers later. Minimum temperature 12 °C.