Ardoyne dispute 'will have negative effect on Greater Belfast policing': Long

12.00.00am GMT Thu 10th Jan 2002

Castlereagh Alliance councillor Michael Long has expressed concerns at the potential negative effect that the renewed dispute in Ardoyne will have on policing in the borough.

Cllr Long said: "During last year's Holy Cross dispute police officers from Castlereagh were regularly transferred to North Belfast with the result that more constraints were placed on carrying out the functions of law and order in the south of the city."

"Given the recently released figures of soaring crime in South Belfast, it is even more important that all available resources are kept in the area. Policing the Ardoyne dispute is a huge drain on resources in terms of cost as well as manpower."

"I sincerely hope that the people of North Belfast can resolve this problem through dialogue once and for all."

"The reality is that the failure to sort out the Holy Cross dispute has an impact on law and order throughout Greater Belfast."

ENDS.