Clashes between youths at a north Belfast interface, particularly intense following an Orange Order parade last weekend, should not lead to the shutting of a peace gate opened two years ago, local representatives insist.
The sporadic clashes close to the Flax Street gate off the Crumlin Road, at an interface between Ardoyne and Woodvale, have led to some calls for at least its temporary closure.
Police had to deal with multiple clashes and other incidents on Saturday, including officers being attacked with bricks and bicycle wheels.
A meeting between police, community and political representatives was held on Thursday to discuss the violence, while PSNI patrols have increased, a senior officer said. Ultimately, it is for the police to decide whether a gate should be closed.
While residents of Woodvale have used social media to call for the closure, independent councillor Paul McCusker said: “I cannot see the gate closing. That does solve anything. This is about engagement and working together.”
Mr McCusker said sporadic clashes, particularly at the Hillview Retail Park, have broken out over the last six months but that the violence was particularly bad on Saturday evening following a Orange Order parade along the Crumlin Road.
But he said: “The local community would not be in favour of its closure. There would be a backlash from residents who enjoy their access to the Crumlin Road.”
Mr McCusker suggested a lot of young people from Ardoyne and Woodvale know each other and are in contact, including by social media.
He added that generally the Crumlin Road along that stretch is “buzzing” with shops, including Lidl, a new gym and other outlets.
Alliance Councillor Sam Nelson, a member of the Policing and Community Partnership Board, echoed the view the gate should not be closed.
Its opening in November, 2022, was almost universally welcomed among Ardoyne representatives, though concerns were raised by councillors and MLAs representing Woodvale.
The PSNI issued a “stark warning” to anyone involved in disturbances that they “face the very real prospect of prosecution and a criminal record”.
Chief Inspector Alan Lowry, the North Belfast Area Commander, said that on Saturday youths with sticks clashed in the Cambria Street area.
“Officers attended and the youths had already dispersed. Crews remained in the area for a time and carried out additional patrols,” Mr Lowry said.
Later, at around 5.30pm, a number of youths gathered in the Hillview area and were asked to disperse. Police remained in the area during the evening.
A large number of youths then gathered around Havana Gardens and threw masonry and bicycle wheels at police.
“Police received additional reports...of groups of youths also fighting on the Crumlin Road and within a retail park in the Hillview area where there have been further reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
“Investigations into these reports is ongoing as we work to identify those involved. Where offences are have been committed, we will not hesitate to bring the perpetrators before the courts.
“We are continuing to work alongside partner agencies and local representatives in order to help resolve these issues.”
In a statement, North Belfast IRSP said it is asking parents to check their kids are not involved in anti social behaviour in the area.
“This is an ongoing issue which could lead to the gates at Flax Street being closed again,” the republican socialist party said.
