Ministers' letter over dispute

Proposals are aimed at easing street tensions

Protestant and Catholic residents in north Belfast have been asked to sign up to a statement of principles aimed at rebuilding community relations.

The first and deputy first ministers outlined the proposal in a letter to north Belfast assembly members and community representatives in Ardoyne.

It is the latest move in an initiative by David Trimble and Mark Durkan to ease tensions in Ardoyne, which led to the dispute over access to Holy Cross girls primary school last year.

The move follows meetings on Wednesday with both communities who were protesting that initiatives proposed by ministers last November were not yet implemented.

It is proposed that both communities sign up to a statement of principles to rebuild trust

Ministers' statement

Among the items on the agenda was the "adjustment" of the Ardoyne Road to prevent rioting.

In a statement on Friday night, the ministers said: "We are asking everyone involved to play a constructive role to resolve the outstanding issues by taking forward programmes for progress on community dialogue and community safety.

"We expect these programmes to operate simultaneously but separately. This will benefit both communities, provide assurance for all and create an atmosphere conducive to progress."

The statement of principles will recognise the importance of the Holy Cross Catholic school and the mainly Protestant Wheatfield schools in the Ardoyne area, the ministers' statement said.

"It is proposed that both communities sign up to a statement of principles to rebuild trust, confidence and community relations," they said.

The residents are asked to comment on the proposals by 24 May.