Security plan for picketed flats

Anti-republican slogans have appeared on the apartments block

Security is to be stepped up at apartments near Belfast city centre which have been picketed by loyalists.

About 80 people living in the Whitehall Square apartments at Sandy Row attended a meeting on Wednesday which was addressed by Ulster Unionist politicians.

The meeting came exactly a week after a protest involving 200 loyalists outside the privately owned apartments.

Anti-republican graffiti was also daubed on the flats.

Some residents have already decided to leave the apartments.

However, those still living there attended the meeting which was organised by Brackenwood Property Management Services which is responsible for the flats.

The people in Whitehall Square want to live in the Sandy Row community and play a part and basically get on with their lives and they have the right to do that Michael McGimpsey UUP assembly member

The PSNI also attended the meeting, and it is understood security in the area surrounding the apartments is to be increased.

Ulster Unionist councillor Bob Stoker, who caused outrage when he said people living in Sandy Row had been provoked by those living in the apartments, was at the meeting along with the South Belfast assembly member Michael McGimpsey.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McGimpsey said the discussions had been "positive".

"The people in Whitehall Square want to live in the Sandy Row community and play a part and basically get on with their lives and they have the right to do that," he said.

"We are trying to work a way forward and to see how we sort that out.

"One of the key things they decided was to form a residents' group and I think that is important to have a voice for the people living in Whitehall Square."

'Tough action'

Mr Stoker said he was now planning to have an urgent meeting with the Sandy Row Community Forum and other residents who have no association with that forum to discuss the outcome of the meeting.

SDLP Lord Mayor of Belfast Martin Morgan said tougher measures were needed to protect residents from intimidation.

"People should not have to live in continual fear for their own safety," he said.

"Tougher security measures are very welcome - but now we must see tough action on those who are responsible for inciting hatred and bigotry in this area.

"Unionist politicians must also use their leadership influence to stop this intimidation. There is no place in Belfast for sectarianism, or for crimes of hate."