Row over playground 'peace wall'

A 25ft high fence is to be built at Hazelwood Integrated Primary School.

The Northern Ireland Office said it was being erected to protect residents after attacks last summer in the nearby Throne Park area.

However, the Whitewell Road school said it had "many concerns" about the impact of a security fence on the school and the wider community.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office said the decision had only been taken after extensive consultation with residents, political representatives and the school.

"The minister has - on advice from the PSNI - agreed that a mesh fence should be erected to protect residents living in the Throne Park area," said the statement.

"Upgrade security"

Hazelwood Primary said it was "deeply concerned" to hear that residents, living adjacent to the school grounds, were attacked last summer.

In a statement, it added: "We believe that the protection of life both inside and outside of the school is of paramount importance, and have given our full support to community initiatives that address some of the underlying problems in the area.

"Therefore, we have given our full support to community initiatives that address some of the underlying problems in the area.

"We have also agreed plans, in conjunction with DENI, to upgrade security in the school grounds.

"It was with great sadness that we heard of the Security Minister Paul Goggins' decision to erect a 25-foot heavy grade fence in the school grounds."

Michael Wardlow of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education said: "The proposed new wall will directly impinge upon Hazelwood Integrated Primary School.

"Nicie support whatever the school wants and feels is best in the interests of the school and the wider school community.

"We have to be sensitive to the past and history of north Belfast where the school is located, but we must also be stewards to the future."

DUP assembly member Nelson McCausland said it was sad at this time to be erecting another peaceline.

But he added: "I will support anything that will provide safety and security in their own homes.

"My priority is the safety and security of families."