Kelly praises youth move on interface violence

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said he fully endorsed youths from across the political divide that have called for an end to the interface violence.
Speaking at the launch of the 'North Belfast Youth Say No To Interface Violence' poster campaign, the Republican representative said he endorsed their message of peace and respect.
Young people from across the area took their anti-sectarian message to Stormont this week and met with the North’s junior ministers Gerry Kelly and Jeffrey Donaldson.
Commending the work of the youth, Gerry Kelly said he fully endorsed their message of peace and respect.
“The summer has historically been a difficult time for communities in North Belfast but here we have young people showing real leadership within their community to stop interface violence erupting,” said Gerry.
“Over the past weekend we have witnessed areas where dialogue can replace conflict and we need to build on these models of dialogue and promote a peaceful summer.
“As ministers, we endorse and agree with what these young people say to interface violence – ‘Wise Up M8’.”
Pioneered by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group, the latest initiative aimed at reducing sectarian strife will see 20,000 leaflets and posters designed by young people for other young people distributed widely.
Translink has also backed the campaign with posters to be displayed in all buses servicing routes in and out of North Belfast

Ní Chuilín in call to support housing protest

North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Carál Ní Chuilín urged all residents’ groups and housing activists to come together in support of a protest on Tuesday for the 'Stand Up for North Belfast’ housing campaign.
All residents, community and housing groups and elected representatives have been urged to come out and support their introductory protest at Carrickhill in protest at shabby, second-class housing.
A recent decision by the Planning Service to give the nod to a 226 private apartment development on the Donegall Street car park site was the final straw for North Belfast housing activists who refuse to accept high-rise living as the future for desperate nationalist families.
The public protest at Carrickhill/Donegall Street on Tuesday morning is at 11am and anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Councillor pledges to help church-goers after attack

Voicing her condemnation of vandals behind an attack on a Protestant church in Whitewell, Sinn Féin Councillor for the area Tierna Cunningham pledged her commitment to do whatever she could to allay the fears of St Ninian's church-goers.
“This attack on the church was completely unacceptable on every level, but this is not a matter of sectarian violence, this is senseless vandalism and it must stop,” she said.
“St Ninian's is a valuable part of the community and we don't want anyone to feel threatened going to the church.
“We have been engaged in a programme of work trying to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area and we will not let this ruin our progress.”
Meanwhile a group of North Belfast nationalist youths plan to raise money to help repair damage to the church in an act of solidarity with its congregation.
St Ninian's Church of Ireland was targeted by vandals in the latest in a long series of wanton acts of vandalism on the Whitewell Road in recent months.

Its all downwards for Sinn Féin MLA

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly along with local curate Fr Gary Donegan and Fr Gary's life-long friend Eamonn McLaughlin took part in a charity abseil off the Europa at the weekend.
A total so far of almost £7,000 has been raised towards parish funds, with the money going some way towards clearing the parish debt.
Swapping his usual Assembly suit and tie for a rope and a harness, Gerry made Saturday's descent his second charity abseil down the Europa Hotel.
“I was very pleased to be asked to get involved in Saturday's charity abseil because it's these sorts of events that make my work light-hearted and fun,” he said.
“I was only too pleased to support the community and the parish and it's definitely something I want to do more of in the future.”
Gerry meanwhile extended his congratulations to Holy Cross Boys' Gaelic footballers on winning the Raffo Cup at Casement last week, and Ardoyne Kickhams senior footballers on capturing the Beringer Cup, again at Casement Park, on Sunday.

Vandals are unrepresentative of community - Kelly

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said vandals who stripped lead off the roof of a community charity organisation are completely unrepresentative of the wider community.
His comments came after thieves left gaping holes in the roof of the 174 Trust when leading was stripped from around the chimney breast.
The entire upper floor of the 174 Trust was at risk of complete devastation if the roof wasn't fixed immediately.
Faced with a repair bill running into thousands of pounds, the charity's pre-school, after-school and young people’s projects would suffer greatly as a result of the vandalism.
“It is deeply disturbing to think people would do such a thing to a community charity organisation which is such an asset to North Belfast,” said Gerry Kelly.
“These vandals are completely unrepresentative of the wider community and I hope the police will apprehend whoever was responsible and bring them before the courts.”

Ní Chuilín supports ‘Standing up for North Belfast’ housing campaign

Pledging her continuing support for a ‘Stand Up for North Belfast’ housing campaign, North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said nationalists were “still waiting on equality”.
North Belfast housing activists, politicians, community groups, church representatives and residents this week held an introductory meeting to outline the way forward for the Stand Up For North Belfast campaign.
The common goal is to hold the Housing Executive, the Department for Social Development (DSD) and private landlords to account.
“Many people are doing excellent work on their own but we need to join all our efforts and make this work,” said Carál.
“Private landlords banking land, charging colossal rents and housing associations selling houses privately are all adding to a poverty trap and these are the priorities we need to tackle as a matter of urgency.”
Housing Executive figures revealed that at the end of March, there were 2,502 applicants on the North Belfast housing waiting list, 1,690 of which were Catholics.
Almost 1,500 of those waiting were deemed to be in housing stress, 72 per cent of who were Catholic.

Sinn Fein minister visits St Malachy’s College

St Malachy's College on the Antrim Road received a visit from the Sinn Féin Education Minister Cáitríona Ruane this week.
The College, which is the only specialist school of music in the North, invited the Sinn Féin education minister for a site visit and on Wednesday she took a tour of the building, parts of which date back to 1830.
As well as a music and art session, and a tour of the school buildings the minister visited the sports pitch where a whole host of sports are played.
Talks between the school and minister surrounded the masterplan of the Girdwood Crumlin Road Gaol site.
As well as a focus on music the school has a first-class track record in the field of basketball.
Cáitríona Ruane said it was lovely to be in St Malachy's.
“It's lovely to be here. Myself and John (Principal John Morrin have something in common, his parents come from County Mayo, so it’s lovely to be here, I've had great fun with the lads.”
As well as lighter moment the minister did explain that discussions were also on the table.
“There are serious subjects on the table today, we have to see about St Malachy's and their future. But they are doing tremendous work.
“This is only one of the sites. There are lots of British military sites, which we have to make the most of. We have to make the best use of Girdwood – it's very important for this area, it's prime land. The school has big, big plans, and we have to see how they fit in.”

Welcome for Irish Language funding

North Belfast Irish language activist Conor Stiobhard from the Glór an Tuaiscirt group has expressed his thanks to Sinn Féin following the announcement of a British government pledge of additional funding for Irish language broadcasting.
A failure on the part of former culture minister Edwin Poots to secure the additional funding could have spelled the end for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) come next March.
But intense representations by Sinn Féin to the British government has secured an additional £6 million expressly for the ILBF when the current fund runs out in March 2009.
Given the controversy that surrounded the Irish language in recent months, Conor said the timing of the additional funding couldn't have been better.
“I was delighted to hear Sinn Féin had secured additional funding for the Irish language and while the overall sum may be small, it's proof the Irish language is being taken seriously by those in government,” said Conor.
“Irish language programmes are an invaluable learning tool and this money can ensure the rights of the Irish language community continue to be protected.
“The DUP has given Irish speakers and our language a tough ride lately but the British Prime Minister stepping in on this occasion is a positive step.
“The more people shout for equality and campaign the further we will go and this progress just further proves an Irish Language Act is just around the corner.”
Welcoming the announcement Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said it would allow the good work of Irish language broadcasters to continue.
But because the funding will only last for two years, Gerry said it was crucial to keep pressurising Gregory Campbell to fulfil his ministerial remit.

Great Escape of 1983 to be recalled

People from all over Belfast and beyond will gather in the Whiterock Leisure Centre this Saturday for the Great Escape 25th anniversary night.

38 Irish republicans
In September 1983 the gates of Long Kesh prison flew open and 38 Irish republicans, including at least eight from North Belfast escaped in the largest breakout in history from a British jail.
Many of the escapees will be present at the event on Saturday night as will many of those involved in the planning of the escape and those who took part in the ‘rearguard’ who stayed behind to ensure the escapees got away.
The role of Larry Marley, who was central to the planning of the escape, will also be elaborated on at the event.

April 1987
Larry Marley was assassinated by loyalists in April 1987, and is a legendary figure among republicans for his ability to plan escapes.
Doors open on Saturday June 21 at 7pm and there will be a full bar. Everyone is welcome and you can pay at the door.

CR Gas meeting

A newly-formed North Belfast support group has warned the battle is only just beginning in their quest for the truth.
Ceartais organisers were overwhelmed this week by the turnout at their first meeting set-up to uncover the truth about the deadly effects of the CR gas used on political prisoners in Long Kesh in 1974.
Delighted at the chance of a fresh platform in the 10-year campaign for truth and justice, ex-POW Joe Doherty said people at the meeting were stunned by what they heard.
Convinced of a link between the British Army use of CR and CS Gas in Long Kesh and the high rate of terminal illness among Republican prisoners since, Joe said the group was keen to get as many of the public on board as possible.
“We were delighted with the turnout at our first meeting so our campaign has obviously struck a chord,” he said.
“Some of the stories are so shocking that we have to step this whole campaign up a gear if we are ever going to get to the truth.
“There are so many strong feelings here and people want to get justice because we have been lied to for far too long.
“The battle plan is only just coming together and we will stop at nothing until we get truth and justice for all those affected and their families.”
For further information, contact Ceartais@hotmail.com

Breakthrough on Orange march

Welcoming the news that the Tour of the North parade would not pass by Ardoyne, North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said he hoped the decision would set the tone for a peaceful summer.
“Sinn Féin has always said the way to resolve these matters is through dialogue and I want to congratulate all those involved in the long and protracted negotiations around the issue of parades,” he said.
“This is a good news story for North Belfast and particularly for all those adversely affected by contentious parades in the past.”
The parade organisers withdrew the return leg of next week’s Tour of the North parade past Ardoyne after weeks of negotiation with a local residents group.
Intense talks have been taking place between the North West Belfast Parades Forum and the Ardoyne Parades Dialogue Group about contentious parades and their impact on local communities.
Previous Tour of the North parades have ended in violence with clashes between residents and marchers and rioting on the Crumlin Road resulting in millions of pounds of damage.
But Wednesday’s agreement will mean the parade will not pass the Ardoyne shops.
No decision had yet been made on the Duncairn end of the Tour.
Commending the hard work of representatives from both groups, Nationalist residents' spokesman Joe Marley said the decision would improve the prospects for a peaceful summer in the greater Crumlin Road area.
“A lot of hard work has been done by representatives of the two groups in a bid to create conditions where the two communities in the area work to resolve their differences on the parades issues through dialogue and negotiation based on mutual respect,” said Joe.
“It is our view that the Tour of the North will contribute to building further confidence in this dialogue and it is a hugely significant move.”

Under-attack pensioners deserve better – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has lambasting Housing Association Oaklee for what she described as an attitude of ‘contempt’ towards elderly residents in Carrickhill,
Her comments come after four pensioners' homes were attacked in the Lime Court area of Carrickhill which elderly residents.
On top of the attacks there have been 12 recorded burglaries in the area since December 31, elderly residents say their lives have become a ‘living hell’.
The attacks follow years of promises of security cameras, heightened fencing and improved security from Oaklee bosses to the Lime Court residents.
The Republican MLA said the housing association had a duty of care to elderly tenants and that she would be pursuing an urgent meeting with Oaklee bosses to make them face their responsibilities.
“These vulnerable elderly residents are being treated with nothing short of contempt and I demand to know when Oaklee is going to start delivering on its promises,” said Carál.
“There is massive support for these residents and I will do all I can to ensure Oaklee steps up to the mark.”

McLaughlin congratulates Gaelscoil Éanna

Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin has congratulated the staff and pupils of Gaelscoil Éanna in Glengormley on its official opening by Educationa Minister, Cátriona Ruane.
“I would like to congratulate everyone at Gaelscoil Éanna, pupils, staff, parents and Board of Governors on the official opening of their Gaelscoil,” said Mitchel.
“Having watched the growth of the Irish language sector in the South Antrim area over the last couple of years I am delighted for all involved to see their efforts come to fruition.
“Unfortunately due to Assembly commitments I was unable to attend the official opening but I can assure them of my continued interest and support.
“The determination and commitment displayed by all those involved in this project assured its success,” said the Repunlican representative.
“The Irish Language sector is becoming the medium of choice for more and more parents who are recognising the benefits of bi-lingualism.
“I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support that was forthcoming from Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta who are indispensible to the promotion of Irish Medium education.
“The continued increase in the numbers of people speaking Irish is testament to the work being done in the education sector by Comhaírle na Gaelscolaíochta.”
Commending the Gaelscoil team on its resilience and ‘can do’ approach, Northern education minister Cáitríona Ruane said she recognised the school's potential from the very beginning.
“It is absolutely fantastic to see this first Primary One class finally reach this historic landmark but I never once doubted its chance of success,” said the Sinn Féin minister.
“This is a fantastic time for the Irish language and I am delighted to see this school go from strength to strength.
“The drive and enthusiasm is truly inspirational and I am honoured to be involved.”
In a sign of changing times newly-elected DUP Mayor of Newtownabbey Victor Robinson attended the event.

Police and the judiciary need to do better to deter rape – Ní Chuilín

After statistics were revealed that there were more rapes recorded in North Belfast last year than in any other part of the city - but less than 20 per cent resulted in police charges – Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said figures should be much higher.
“While these statistics are truly frightening, a lot of people still do not report rape and sexual violence so in that sense the figures should be a lot higher,” said Carál.
More rapes were recorded in North Belfast from April last year until March of this year than in the last five years but of the 42 allegations, only eight were charged.
“The police and the judiciary need to do better in terms of charging and convicting rapists if we are ever to have an effective deterrent. Proper resources need to be put in place so that confidence levels will go up and people will come forward,” said the Republican representative.

No funds for Rape Crisis Centre

Meanwhile Carál has condemned Health Minister Michael McGimpsey's decision not to reinstate funding to the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast's Donegall Street.
“I think the minister needs to reconsider his decision,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.
“It is a people-centred, community-based organisation which has been there for a long time, helping people survive rape and sexual abuse.
“When I was on the Health Committee, there was heavy lobbying to have the Rape Crisis Centre funded and I think the minister needs to explain his decision.
“The gap in the services provided by the Rape Crisis Centre is that they have never had proper resources and rely heavily on goodwill and voluntary help.
“There needs to be an investment in survivors of these crimes and proper resources to stress that rape and sexual abuse will not be tolerated.”


For further information log on to www.rapecrisisni.com or phone the Rape Crisis Line 028 90 329002.

Public urged to attend DPP meetings

North Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) members are urging residents to “get involved” in shaping the area's next policing plan.
Consultation on the 2009/10 policing plan gets under way in North Belfast next week with a meeting at the Lansdowne followed by a repeat performance on Duncairn Gardens the week after.
Appealing to North Belfast residents to attend one of the two meetings, DPP independent member and former republican POW Gerry O’Reilly said people needed to get involved in shaping the policing of North Belfast.
“These public consultation meetings are all about getting people involved in the shaping of their own policing and we want to help them understand the processes and how exactly they are affected by them,” he said.
“The people of North Belfast are an integral part of every one of our processes and that is why it is vital they come along and give us their views, comments and criticisms.”
The first meeting will take place at the Lansdowne on Monday 16 at 7pm and a second public meeting will be held at NICVA on Tuesday 24 at 7pm. Everyone is invited to attend.

Kelly to speak at credit crunch debate

Following recent hikes in diesel, electricity and gas on top of food price increases a major public debate will be held in North Belfast to discuss how hard the economic credit crunch is affecting already cash-strapped homes here.
The event at the Lansdowne Hotel has been organised by the Future Together Initiative (FTI) to illustrate the depth of concern in the community.
Among the speakers including will be North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council Eleanor Gill and former independent chair of the Water Tax Review Professor Paddy Hillyard.
Irene Sherry of the FTI said it is reassuring that Northern Executive Minister Gerry Kelly is keen to listen to the concerns of all.
The public debate takes place on Thursday June 19 at 7pm and everyone is invited to attend. More information is available from Irene Sherry 90221022 or John Loughran 9035 2165.

Sinn Féin welcome Old Throne reprieve

The Greater Whitewell community is celebrating after news that the Old Throne Post Office is not to shut after-all
In April that the Old Throne outlet was one of 96 post offices earmarked for closure throughout the North.
Based on an interface, MLAs, councillors and community groups said its closure would destroy communities on both sides of the divide and ruin years of hard work in the area.
North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said it would have been scandalous to remove such an essential service on an interface.
But in light of the news the Carlisle Circus and Cavehill branches were to close, Carál said the Old Throne victory was ‘bitter sweet’.
“It is great to see that Post Office bosses listened to our protestations and decided to keep this branch open but this victory has a sour note because of the other closures in North Belfast,” she said.
“Carlisle and Cavehill also deserved to be kept open, especially in an area like Carlisle where there is supposed to be significant regeneration going on.
“Closing a vital cross-community post office doesn't sit well with regeneration.”
Sinn Féin councillor for the area Tierna Cunningham shared Carál and Unionist MLA Fred Cobain's delight about Old Throne.
“Our concerns were listened to, the community are delighted and this is a great example of people power,” she said.
Only four post offices across the north will remain open following a six-week consultation period, the first closures are scheduled for July.

Sinn Féin councillor questions CCTV cameras effectiveness

With only 47 identifications and prosecutions secured from the PSNI looking over footage from all police cameras across the north of the city, Sinn Féin councillor Conor Maskey said he had to question the camera's value for money.
“Twaddell is one of our most volatile interfaces yet we still do not know how many arrests or convictions have resulted from the camera we are paying thousands of pounds to install and maintain,” he said.
The PSNI were put through their paces over the £25,000 cameras dotted across North Belfast at the quarterly District Policing Partnership (DPP) meeting.
“There are cameras all over the district yet here we are being told there have only been 47 prosecutions in an entire year as a result of filmed footage and that really is not good enough.
“It's all about value for money and it is obvious the arguments put forward in favour of CCTV surveillance are very weak when set against these identification and prosecution figures.”
Conor said even the fact that only three civilians were employed to monitor almost 50 screens at the Antrim Road base ‘leaves a lot to be desired’.
“I would like to know how much a static police vehicle at the Twaddell interface would cost compared to the cost of erecting and maintaining the camera and paying the three civilian monitors, not to mention the officers who are employed to trawl through footage,” said Conor.
Suggesting police should look into moving the
Independent DPP member, North Belfast interface worker Gerry O’Reilly said dealing with interface violence was not the job of police alone.
Echoing Conor's scepticism on the effectiveness of CCTV, Gerry said the only answer was ‘sitting down with the community’.
“What is needed is community interaction, not cameras and jeeps,” he said.
“I have seen interaction work and I also know that putting up a camera or the PSNI sitting in a jeep or car is not going to achieve results but getting in with the community will.”

McClenaghan encourages everyone to attend Ardoyne meeting

Sinn Fein councillor for the Ardoyne Margaret McClenaghan said the Butler Walk footpath area were so concerned about the recent increase in anti-social behaviour, that action had to be taken.
“A meeting has been organised for next Tuesday night and the reason is, this walkway has become an anti-social hotspot,” said Margaret.
“I would encourage everyone to attend this meeting because it is causing problems for a lot of people”
The Butler Walk footpath runs parallel with Holy Cross Boys Primary School and also borders the back of the newly unveiled Ardoyne Community Centre and a fold for pensioners.
“There are so many broken bottles on the ground it's incredible. The school, the community centre and the Fold are all bearing the brunt and this can't continue.
“There is an empty house nearby as well which isn't helping, but I've been in touch with the Housing Executive to find what is the time scale for getting the shutters off and allocating the house.”
The meeting will take place in Ardoyne Community Centre on Tuesday June 10 at 7pm.

Republicans call PSNI to account for CS Gas usage

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey and community representatives expressed grave concerns this week following revelations that in North Belfast the PSNI had resorted to using CS Spray 38 times from January to December last year.
The figures, which mean the incapacitant spray was used by officers in North Belfast on average three times a month last year, were released at this week's North Belfast sub-group DPP meeting.
There were 38 incidents involving CS spray in North Belfast last year and only half the amount of incidents in west Belfast.
However figures show there were more attacks on officers and police vehicles in west Belfast in the last financial year than there were in the north of the city.
There were 142 such attacks in west and 120 in north.
North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Conor Maskey said he wanted a further breakdown of figures to ensure CS gas usage was on the downturn.
“We all want to see a marked reduction and I think that is something we should all be working towards.
“Given that the test to use CS gas is subjective I think that is another thing we need to look at and talk about.”
Set alongside the number of CS Spray incidents in west Belfast, DPP independent member and former Republican POW Gerry O’Reilly said he was extremely concerned by the high usage figure in North Belfast.
“Going by head of population, I am extremely concerned that there were 38 incidents of CS gas in the north of the city last year when there were only 19 in west, exactly half,” said O’Reilly.
“I would ask what merited this high usage and what is being done to avoid officers having to resort to using the spray.”

McClenaghan calls for new Ligoniel fence

North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Margaret McClenaghan has welcomed confirmation from Belfast City Council that it is seeking funding to replace a large chunk of fencing stolen from Ligoniel Park.
The alarm was first raised about the stolen railings a few months ago but with replacement fencing still not in place, Margaret fears someone will be seriously injured.
Keen to keep gangs of youths from gathering around Ligoniel dam, Margaret said new fencing was as a matter of urgency.
“This railing was initially put in place to stop serious accidents in and around the dam but unfortunately it too has been targeted by anti-socials,” said the Sinn Féin councillor.
“What is essential is that we get replacement fencing as soon as possible before there is a catastrophe.
“We are all looking towards dealing with the wider issue of anti-social behaviour but in the meantime parks chiefs need to act quickly.”
On top of missing fencing complaints, Margaret said she has been inundated with complaints from Ligoniel residents about quad bikes taking over the park.
Apart from the health and safety risks the bikes pose to park users, Margaret said they are destroying a popular local resource as she called on parks officers to look at measures to sort the problems out.
“I think that permanent wardens up at Ligoniel Park would quickly sort any problems out,” said Margaret.
“The quad issues and other anti-social behaviour problems have been going on for quite some time and it is ruining the general public's enjoyment of the park.
“We want to promote our parks as safe, relaxing environments, not anti-social havens and I think permanent park wardens would be a strong step forward.”

‘Sectarian attacks on pensioners in Carrickhill must stop’ - Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the sectarian attacks on pensioners in Carrickhill were unacceptable and had to stop.
Bricks and stones were hurled at houses in Stanhope Street again with several homes, including that of 87-year-old Cassie McMahon targeted in an unprovoked sectarian attack.
It’s the latest in a long line of incidents that have plagued the three-year-old housing estate.
Now residents who have suffered these attacks that come from Upper Townsend Street, Shankill and Peter’s Hill estates via the Westlink, want to leave.
Last Friday evening Cassie was returning dishes to her kitchen sink when stones smashed her kitchen and bedroom windows to smithereens. It's the third time her windows have been replaced.
“This has been going on a couple of years now and it's clear that the NIO and Oaklee Housing are refusing to look at this issue seriously,” said Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín.
“Sectarian attacks are wrong no matter where they happen. In this case the quality of life for families and pensioners living here is zilch.
“We're very lucky in that we have good interface workers, but I feel the issue lies around better policing. Despite CCTVs these attacks continue. A more effective strategy is needed immediately.”

A little bit of effort here could reap fantastic results for Bone park – Margaret McClenaghan

North Belfast Sinn Féin elected representative Margaret McClenaghan said councillors are hoping a design out crime audit at one of the area's oldest parks could be the answer to anti-social behaviour at the site.
Parts of Marrowbone Park have become a no go over the years because of a few anti-social hotspots.
Although the park is still well-used in the main by dog-walkers and other locals, North Belfast families have been put off visiting the park because of gangs gathering in and around secluded points.
North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Margaret McClenaghan said that although the park improvements will include additional lighting and secure fencing, if adequate funding is secured, the real problems lie in the design of the park.
Without digging into the famous mounds of the 'Bone Hills and rectifying the general layout, according to Margaret, there will be no success story for parks officers.
“I have been going to the 'Bone Park for more than 40 years and fortunately that allows me to see exactly what needs fixing here,” said Margaret.
“This is something I brought up last year and I am pleased action is finally being taken here.
“I know there is a tight budget but this was a beautiful family park and could be again if everyone takes some action.
“Walking around the park reminded me just how much potential the place has but it will take careful planning.
“The mounds in the park block visibility too much so they need to be dug away and there are several other hiding places that need to be dealt with.
“If hedges were trimmed and thinned it would make the park much safer and less threatening and then nice shrubs and a good clean up would really tidy the whole park.
“Once the park is made secure and the whole issue around access is addressed, it will be much safer and much more enjoyable for users.
“A little bit of effort here could reap fantastic results.”
As a priority, Margaret said she would like to see extra railings erected alongside the pathway known as 'The Bray' and along the front of the Oldpark Road.
If that was secured, the republican activist said she would next look to additional lighting throughout the park which she is confident would discourage anti-social behaviour.