The British government has confirmed it will install CCTV cameras along the 'peace line' in east Belfast in a bid to stop sectarian rioting.
Northern Ireland Office Security Minister Ms Jane Kennedy said officials were considering where exactly to put additional cameras in the Short Strand flashpoint which has seen some of the worst violence this summer. The new system will be rolled out within weeks, she said.
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"The installation of CCTV cameras will both enhance community safety and bring some reassurance to the beleaguered communities across east Belfast," she said.
"CCTV in itself is not the whole solution but I do believe it will be an effective tool in countering sectarian violence at community interfaces and bringing those responsible to justice".
The Short Strand has seen some of the worst rioting in recent months in Belfast, with petrol bombs, pipe bombs, stones, bottles and other missiles hurled from either side of the peace line into the nationalist Clandeboye Gardens and loyalist Cluan Place.
There have been a number of injuries on both sides of the divide have been wounded in the disturbances over the summer and many houses were damaged or abandoned. Unionists and nationalists have accused paramilitaries on either side of the divide of orchestrating the violence.
The decision has been welcomed by unionists. Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble and his UUP ministerial colleague Sir Reg Empey have been pressing for the cameras to be installed in east Belfast.
But Sinn Féin couuncillor Fra McCann argued existing CCTV cameras in the area had not prevented loyalist attacks on nationalist homes. He also claimed nationalist residents had no faith in the police officers operating them.
PA