Eight held over Holy Cross protest

The dispute surrounding Holy Cross Catholic girls' school in north Belfast intensified last night after eight loyalist men were…

The dispute surrounding Holy Cross Catholic girls' school in north Belfast intensified last night after eight loyalist men were arrested for public order offences.

Residents of the Glenbryn area, where the school is situated, said they would step up their protests. The daily demonstrations would now continue indefinitely, they said.

They accused the RUC of being biased towards the Catholic parents who have been escorted to the school gates in the Glenbryn area.

The arrests came yesterday morning before parents and children were escorted up the Ardoyne Road for the 12th time.

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Six of the eight arrested will appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court this morning. One was released without charge and one was still being interviewed yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, the DUP Social Development Minister approved a plan to build 1,750 new homes in the north Belfast area, as well as an £8.7 million renewal plan for the Protestant Glenbryn area.