Barrier opening gate news

THE opening of a security gate was hailed as a “significant day” for a community that was “hemmed in” by the barrier.

Centre Manager at the Ardoyne Association Elaine Burns said the heavy-duty gate at Flax Street in North Belfast had “closed the community in” for 36 years.

She added: “We have the issue of emergency services getting access, especially to older people. This gate has been adding time on to how quickly an ambulance can arrive for all these years.

“The gate was only put there in the late 80s and it’s a shame it’s taken until 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement to come down. But it’s down now and it’s going to help transform this area.”

ACCESS Heavy duty gates opened at Flax Street in Ardoyne, North Belfast SIGNIFICANT Previously blocked North Belfast street