City centre road closures due to protest
Police have warned both motorists and pedestrians of disruption in Belfast city centre on Saturday afternoon, due to the latest in a series of flag protests.
A number of roads – including Victoria Street, Wellington Place and Donegall Quay – have been closed to traffic, as protestors march to City Hall.
The Middlepath Street off-slip from the M3 Lagan Bridge and the Bridge End off-slip from the Sydenham bypass are also closed.
“Motorists are advised to follow diversions,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
A heavy police presence is in place in the city centre.
Protests have been ongoing since the change in policy regarding the flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall back in December.
Violence has marred demonstrations on a number of occasions and serious disruption has been caused by the blocking of roads.
Earlier this week, the Ulster People’s Forum – which was established in response to the continuing dispute – announced a change in strategy and their intention to see roadblocks replaced with white line pickets and localised protests outside council offices to coincide with monthly meetings.
“If people wish to continue to protest at City Hall, that’s their right to do that – as long as they don’t engage in acts of violence,” spokesperson Jamie Bryson told UTV, referring to the weekly Saturday demonstrations which have been held in the city centre.
