Many people do not want the improvised barriers that have been erected on Belfast streest removed.
Following the outbreak of civil unrest and rioting, the British Army was deployed in Northern Ireland on 14 August 1969. The violence that took place in Belfast, led communities to construct barricades on more than 300 streets.
British Army troops are working with local residents and officials in Belfast Corporation to remove the barricades and replace them with peace lines. Removing the barriers will be a challenge unless the people who erected them, willingly co-operate, or voluntarily dismantle them.
The Belfast people who spoke to RTÉ News are resistant to the proposed removal of the barricades,
No, I don't want them down we're happy with them up.
A woman is worried that removing the barricades could spark off more violence. A man adds,
If it was me, they wouldn't come down because I have kids there in fear of their life.
A visibly upset elderly woman wants the barriers to remain unless the troops stay to provide protection,
There’s nothing else for us because they’d murder us.
Another man does not want the troops removing the barricades and if they try,
As far as I hear we'll use passive resistance.
Another man comments on what will happen,
Well, we'll just have to wait and see.
The expectation that the residents themselves should remove the barricades is also a step too far,
I think it's a disgrace to ask the people to take down the barriers, lift the Special Powers Act first and then we’ll see about taking them down.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 September 1969. The reporter is Eddie Barret.
