Families who left their homes in the Lenadoon estate will not return until the British Army leave the area.
Since 16 July 1972 hundreds of residents have left the Lenadoon estate in Belfast due to a heavy British Army presence. Those staying in the De Le Salle School, Andersonstown are to be transported across the border where they will be housed at Gormanston College in County Meath.
Local curate Father James Fitzsimons believes Secretary of State for Northern Ireland William Whitelaw should order British troops out of houses and flats in Lenadoon so the residents can move back in.
The Whitelaw administration will not reduce the presence of the British army in the Lenadoon estate unless the Irish Republican Army (IRA) give an assurance there will be no gunfire from within the estate.
Father James Fitzsimons negotiated with the IRA to end their activities in the estate.
The IRA gave that assurance to us personally that they would not use the area to shoot on the British Army and as far as I'm aware they have complied with those assurances.
He is aware that shooting has taken place on the outskirts of the estate but he is sure none of the shots have come from inside the area. He is unhappy there has been any shooting around the area,
This disappointment was communicated to the IRA and they have promised to look into this and try and avoid it in the future.
In the meantime the residents are unwavering in their commitment to stay out of Lenadoon while the British Army are present,
They are determined that they will not return to their homes.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 July 1972. The reporter is Don McManus.
