A Unionist councillor accused of contributing to the controversy surrounding sectarian tensions in south Belfast last night (Wednesday) met residents from an apartment block targeted by loyalist protesters.
Bob Stoker, who joined fellow Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey for discussions with Whitehall Square residents, described the meeting as "positive".
The talks, held in a south Belfast hotel, came after leaflets calling for Catholics to be forced out of Sandy Row were delivered to houses in the predominantly loyalist area last week.
More than 80 Whitehall Square residents joined the owners of the development and police for discussions on the issue.
It is understood that the group decided to establish a residents association in a bid to "be a part of Sandy Row".
In the last two years Catholic residents in the luxury apartments have been the victims
of an orchestrated intimidation campaign. 'Taigs Out' was daubed the apartment block's walls last year and loyalist bunting was erected outside its windows.
Mr Stoker caused controversy by claiming that last week's loyalist protest was a response to attacks by "republicans" living in the Sandy Row area.
However, after last night's meeting he said people living in Whitehall Square wanted "to be involved in Sandy Row".
"They had concerns about some of the antisocial behaviour emanating from Whitehall Square. They, like us, do not want to see everyone tarred by the same brush.
"They want to be involved in Sandy Row and have set up a residents' association to represent their views. We hope to have a very urgent meeting with Sandy Row Community Forum to explain the process that happened here tonight."
Mr McGimpsey described the meeting as "very good and positive".
"We heard a number of opinions. It was very useful for myself and Bob Stoker to hear them," he said.
"The overwhelming opinion we received from the people is that they want to live in the Sandy Row community.
"One of the key things was to form a residents' association.
"It was very important for the people."
