Hundreds protest against Boyne Bridge demolition

Around 200 people have attended a protest in Sandy Row in Belfast at the decision to dismantle a bridge in the area.

Work to remove the Boyne Bridge began last month as part of Translink’s redevelopment of the area around the new Grand Central Station.

This evening’s rally is part of a campaign to highlight what organisers say are wider issues in the area, such as plans for student flats and a lack of social housing.

A last-minute legal bid to save the bridge in October failed.

Billy Nixon, who helped organise the Save Sandy Row rally, said: “They have been saying all along that this is supported by the community, both the Grosvenor Road and Sandy Row.

“That’s not the case.”

“One of the main objects of the rally tonight is getting that message across,” he added.

“If they come in and demolish this bridge, it’s not in the name of Sandy Row.”

Durham Street, which runs across the bridge, will close for a year to facilitate work on the new Grand Central Station.

William III, or King Billy, is believed to have crossed the site on his way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

The current bridge near Sandy Row was reconstructed in 1936, but the original structure dates back nearly 400 years.

Plans to demolish the bridge has led to some opposition from local residents, who called for it to be refurbished and incorporated into the plans.

A protest was also held near the site after it was announced in 2017.

Translink previously said the work will involve “sensitively dismantling” the bridge.

Drivers will not be able to access Durham Street from Grosvenor Road to Hope Street until the project is completed.