GARVAGHY ROAD RESIDENTS COALITION
Portadown
Co. Armagh, Ireland
Phone/Fax: Int.Code +44 (0)1762 392898
E-Mail Garvaghy @ aol.com
10:30 Local Time
The Nationalist Community in Portadown remains under siege. Residents are extremely tense and the entire area is now on high alert as it has just been announced there will be a loyalist rally in the town at noon. The shops have been told to close because of the rally, and the DHSS has taken the threat seriously and excused everyone from the Nationalist community from 'signing on' at Jervis Street for at least a fortnight because the office in the midst of a loyalist area. Fourteen children meant to travel to America this morning with Project Children were prevented from leaving the area by the Orange Order protesters. Community workers had to put the children in five private cars and add several more cars for protection to drive the children safely to Belfast to get their plane. Local Councillor Joe Duffy had to conduct heavy negotiations with the RUC before they would agree to help get the children through.
The residents are extremely worried and everyone is very anxious. However, people are remaining calm and doing their best to keep the community together and informed.