§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why a gap on top of the wall between Cluan Place in East Belfast and its neighbouring areas used by a sniper to shoot into the Cluan Place community on the night of 18 November was not repaired; when it will be repaired; and what other steps are being taken to assure the security of the residents. [HL194]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The gap in question was an unavoidable consequence of the work being taken forward to extend the height of the security fence at the Cluan Place/Clandeboye interface. It was always intended to plug this gap during the course of the construction works. However, given the relative calm in the period prior to the 16 November it was decided best to press ahead with the major works on the security fence and then seal any gaps with appropriate metal flashing
Following the regrettable shooting incident on 18 November work permanently to seal these gaps was completed on 19 November.
An extensive works programme to increase the security fencing in the Short Strand area is now nearing completion.