Campaigners trying to save the Boyne Bridge in Sandy Row have accused the DUP of “selling them out” following a failed legal challenge to save it.
South Belfast residents have also claimed its planned destruction is damaging to the city’s heritage and will cause “endless traffic” issues in the city centre as well as health and sound problems.
The Boyne Bridge in Durham Street is set to begin to be dismantled in the coming days, after it officially closes on Saturday.
Translink wants it removed to accommodate the new area around their £340 million hub Belfast Grand Central Station, which officially opened in September and will begin running rail services from Sunday.
A legal challenge lodged by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, who are seeking an injunction to prevent the bridge from being destroyed, failed in court on Fridsay.
The bridge was built in 1936 but has its origins in the 17th century at the time of the King William of Orange, with parts of the original bridge remaining below it.
They claim it is an important part of Belfast’s history and “should be preserved” and have been involved in a back and forth with Belfast City Council over alleged disputed planning permission applications.
A woman standing with a sign during a protest at the Boyne Bridge
A group campaigning to save the landmark staged a protest on Friday afternoon, as they hit out at the bridge’s demolition as well heightened traffic and noise issues they claim are caused by the new Belfast Grand Central Station.
Speaking at the protest, Billy Dickson, chairman of the Blackstaff Residents Association, said the DUP had abandoned the unionist community in the area by not listening to their concerns.
“Sandy Row without the Boyne Bridge is unthinkable — we will never ever surrender the Boyne Bridge without a fight, this is part of our history, it’s our culture,” he said.
“People don’t understand that, this is important. It’s an icon of Sandy Row and the planning permission was approved by unionists on Belfast City Council.
“The DUP has sold us out. We want protests in the future to protect Sandy Row, we need to wake up to this.”
Many residents also shared concerns about the noise caused by Belfast Grand Central Station as well as the plans to build more student accommodation in the area.
“Sandy Row is going to die, there is already planning permission for more apartments, and there will be more towards the Westlink and the residents have been complaining about the noise from the station, all the banging from construction,” added Mr Dickson.
DUP Councillor Tracey Kelly, who was present at the protest, told the Belfast Telegraph she disagreed with the comments made by some present about her party.
“The DUP hasn’t given up on anyone – we have been fighting for this community, we are trying to get housing, and things for Sandy Row with money secured by the DUP,” she said.
“I’m afraid we are the only party doing their bit for this community and I refute any anti-DUP message that is put out there.
“I was dreading the Boyne Bridge’s development, it’s important to the community and I understand people are angry and we’re now at a point where it will be closed, and I appreciate it this is an incredibly sensitive issue.”
Also present at the protest was former DUP leader and South Belfast MP Edwin Poots. He said he has been discussing with Translink about the possibility of honouring the history linked to the bridge after it is removed.
“The residents have organised this because of the bridge, it’s something that means a lot to them. Now the original 1642 bridge will remain below the bridge, but the 1936 bridge will be removed — but we want to look for future cultural aspects which will replace it,” said Mr Poots.
“We have been speaking to Translink to ensure that is done, there is a history to this area of Belfast.”
He also called on the Department for Infrastructure to help with the issues of traffic in the area.
Speaking at the protest, residents Joyce and Ann, who both live in Sandy Row said they were disgusted at plans to dismantle the bridge due to the traffic delays it will cause.
“Look at the traffic here right now, people can’t move, they are staying late (in work) to avoid traffic. You want to see the black soot on the windows already and this will get worse now with a building site,” said Ann.
“It’s just a nightmare, you think of the issues that will be caused when they close this down for up to a year,” added Joyce.
In a statement, a Translink spokesperson said the Durham Street area will close for up to 12 months as they “sensitively dismantle the existing 1936 Durham Street/Boyne Bridge to facilitate the safe completion of the first phase of streets works associated with the new station.
“Our contractor will seek to preserve key elements of the bridge, and we are continuing to engage with the local community on an arts and heritage programme which will utilise these materials for future projects.”