A South Belfast community has welcomed the removal of a number of flags that were erected earlier this week.
Residents living off the Saintfield Road in South Belfast had contacted local representatives numerous times this week after a number of flags were erected between Commons Brae and Lenaghan Avenue.
It came just days after Four Winds residents removed flags that had been put up at the roundabout a short distance away.
Following the flags being put up, many residents complained about them not being wanted in the "very mixed area", and local councillors have said that unionist residents have also said they wanted them removed.
Councillor Michelle Guy said: "This is a very welcome outcome for the community.
"Thanks to everyone who got in touch to express their support for flags to come down in keeping with the integrated character of this neighbourhood. In particular, many unionist residents wanted to make clear they wanted these flags to come down, acknowledging how unrepresentative they are of the community along the Saintfield Road.
"Grateful to fellow elected reps from a range of parties, colleagues from the PCSP, Council officers and to the PSNI for engaging proactively and constructively with us in response to the clear support from the community to have flags taken down."
South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw echoed this sentiment saying: "Grateful for the effective community, cross-party and multi-agency approach to the removal of all flags on the Saintfield Road.
"I was incredibly frustrated on behalf of local residents who have no interest in sectarian divisions and did not want these flags in their community. Given that the Saintfield Road had never previously been targeted for this kind of display, the flags' removal is very much welcomed."
