We will have a major operation in place on the Ardoyne Road, but of a different character

Alan McQuillan, Belfast Assistant Chief Constable

Police maintained a large security presence along the school route in an effort to ensure the settlement was not broken.

A spokesman for the loyalist residents of Glenbryn said they felt the protest was worthwhile.

Jim Potts said people in the area knew the protest would be strongly condemned.

"It wasn't about point-scoring against children. We had genuine grievances and the community felt that was the only way that they could be heard," he said.

Father Aidan Troy: Welcomed move

Father Aidan Troy, chairman of the Holy Cross board of governors, said people should not be too concerned by loyalists declaring the picket was suspended.

"I'm interpreting that as their phrase to move out of where they have been," he said.

"One good day without difficulty will be the foundation for it becoming normal."

The SDLP assembly member for the area, Alban Maginness, praised the police for the way they handled the dispute.

"The policing of this situation has been, I believe, good. The police have played a very important role here in preserving order in allowing safe and free access for the children and parents," he said.

Policing costs

Policing the dispute has already cost up to �3m.

On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast, Alan McQuillan, maintained that a cautious approach was needed.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan: "Cautious approach"

He said: "We will have a major operation in place on the Ardoyne Road, but of a different character because we don't believe we will have a protest".

As the final security arrangements were drawn up on Sunday night, Glenbryn residents and parents from the lower Ardoyne Road met to ensure the school run passed off peacefully.

The meeting was later described as positive.

Security measures

A package of security measures, including closed circuit TV, speed ramps and increased police patrols was accepted by the Protestant community following an intense round of negotiations.

Mr McQuillan said there would be fewer ranks of Land Rovers and more foot patrol officers deployed.

Meanwhile, the first and deputy first ministers are set to unveil plans for a community action project to deal with the social and economic problems in Ardoyne.

They said more details of the plan would be made available later in the week.