Fr Aidan Troy: Progress was made

Among the items on the agenda was the "adjustment" of the Ardoyne Road to prevent rioting.

"Any new safety measures must ensure that the children will be safe," said Father Troy.

"We need to recognise that when people say they have fears about community safety we have to address that also."

He called for direct talks with the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne group.

While both sides described their meetings as constructive, Upper Ardoyne residents claimed some nationalist representatives had not turned up.

we have to respect that everybody has to be included and we will give it space over the next few days

Mark Coulter Glenbryn spokesperson

"It was our expectation that everybody was going to be involved in the talks, " said Mark Coulter.

"As it turned out that was not the case. From our point of view, tonight's talks were the top priority.

"It is disappointing that not everybody could be here but we have to respect that everybody has to be included and we will give it space over the next few days."

Last week, it was announced that security patrols in north Belfast were being stepped up following the continuing violence at sectarian interfaces.

The announcement that patrols were to be increased came after loyalist representatives met the police district commander for the area.

Following the meeting, the police said static police and army patrols would be in place for much longer than at present.

It was one of a number of security issues raised at the talks.

Chief Superintendent Lindsay confirmed patrolling was to increase in the area.