Protesters displayed placards and banners with messages indicating their opposition to the re-housing of what they refer to as "illegal immigrants."
The police are treating the placement of these posters as a "hate incident." Additionally, there is concern within the community about the provision of homes to individuals from outside the area who may have anti-social criminal records.
During the protest, windows and a door were reportedly smashed on one of the tower blocks, and a worker was threatened by a group of men wearing masks.
The two high-rise tower blocks in question are scheduled to be demolished within the next two to three years, and many residents have already been relocated to alternative housing. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) had considered using five of the vacated flats temporarily to provide accommodation for homeless individuals, likely those with a connection to the Belvoir estate. However, after a meeting with local DUP councillor Sarah Bunting, it was confirmed that there will not be any allocations to those flats at this time.
The Belvoir Area Residents Group posted a message on social media before the protest, stating that they were aware of it but were not involved in organizing it. They urged attendees to remain calm and respectful despite the frustrations surrounding the lack of social housing.
In a separate development, anti-immigrant signs with a threatening tone have been erected in parts of the predominantly loyalist estate of Rathcoole in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. These signs relate to social housing and express opposition to the rehousing of what they describe as "illegal immigrants." The police are treating the placement of these posters as a hate incident and are engaging with community representatives in the area.