By Iveren McCallion
A campaign for a city centre park in Newry is "gaining pace" despite a setback at Monday's full council meeting.
Newry 2020, who started lobbying for a public space more than three years ago, had expected the matter to be debated at the meeting after a motion was put forward by councillors Patrick Brown (Alliance), Gary Stokes (SDLP) and Peter Byrne (SDLP).
But chairperson Roisín Mulgrew chose not to suspend standing orders, instead passing it on to a working group that will report to a committee. This means the matter will not be debated openly and voted on by the full council yet.
Ms Mulgrew told Q Radio that her decision provoked "abusive and aggressive behaviour" by some councillors and the public - behaviour she won't tolerate:
Despite the blow, campaigners Newry 2020 remain optimistic that a positive outcome will come about soon.
Brian Cleland from the group, which has led the campaign, says it was disappointing that a vote didn't go ahead but support remains strong:
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