Three police stations in one of Northern Ireland's most violent areas are to stop opening around the clock, it was confirmed today.
A major new restructuring strategy for north Belfast has been developed to get more officers on the streets in an area ravaged by sectarian disorder.
Plans are also being finalised which will see big cutbacks on the opening hours of two stations in the east of the city.
But with 200 riots and 723 officers injured in north Belfast since June 2001, urgent efforts have been made to fight back against the troublemakers.
In a response to chief constable Hugh Orde's demands for every available officer on patrol, bases at Greencastle, Oldpark and York Road will all close for six hours daily from next month, police confirmed.
A spokesman said: "By releasing more officers on to the streets, police can commit more resources to problem solving processes within the local community."
Figures released by police also show a total of 416 bullets were fired and 267 blast bombs over the same period as rival Protestant and Catholic communities clashed along north Belfast's peacelines.
Police chiefs in the area consulted with community representatives as they drafted the plans on how to best deploy the 440 full-time and reserve officers working in the district command unit (DCU).
Resources were badly hit by voluntary severances introduced under the Patten reform proposals.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman denied claims that both Greencastle and York Road bases have been earmarked for total closure eventually.
However, he did confirm plans were also being discussed to turn the large North Queen Street station into a regional, non-reporting building.
According to sources in east Belfast, the police have already decided to turn two of the area's three main stations - Mount Pottinger and Willowfield - part-time.
But the PSNI insisted opening hours were still being researched with on-going consultation.
"It is hoped a final decision will be made by the beginning of April," a spokesman said.
PA