A fence to prevent sectarian rioting is being built through a Northern Ireland school - days after the restoration of devolved government.
Tensions in north Belfast are such that the Northern Ireland Office decided a "peace line" needed to be erected running through Hazelwood Integrated College.
Residents in the mainly-Catholic Throne estate area have been subjected to arson and missile attack from mainly-Protestant White City and requested the move.
DUP MLA Nelson McCausland said it was a sobering reminder of the divisions which still exist. "It is disappointing that its happened, but at the end of the day the priority has to be the safety and security of families living in those houses," he said.
"If people can't live in safety and security then they deserve some sort of protection. "After 30 years of violence the animosity is such that it will take years before we get rid of peace lines."
Mr McCausland said it was unlikely pupils at the school would be placed in the firing line because most of the trouble happened at night.
A spokeswoman for the NIO said the decision was taken after extensive consultation with residents, community representatives and the school. "The minister has, on advice from the PSNI, agreed that a mesh fence should be erected to protect residents living in the Throne Park area.
"Such measures are put in place as a last resort to protect life and property and are kept under constant review."