Demolition of the Boyne Bridge in Belfast "will cause massive disruption to traffic flow in the city" said TUV MLA Timothy Gaston.

Works began on dismantling the bridge at the weekend and the area will remain closed to public access over the next year.

"TUV has supported the campaign to preserve the Boyne Bridge for years and commends Billy Dickson BEM for the phenomenal effort he has put into the grassroots efforts to keep this historic part of Belfast's heritage," said Mr Gaston.

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"The demolition of the bridge will cause massive disruption to traffic flow in the city, regardless of whether Translink wins in the courts.

"It is disgusting that Translink should seek to threaten the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, a charity, with a £100,000 per week bill if they dare to challenge the demolition of the bridge in court."

Mr Gaston has asked the Minister for Infrastructure to make representations to Translink asking them to drop their threat to seek £100,000 a week costs from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society should they go ahead with court action seeking to preserve the Boyne Bridge.