A Belfast City Council committee voted against dual-language street signs for Stormont Park in east Belfast on Wednesday night. The vote resulted in a 9-9 tie. The chairman cast his vote to reject the proposal.

A survey of householders showed 67.47% opposed the signs and 15.66% supported them. Council policy sets a 15% support threshold for approval. The 15.66% figure exceeded that level by 0.66%.

Ulster Unionist alderman Jim Rodgers stated the result matches the majority opposition. He described the 15% threshold as allowing a minority to override most residents.

Rodgers said the threshold stood higher in past years before council changes. He called for increasing it to 51% to confirm community backing.

TUV councillor Ron McDowell said the policy process in Stormont Park undermines consultation. He argued that overriding most residents' views in the area treats surveys as pointless.

Rodgers stated the current approach damages community ties and uses public money inefficiently. McDowell added that requiring signs where communities reject them as part of local heritage worsens relations.