Bellarena plaque unveiled by the Queen removed over 'vandalism' fears

A plaque unveiled by the Queen at Bellarena in June was removed just hours later over fears it could be vandalised. 

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new halt during a two-day visit to Northern Ireland.

The pair travelled to Bellarena by steam train after visiting Bushmills, Coleraine and the Giant's Causeway.

However, officials removed the marker within 24 hours of the visit.

The development, which includes two new platforms, is part of a larger £46m upgrade to the Londonderry - Coleraine rail line.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard revealed the plaque had been removed when responding to a question from MLA Eamon McCann.

He said: "Translink has advised that, because the halt at Bellarena is unmanned, it was concerned about the safety of the plaque and the possibility that it could be vandalised."

Translink confirmed that the plaque had been placed into storage until a more permanent fixture could be found.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently considering the best way to mount the plaque at Bellarena Station within the context of the simple layout of the halt and its dramatic setting.”