Contentious parade to go ahead

Security forces will be on full alert this morning to secure the passage of a contentious loyalist parade past a nationalist …

Security forces will be on full alert this morning to secure the passage of a contentious loyalist parade past a nationalist area in north Belfast.

The Parades Commission has given the go-ahead for the Royal Black Institution parade from Ligoniel to go past the shops of the Ardoyne district, the scene of recent sectarian clashes, at 8 a.m. today. No bands or followers will be allowed to accompany the marchers.

Sinn Fein and nationalist residents' groups had met the commission on Wednesday to appeal for a review of the ruling but had not succeeded in making it reverse its decision.