COMMUNITY LEADERS in north Belfast have expressed “pessimism” about next week’s Twelfth of July Orange parade.
Recent years have seen large-scale disturbances and rioting at Ardoyne shops, where the return parade passes by a nationalist area.
The Parades Commission this week ruled the return parade must take place by 4pm – earlier than usual – in a bid to avoid rioting and disruption to local residents.
The commission also ruled that a protest parade by the Greater Ardoyne Residents’ Collective must disperse by 5.30pm.
Nine people were arrested after rioting in the area last year, when a crowd of about 200 youths threw missiles at the PSNI. Arrests were also made after disturbances in south Belfast, Derry and Co Tyrone over the Twelfth.
Sixteen police officers were injured and 55 plastic bullets fired by police during the disturbances.
It was hoped informal peace talks among community leaders in north Belfast, chaired by former Assembly speaker Lord Alderdice, would come up with a breakthrough in time for next Thursday’s parade, but negotiations fell apart some weeks back.
SDLP councillor for the area, Nicola Mallon, said there was “bitter disappointment” at the Parades Commission ruling.
“The return parade is very problematic for residents in this area,” she said. “We are offering to compromise and facilitate five morning parades in return for the return parade being re-routed.”
The Orange Order said it was “not going to comment at this stage” but it is understood it is no happier with the arrangement.