RESIDENTS of Newtownbutler Co Fermanagh have written to the RUC requesting that two Royal Black Institution parades do not go through the village on Saturday.
At a meeting of 300 residents on Tuesday night it was decided to send a letter to the police and the Black Institution. The letter said that, due to the high level of tension within the community, the Black Institution should refrain from marching through Newtownbutler.
The newly formed Newtownbutler Area Association has asked for a reply from both the RUC and the Black Institution by this afternoon and will meet again tonight.
An independent nationalist councillor, Mr Tony McPhillips, said there was considerable anger in the town at the number of parades taking place. Nationalists saw no justification for Saturday's parade since the main demonstration was in Ballinamallard.
"There is no reason for them to march in Newtownbutler on Saturday when they are already marching in Ballinamallard. This sort of thing is pure provocation," said Mr McPhillips.
But a unionist councillor, Mr Cecil Noble, said he was suspicious of the residents group. He said opposition to marches was part of a wider campaign against Protestants living in Border villages.