05/08/2005

Apprentice Boys march banned from Ardoyne

An Apprentice Boys march which is scheduled to pass the mainly nationalist Ardoyne district in north Belfast next week has been banned.

The Parades Commission said it had come to its decision as such a march would have "an adverse effect on fragile community relations".

Last month, nationalists clashed with police after an Orange parade was allowed to pass along the same route on July 12th. Three men appeared in court today in relation to that trouble.

Apprentice Boys spokesman Tommy Cheevers said Friday's decision was a direct consequence of last month's rioting.

However, Sinn Fein assembly member Cathy Stanton said the decision was "the only logical decision which could have been taken".

“The loyal Orders have to realise that they need to treat the nationalist

community in North Belfast with respect," she said. "They need to begin a process of

meaningful dialogue with host communities directly.

Last year's parade was also banned, however an ammendment to the commission's determination ruled that a single bus carrying marchers and bandsmen could be allowed through the contentious route.

(MB/SP)

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