28/06/2016

No Solution Found Over Parading Stand-Off In North Belfast

No solution has been found over the parading stand-off at Twaddell Avenue in north Belfast.

Mediators Reverend Harold Good and Jim Roddy confirmed they had been unable to reach an agreement over issues surrounding parading and protests at the Twaddell Avenue/Crumlin Road interface.

A deal to complete an Orange parade on Friday to be followed by the dismantling of the Twaddell protest camp was to be announced on Monday, 27 June, however a press conference was cancelled. It is believed both a residents' group and an Orange lodge did not support the deal.

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister described the situation as "disheartening"

She said: "We should recognise the progress and I would encourage everyone involved not to be deterred from continuing to seek a resolution.

"All parties need to show leadership and help bring to an end the stand-off which is doing nothing but poisoning relationships in North Belfast and draining vital funds from the public purse."

The Orange Order said: "The County Grand Lodge of Belfast very much regrets the initiative to resolve the Crumlin Road impasse did not succeed.

"We thank those involved for their efforts and input.

"The County remains committed to supporting the Ligoniel lodges complete their Twelfth of July 2013 parade."

(CD/MH)

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