Belfast City Council has backed a motion to tackle dangerous bonfires.

The motion was carried by 31 votes to 21 and was brought to the council by Sinn Féin. Unionists all voted against the motion.

It states: "This Council is opposed to rogue bonfires where they present a threat to life, to property, to the environment, where they cause damage to public amenities and where they facilitate hate crime activities.

"On the basis of these concerns this Council gives permission to our Council officers to remove bonfire materials or employ contractors to facilitate the removal of bonfire materials from Council sites and other sites which belong to Statutory Agencies and those which are in private ownership."

Sinn Féin Cllr Jim McVeigh said the move "sends out a strong message" that the local authority "stands against displays of racism, sectarianism and homophobia on bonfires in any part of the city".

"We are opposed to bonfires, which cause damage to homes and public amenities and which have been used to promote hate crime," he said.

"Time and again the law is being broken and flouted at rogue bonfires and lives, property and the environment put at risk.

"The council has a duty to act and deal with these unacceptable bonfires and public displays of hate.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that residents who live close to these bonfires are protected, that they can feel safe in their own homes.

"Tonighy's motion enables council officers to remove bonfire materials from council and other sites, which belong to statutory agencies and those which are in private ownership with their consent."

Alliance Cllr, Michael Long, said the motion was not a move against all bonfires.

"I understand the anxiety felt by some bonfire builders in relation to this issue," he said.

"But I want to reassure them this motion was not about removing all bonfires and Alliance extends an invitation to meet with them to ensure an inclusive solution to this situation."

(LM/MH)