Restrictions on controversial parade

Minor trouble erupted at last year's march

A controversial loyal order parade is due to take place in north and west Belfast on Saturday.

Members of the Protestant Orange Order are expected to march along the Shankill Road to Whiterock Orange Hall.

In its determination, the Northern Ireland Parades Commission did not impose any route restrictions on the parade.

However, it said no music must be played between the junction of Ainsworth Avenue and March Street and the junction of Springfield Parade and Springfield Road.

The commission has cause to believe that should the parade process the entirety of its notified route, there will be an adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder

Parades Commission

The commission said it was conscious of its previous determinations in connection with the parade, but considering all relevant factors, felt it was "the most appropriate for this particular parade at this particular time".

It said the parade should begin and disperse promptly with only notified bands taking part.

The commission said the major annual parade had attracted controversy in recent years as the notified route included an interface area.

Minor incidents

It said there had been sectarian tension and division in the area over recent years and it recognised that there continued to be a strain on community relations.

"The commission has cause to believe that should the parade process the entirety of its notified route, there will be an adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder," it said.

Last year, there were minor incidents following the parade.

Minor scuffles took place ahead of the loyalist march when police in riot gear clashed with nationalist residents opposed to the parade.

Two years ago, there was controversy when a loyalist paramilitary colour party joined the parade on two occasions.

'Make decisions'

Meanwhile, the intense security surrounding Northern Ireland's most controversial loyal order parade should be scaled down, according to a leading police officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White, who is in charge of policing the annual Drumcree march, said the move may help ease tensions.

ACC Stephen White: "No stomach or desire for violence"

The Drumcree dispute centres on the Protestant Orange Order's desire to walk along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road, near Portadown in County Armagh - a route opposed by many nationalist residents.

The Parades Commission has barred the Order from marching down the road for the last four years.

The Northern Ireland Parades Commission was set up in 1997 to make decisions on whether controversial parades should be restricted.