Residents raise parade concerns

The Royal Black Institution march is planned for the end of August

A delegation of residents from County Londonderry has met the Parades Commission to discuss a planned loyal order parade at the end of the month.

The delegation from Maghera raised its concerns over the Royal Black Institution parade through the town.

Thursday's meeting followed an outbreak of violence last Saturday in the town during an Apprentice Boys parade.

About 100 people blocked Main Street and a van was set on fire as protesters refused to allow the parade through.

Sinn Fein Mid Ulster assembly member, Geraldine Dougan, joined the residents delegation at the commission's offices in Belfast.

She said the situation was a volatile one and there were other options.

"We are not trying to stop them from marching in Maghera, but there is an alternative route there and people cannot understand why they feel the need to come into a predominately nationalist area," she said.

"It only adds to heighten the tension."

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