Commission restricts Belfast march

Tour of the North has raised tensions in previous years

The Parades Commission has placed restrictions on the disputed Tour of the North Orange Order parade in north Belfast.

The parade has been rerouted away from a number of nationalist areas on the proposed route to be marched by more than 2000 members of the Protestant order.

The Commission said if it were to proceed along its original route, there would be potential for public disorder.

Making its determination, the Commission said it recognised the role the north Belfast parade had in linking up "isolated" sections of the Protestant community.

But it also recognised that "demographic change" had taken place along the proposed route.

Orange leader Dawson Baillie: Disappointment at decision

The Commission said: "The route of the parade alternates each year, with the parade taking a less contentious route on 'odd' years. The notified route for this year's parade would take it through parts of north Belfast where it is strongly opposed."

The Orangemen have been prohibited from entering Cliftonpark Avenue beyond Alloa Street.

It is also barred from entering the Cliftonville and Antrim Roads and Duncairn Gardens between the Antrim Road and Edlingham Street.

The Commission also said it was concerned about the potential for public disorder, following "serious civil disturbances" along the route in 1996.

Orange Order Belfast deputy county grand master, Dawson Baillie, said his reaction to the decision was one of disappointment.

"Disappointment that once again the Parades Commission has seen fit to stop us on going on our traditional parade, simply because of the threat of violence, not from the Orange institution but from the republican element who live close to where we are going," he said.

Mr Baillie said the only danger of violence arising from the parade came from republicans.

This was disputed by Sinn Fein assembly member Gerry Kelly who claimed the violence was actually started by supporters of the parade.

"There were 36 Catholic families burnt out of their homes in 1996 - they didn't burn themselves out," he said.

"Let us pinpoint where the problem is coming from - the breakdown in relations is between the Orange Order and nationalist residents because the order won't talk to them."

The Commission also imposed restrictions on a feeder parade to the main march, planned by the Old Boyne Island Heroes.