Agreement over contentious march

An agreement has been reached over a disputed Orange Order parade in north Belfast due to take place on Friday.

The Tour of the North parade has sparked trouble in the past.

However, the North and West Belfast Parades Forum and the Ardoyne Parades Dialogue Group have reached an accommodation over it.

The Parades Commission said it will not now make a determination on the march. Its chairman, Roger Poole, praised both sides involved in the talks.

Joe Marley, from the Ardoyne Parades Dialogue Group, said the agreement was a beginning in the resolution of the dispute.

"It should be viewed as a very positive step," he said.

"It will be a long process in attempting to resolve the issue."

We've taken risks, the people of Ardoyne have taken risks Tommy Cheevers West Belfast Parades Forum

The marchers have agreed to limitations on a contentious part of the return leg of the parade while residents will stage a smaller protest.

The return parade will proceed down the same route as normal but will consist of only one band, a single banner and representatives only of the constituent lodges.

Music will not be played along the contentious part.

Tommy Cheevers, of the West Belfast Parades Forum, said they hoped this year's resolution would lead to the wider parades issue being settled.

"We've taken risks, the people of Ardoyne have taken risks," he said.

'Sensitive matter'

Mr Cheevers said they were trying to "create a shared space in that area" through dialogue "instead of bickering over contested territory".

The communities on both sides deserve a huge amount of credit for the way in which they have approached this very sensitive matter Roger Poole Parades Commission chairman

"Anyone intending to cause any problems whatsoever should stay well away. They are not welcome," he added.

The Parades Commission chairman praised both groups.

"The communities on both sides deserve a huge amount of credit for the way in which they have approached this very sensitive matter," Mr Poole said.

"They have brought to the discussions a degree of respect, trust and a willingness to resolve these issues in a way which benefits the entire community."

However, he added that it was part of what would be a long process.

"What has been agreed in advance of Friday is the beginning of a process rather than a conclusion."

Last year, 18 police officers and 11 others were injured during trouble at the Tour of the North parade.

Trouble flared as three lodges, followed by supporters, went past Ardoyne shops on the Crumlin Road on the return leg of their parade.

Missiles were thrown by nationalist protesters and there were clashes between police and protesters. Six petrol bombs were thrown.