Iconic Orange hall to remove cage

The Orange hall at Clifton Street is famous for its statue of King William.

A steel cage which has protected an iconic Orange hall in north Belfast from attacks is to be taken down.

Orange brethren at the hall on Clifton Street are planning a complete face-lift for the landmark building.

The hall is close to the Carlisle Circus interface which separates the loyalist Shankill estate from the republican New Lodge area.

The work is part of a city council initiative to improve the appearance of main roads going into the city centre.

The hall was built in the 1880s. During the Troubles windows were blocked up and the building surrounded by the cage to prevent arson and paint attacks.

William Humphrey, a DUP councillor for the area, said the work would "return the building to its former glory".

"This is all about making Orange halls accessible to the community," he said.

"It is a unique building, the statue on top of King William and his horse is the only equestrian statue in Belfast.

"It is also a beautiful building in the inside and we want to place the Orange hall at Clifton Street at the heart of Belfast's tourist package."