ORGANISERS of a loyalist band parade in north Belfast have agreed to amend the route of an anniversary march following an intervention from the Parades Commission.
The watchdog originally placed restrictions on the Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band’s parade – scheduled for next Saturday afternoon – preventing participants from marching through a section of the mainly nationalist Oldpark area.
However, yesterday organisers submitted a revised application amending the proposed route, which has been organised to mark the band’s 40th anniversary.
Members had hoped to retrace the route taken by the band on its first-ever parade.
The commission has ruled that the parade should not proceed between the junction of Oldpark Road and Joanmount Park and the junction of Alliance Drive and Alliance Gardens.
The North and West Belfast Parades Forum praised the actions of parade organisers. However, it stressed that the band was still “seeking ways” to challenge the original Parades Commission decision in terms of preventing it retracing its original steps.
Forum spokesman Winston Irvine said last night: “In the spirit of goodwill the band has taken a decision to put in a revised 11/1 form.
“They have done this because for them this parade is about celebration and not confrontation.”
Mr Irvine confirmed the revised application has filed for 30 bands to take part in the invitational parade, despite the commission limiting the size of the march to 10 bands in total.
He described such a ruling as “totally unacceptable”.
“The band still have a resolve not to be dictated to by the Parades Commission in terms of the number of bands.
“It would be totally unacceptable for republicans – they would not tolerate it – and no one should expect unionists to accept it either.”
Mr Irvine added: “The North and West Belfast Parades Forum have been working alongside the band in relation to this matter. The band needs to be commended for showing leadership and to be willing to seek ways to avoid confrontation.
“However, we need this to be reciprocated by republicans in showing local leadership.”
The development comes in the aftermath of the body announcing a new talks initiative last week in a bid to defuse tensions over parades in the Ardoyne area.
Former Assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice, supported by Presbyterian minister the Rev Norman Hamilton and Holy Cross priest Fr Gary Donegan, are to lead a “series of conversations” between local groups in the area.
Mr Irvine confirmed that the forum would hold its first discussions with the three-man group in the “coming days”.
He said: “The solution lies with a better understanding of each community’s culture, heritage, allegiances and loyalties – not trying to exterminate one of the other’s traditions.”
A spokesperson on behalf of the Parades Commission said: “The commission has received and accepted a revised application from the organisers, which amends the proposed route.
“These changes mean that this event can now proceed as non-contentious and in light of the concerns outlined in its original determination the commission acknowledge and welcome this positive step from the organisers.
“We hope this approach will contribute to an improving atmosphere surrounding parades in north Belfast and other communities.”