Two Portadown schools advising parents of closures due to ongoing tension in Garvaghy Road area

In a social media post on Sunday (September 27), St John the Baptist PS Bunscoil Eoin Baiste, advised: In the interest of everyone’s safety, and due to the continuing situation on the Garvaghy Road this afternoon, the difficult decision has been made to close the school tomorrow, Monday 28th September.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff must always be our first priority, and we feel that closing the school is the most responsible course of action in the uncertain circumstances.

"We appreciate that this decision may cause inconvenience for families and sincerely apologise for the short notice. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep parents informed of any further developments or arrangements regarding the reopening of the school. Please continue to check our usual communication channels for updates. Please take care and stay safe.”

It was a similar message from St John the Baptist's College, which stated: “Dear parents, in the interest of everyone's safety and the escalating situation on the Garvaghy Road this afternoon, the decision has been made to close the school, tomorrow, Monday 28th September.”

The Moy Road-based school added: “We apologise for any inconvenience.”

Residents – along with a number of nationalist politicians – have been blocking the Garvaghy Road since Sunday morning in a bid to prevent a contentious Orange Order parade passing. A ruling by the Parades Commission permitting the scaled-back march from Drumcree Church was upheld in a late night sitting of the High Court in Belfast just a few hours earlier.