Organisers critical of PSNI handling of band parade

A total of 54 bands took part in the parade and organisers Richard Hodges and George Duddy have hit out at police who allowed traffic to drive along Hanover Place as bands were making their way down Bridge Street and onto the Bann Bridge.

"Instead of diverting traffic at Bannfield Road as was the normal practice, police permitted traffic to proceed along Hanover Place towards the Bann Bridge to allow them to filter onto the Portrush Road Bann Bridge," claimed Richard Hodges, Chief Marshal.

"Marshals spoke to the police and voiced there concerns regarding the safety of those participating in the parade. The police officers responded to the marshals in an aggressive tone and manner, stating they knew 'how to do their job'.

"Police continued to permit traffic into the parade and one officer in riot gear proceeded to direct traffic to move on faster into the parade.

"Some of the vehicles were so close to the parade, members of the public who had family members in the bands also voiced there concerns to the police, only to be told to "get off the road" in an aggressive manner.

"The police's reaction to this was to deploy an officer with a video camera to film those who were voicing their concerns and the marshals."

Mr Hodges and Mr Duddy claimed the incident shows the police "have no interest in working with either the marshals or the general public".

"The community and the marshals in Coleraine were incensed due to the aggressive and intimidating demeanour of those police officers and it will take sometime to regain their confidence as we were working very hard at building good relations between all parties and will find it very hard to have any further engagement in the future," concluded Mr Hodges and Mr Duddy.

A PSNI spokesman said: "The policing of parades is determined on a case by case basis with input from local neighbourhood police and officers experienced in operational planning.

"Police must strike a balance between allowing traffic to flow in the town as much as possible while facilitating the parade.

"Local police will be happy to discuss any issues of concern with parade organisers. Anyone with a complaint about a police officer should contact the Police Ombudsman."