Restrictions put on Stoneyford band parade

It has banned the parade from entering Stonebridge Meadows, Barrack Hill, and The Beeches Manor, areas which it says are "entirely residential, with households from both sides of the community".

In its ruling the Commission said it had "cause to believe that should the parade process the entirety of its notified route, there will be an adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder".

The decision has been welcomed by Sinn Fein and the SDLP, but criticised by the band as a 'disgrace'.

SF Councillor Paul Butler met with the Parades Commission last week and said afterwards: "I welcome the Parade Commission's strict determination, restricting this band's movement in the village on that day. As the Commission stated itself this band's actions are a source of continuing tension in the village. Whilst people have rights in relation to expressing publicly their cultural identity this band has a long history of heightening sectarian tensions in Stoneyford."

He added: "This parade is seen by many Catholics as provocative. The PSNI must ensure the Parades Commission's determination is enforced. Sinn Fein are concerned that the PSNI have allowed this band to march into part of the housing developments in previous years, in breach of the Parades Commission ruling."

SDLP Deputy Mayor of Lisburn Councillor Brian Heading also welcomed the decision. He said: "This is a good decision by the Parades Commission which will be welcomed by residents in Stoneyford and it acknowledges the need to do a great deal of work at local level to develop a strategy that takes contention out of these parades.

"The local Orange Order has an important part to play in this process and should acknowledge and accept that role. I am happy to meet the LOL at any time to listen to them and make constructive suggestions as to how the history of the Battle of the Somme can be presented in a non-contentious way.

"The LOL should accept this decision graciously in the greater interest of ensuring the marching season passes off peacefully."

However, the Chairman of the Pride of the Village Flute Band Paul Smith described the Parades Commission's ruling as a disgrace. He said; "It seems to be whenever Paul Butler asks the Parades Commission and the PSNI to jump they ask 'how high'?

"Mr Butler is sticking his nose into something that doesn't concern him."

Mr Smith continued: "It is a disgrace that the Protestant community of Stoneyford has been deprived of theIr band walking the estates of Stoneyford yet again to celebrate their culture and the 11th of July celebrations."