Orange parades get go-ahead

Two contentious Orange parades in Belfast were tonight given the go-ahead.

A Twelfth of July march which passes the nationalist Ardoyne area of north Belfast has been permitted but bands have been prevented from playing music.

Violence flared on the return route last year when nationalist fought with police officers who had moved in to keep the two sides apart.

The Parades Commission also permitted a parade which passes along a nationalist part of Springfield Road in west Belfast to proceed.

Less than two weeks ago, a nationalist mob staged a running battle with police after a Mini-Twelfth parade in the same area had passed.

A third contentious parade has been banned from passing along the nationalist lower Ormeau Road area, scene of violent incidents in the past.

The Ardoyne Road decision was condemned by local Sinn Fein councillor Margaret McClenaghan.

‘‘It is a bad decision, especially after what happened here last year. The Orange Order have yet to speak to any residents’ group in this area.

‘‘They don’t seem to have to talk to anyone and can walk down any road they like without consultation with the host community,’’ she added.