SDLP highlights concerns about west Belfast parade

The SDLP has asked police in Belfast to take a number of measures to ensure that this Saturday's Orange Order parade in west Belfast passes off peacefully.

The Parades Commission has allowed the march to take its traditional route through the Catholic Falls area, despite protests by local residents.

However, the commission did place restrictions on the playing of music and the numbers of hangers-on allowed to accompany the march.

The SDLP told police today to warn the marchers that they would face criminal action if they breached these restrictions or if they displayed paramilitary flags during the parade.

It also asked the police to leave the Falls area as quickly as possible once the march has passed and to publish any breaches of the Parades Commission's rules on sectarian behaviour.