Unionists concerned about potential for parade violence

Unionist leaders in the North have expressed concern about the potential for violence at a re-routed Orange Order parade in Belfast tomorrow.

The march was originally due to go ahead in June, but was postponed after the Parades Commission banned it from the nationalist Springfield Road.

The commission has decided that this restriction still applies to the rescheduled parade due to go ahead tomorrow.

Loyalists have been blocking the Springfield Road during the morning and evening rush hours in protest at the ruling, while unionist politicians have also been unsuccessfully trying to get the re-routing overturned.

A recent upsurge in loyalist paramilitary activity has led to fears that they may use the matter to orchestrate street clashes tomorrow.

Speaking after a meeting with Northern Secretary Peter Hain yesterday, UUP leader Reg Empey said the British Government would be to blame if the march descended into violence.