SDLP condemns Orangemen over latest Garvaghy move

The SDLP has condemned an attempt by the Orange Order to get permission to parade down the nationalist Garvaghy Road on Christmas Day.

The party has described the move as "appalling" and "shameless" given the riots and violence that accompanied a re-routed Orange parade in Belfast last Saturday.

Local SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly accused the Orangemen of deliberately planning the latest march to "up the ante" in the wake of this week's riots.

She said they appeared intent on casting a shadow over Christmas as well as making every summer a time of fear for the Garvaghy Road residents.

The Orange Order has been banned from marching down the road since 1998 due to its refusal to hold talks with the nationalist residents.