Orange parade making its way through Belfast peaceline

An Orange parade is making its way through the main west Belfast peaceline despite protests by local nationalists.

The Parades Commission restricted the number of marchers to 50 and says it hopes dialogue between the two sides will lead to agreement in the future.

Police in full riot gear have lined the route of the parade and water-cannons are on standby.

The Orange Order says this is a traditional route and the road belongs to no single community but local Sinn Fein assembly member, Michael Ferguson, says the march is deliberately provocative.

“This road is only open twice a year to allow the Orange and Loyalist marches into the Nationalist communities,” Mr Ferguson said.

“When 200 yards up the road there is another road that will lead them to their proper destination.”

Mr Ferguson added: “The PSNI will move in in force with their riot gear. They will close down the entire nationalist community to provide a laneway for the Orange Order to do what they want to do in our community.”