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Senior officers of the Orange Order's Belfast No9 District
who are organising this Saturday's Whiterock Parade in West
Belfast are recommending a reduction in the number of Orangemen
who will walk through the Workman Avenue security gates on
to the Springfield Road.
A spokesman said the recommendation - which will be put to
a meeting of No9 District this evening - was being made with
deep regret and considerable concern for the future.
The move comes after an intensive community consultation
process following Monday's announcement from the Parades Commission
that only 50 Orangemen consisting of district officers and
one lodge should walk through the Workman Avenue gates.
"Not for the first time, the Parades Commission has
woefully misunderstood our position", said the District
spokesman. "The Whiterock has always been a District
parade, and to seek to confine access to just one of our eight
lodges is deeply divisive. Neither do we have any confidence
that the Commission's formula can deliver a lasting long-term
solution.
"However, in the interests of the wider community within
the Greater Shankill area and to try and ensure that there
is no repetition of the disturbances that occurred last year,
we will be urging our members this evening to show courage
and leadership by agreeing to a reduction in the numbers parading
through the Workman Avenue gates on to the Springfield Road."
In reaching their decision, the District officers said they
were grateful for the help and advice from the Grand Orange
Lodge, the Belfast County Grand Lodge and the North &
West Parades Forum. "Their input has been invaluable"
said the spokesman.
The District officers stressed that they will continue their
efforts to bring about a lasting resolution to the issues
surrounding the Whiterock parade and to build a shared future.
"No road should 'belong' to just one group of people.
The Springfield Road is a main arterial route used by both
Catholics and Protestants on a daily basis with a state school,
a Methodist church and a mixed community living along it.
We will spare no effort to ensure that it remains open to
all.
"In the meantime we call on everyone in the area on
Saturday to show calm and common sense and ensure that the
day passes off peacefully."
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