Appeal for calm ahead of Killyleagh parade

Appeal for calm ahead of Killyleagh parade

22 August 2012

THE area’s most senior police chief has called for calm ahead of a parade in Killyleagh on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones, PSNI area commander for Down, made the appeal following outbreaks of violence during a loyalist parade in the town 10 days ago in which several people were injured and several arrests made.

Local politicians have raised concerns about the potential for trouble once again this Saturday when a feeder parade will be held by the Killyleagh Orange Hall management committee as part of a wider celebration by the Royal Black Preceptory in Ballynahinch.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has urged the police to keep a close eye on Saturday’s event and asked the Parade’s Commission to impose restrictions on future parades where necessary.

Chief Inspector Bones yesterday said Killyleagh will be policed appropriately and proportionately over the weekend and appealed to everyone in Killyleagh on Saturday to “remain calm and appreciate and understand each others cultures.”

“I would appeal to all those involved in Saturday’s parade to show consideration for local residents and businesses following recent incidents in the town where a number of people were arrested and charged with public order offences,” she said.

“A peaceful dignified parade is expected by police, however anyone found to be breaking the law is liable to prosecution.”

Miss Ritchie said she believed it was important for police to increase their

profile in Killyleagh during the feeder parade. She recently joined Rowallane councillor Maria McCarthy in a meeting with the Parades’ Commission to discuss the future of parading in Killyleagh.

She said she outlined her concerns to the Commission, detailing the events of last weekend and the need for the Commission to take affirmative action for the good of Killyleagh.

“I have been advised that all the information I gave to the Commission will be taken into consideration and I will continue to progress the case through the appropriate channels of the PSNI and the Commission,” she said.

“The scenes of last week should never be repeated in Killyleagh. Furthermore, in the interests of good community relations, appropriate restrictions and increased policing should be at the forefront of the Commission’s mind with parades due to take place this weekend across the district.”

Miss McCarthy said the events of last week were not the image wanted for Killyleagh.

“The community of Killyleagh wants to see the town prosper in terms of economic development and tourism infrastructure,” she said.

“In light of escalating violence during and following parades in the town over the past few months, I have made it clear to the Parades Commission that it needs to carefully consider the future of parading in the town.

“It is vitally important for the community that harmony is struck between the tradition of parading, and peaceful enjoyment of peoples’ homes, businesses and places of worship.”

A spokesman for the Parades’ Commission said Saturday’s parade was not considered sensitive and therefore no specific ruling was considered necessary.