ALLIANCE Councillor and Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin has said he welcomes moves by loyalists in north Belfast’s Westland estate to clean up their area for the Twelfth.
Cllr Ekin said: “Everyone has a right to celebrate their culture, but how it is done is equally important. With rights come responsibilities, and it is very encouraging to hear of new initiatives in loyalist areas where people are taking pride in their area’s appearance.
“The work in removing paramilitary flags, sectarian murals and painting over kerbstones is very welcome, and the wider community will appreciate this progressive move.
“If the Westland residents can make their Twelfth celebrations more family-orientated, taking greater responsibility for the comfort and safety of everyone in the area, that deserves to be commended. I would encourage other areas to take a leaf out of the Westland community’s book, as unfortunately some parts of Belfast are more reminiscent of a rubbish tip than a bonfire site.”