A deal to complete an Orange parade on Friday to be followed by the dismantling of the Twaddell protest camp was to be announced yesterday (Monday) but a press conference was cancelled. It is believed both a residents’ group and an Orange lodge did not back the deal.
“A resolution to this controversial issue is undoubtedly needed,” said Councillor McAllister.
“It is disheartening this attempt failed, despite receiving backing from a residents’ group and a number of lodges. We should recognise the progress and I would encourage everyone involved not to be deterred from continuing to seek a resolution.
“All parties need to show leadership and help bring to an end the stand-off which is doing nothing but poisoning relationships in North Belfast and draining vital funds from the public purse.”