Apprentice Boys' clubs in Lurgan have decided not to go ahead with a number of protests planned for the Co Armagh town over the next four weeks.
Originally, Apprentice Boys' clubs had decided to stage a series of demonstrations in Lurgan after the Parades Commission prohibited a "Relief of Derry" parade from marching in William Street last week. However, following a meeting on Wednesday with local elected representatives, community organisations and members of the Orange Order and Royal Black Institutions, the Apprentice Boys have opted for a once-off protest and religious service in William Street on Saturday, September 11th.
A spokesperson for the Lurgan Apprentice Boys said yesterday they had taken the decision not to proceed with three of the protests, "in light of an appeal by the organisers of a local festival which is running this week".
The spokesperson said: "We are prepared to act in a responsible manner in the interests of the wider Lurgan community". An informed source said Wednesday's meeting, which was also attended by a senior member of the Apprentice Boys' governing body in Derry, was "frank and forthright", with the local Apprentice Boys resisting sustained pressure to abandon totally any form of protest.
The source said "the Apprentice Boys believe the pressure is linked to the Drumcree situation. There is widespread speculation within Orange circles in Portadown that the Drumcree parade will get the go-ahead to go down the Garvaghy Road in early September.
"Some sources are actually saying that a provisional date has been set and the RUC informed.
"It's vital to the Orange Order that no-one rocks the boat locally. Any other protests or source of potential violence they see as a threat to their objective.
"However, the Apprentice Boys in Lurgan say they are not prepared to compromise principle for political expediency."
Meanwhile, the Sinn Fein Assembly member for Upper Bann, Dr Dara O'Hagan, has criticised the Apprentice Boys' intention to continue with their protest.
"They are reminiscent of Portadown Orangemen and their yearlong campaign of sectarian intimidation and harassment of the Garvaghy Road," Dr O'Hagan said.
He said the Lurgan protest would only serve to heighten tension in the area. "At a time when dialogue is urgently required the actions of the Apprentice Boys are making the search for a negotiated settlement all the more difficult.
"They should not be holding any protests if they are seriously concerned about community relations," he said.