The Northern Ireland Parades Commission moved last night to counter an alleged plan by loyalist marchers in north Belfast on Saturday morning.
The Ligoniel Walker Club, part of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, had permission refused by the commission to walk past Ardoyne, scene of significant rioting on July 12th, en route to the main commemoration of the Relief of Derry.
Mr Tommy Cheevers, a spokesman for the Ligoniel marchers, told The Irish Times that members of the walker club were bitterly opposed to the commission's ruling, branding it illogical, punitive and "blatantly political".
A Parades Commission source confirmed last night he was aware of rumours that loyalists would march formally towards Ardoyne but would stop, take to the footpath and pass the contentious area as private citizens without their band.
The source said they might then reorganise their parade and continue to march towards the city centre before leaving for Derry and the main commemoration.
Such a plan would still represent a breach of the Parades Commission determination, the source added.
The source further confided that "there was no daylight" between the commission view of any such plans and the view of the police who will enforce any commission ruling.
The PSNI is to make its position clear on the controversy later this morning.