Talks to resume today on Blackmen's march

TALKS will resume today in an effort to prevent confrontation at a Royal Black Institution parade due to take place in Bellaghy…

TALKS will resume today in an effort to prevent confrontation at a Royal Black Institution parade due to take place in Bellaghy, Co Derry, on Saturday.

A group representing nationalist residents has already held talks with the organisers.

Its spokesman, Mr Paul Henry, said the dialogue must continue if an accommodation is to be reached.

The Royal Black Institution and nationalists in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, have still not brokered a compromise over a march through the town on Saturday.

READ MORE

The Institution had voluntarily rerouted its parade, but negotiations broke down after nationalists rejected the altered route as well, saying that they saw no change in the organisation's "sectarian attitude".

The parade organisers accused the residents of moving the goalposts.

The Royal Black parades one Saturday effectively mark the end of the marching season.

Meanwhile, a Royal Black parade, which was rerouted away from the nationalist lower Ormeau Road in south Belfast passed off peacefully yesterday.