Nationalists Hit Out At West Belfast Bonfire

Nationalist politicians have hit out at a bonfire that was erected in west Belfast, after it caused a daycare centre for vulnerable adults to be closed.

"Anti-social behaviour" at the 'anti-internment' bonfire at Beechmount Drive is thought to have led to the closure of the Mica Day Centre. Yesterday, a 13-year-old and 19-year-old were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and possession of a petrol bomb.

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey said: "I want to see this bonfire dismantled and the material removed from the site.

"Not only has this bonfire caused disruption to the area, it has led to the closure of the Mica Day Centre which provides an invaluable service to vulnerable adults.

"The users of the day centre depend on this facility and it is unacceptable that it is being closed by a bonfire. The local community have made it clear they do not want bonfires in the area. Positive alternatives to bonfires have been provided and the community have responded to them very positively.

"These bonfires have also been described as anti-internment bonfires but they have nothing to do with internment. In fact, former internees have made it clear that they are opposed to these bonfires and have spoken to the young people involved in building them."

SDLP West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood said: "The disruption and anxiety caused by west Belfast bonfires has only one remedy - that is they should be taken down and if not there should be acceptance that bonfires should not be built again.

"Bonfires are not what the community want, they create health and safety issues, they are hostile to the environment and they could be a magnet for anti-social activity. Our society must move away from how some recognise the Past - militarism through murals or bands or commemorations; those who promote a false, revisionist narrative of the Past be it in terror groups or state agencies; even bonfires, we need to confront and address all of this."

(IT/JP)