Bonfire And Cultural Expression Programme 'Ludicrous'

Belfast City Council's bonfire policies have been described as "ludicrous".

A number of groups representing bonfires in areas across Belfast have said that they will not be applying for funding from the Bonfire and Cultural Expression programme due to what they claim are restrictions aimed at "controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition".

Posts to both Facebook and Twitter have criticised the council with a representative of Cregagh Estate bonfire stating that "volunteers can no longer be part of a programme aimed at controlling and eradicating the culture and tradition of people in that area".

A statement from the Mid Shankill Bonfire group claimed "pan-nationalism is targeting bonfire groups as part of an ongoing cultural war intent to erode any vestige of Britishness".

Speaking on BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme, Ian McLaughlin from the Lower Shankill Community Association said that he understood the groups' concerns.

He said: "I believe there is a sense of mistrust between many of these grassroots community groups and the statutory partners at the table and some political parties.

"We need to rebuild trust and trust is a two-way street.

"I would argue that great progress has been made over the years and clearly for me I would like to build on that success."

He added that this year's scheme was late.

"There are a number of factors for that - last year's incidents around bonfires, primarily around east Belfast led to an interval review in the council.

"This meant council couldn't take part or engage in bonfire activities until the result of that.

"We also have a report compiled by unionist politicians which I think is very welcome.

"We have also had a report from the Community Relations council which painted a very bad picture of bonfires.

"An already sensitive issue has been made more toxic by a number of factors."

(MH/LM)