Drumcree parade passes off peacefully

The army have begun dismantling security equipment after this year's controversial Drumcree parade passed off peacefully.

Hundreds of Orangemen took part in Sunday's short march which was banned from passing down the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission.

Orangemen were again stopped a short distance after leaving Drumcree church by a security barrier and barbed wire. However, after making a verbal protest at the ban they marched back up the hill towards the church before dispersing.

Before the march, Portadown Orange Deputy District Master David Burrows told Orangemen: "No matter what people say, Portadown District is still on the road."

However, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O’Dowd said the Orange Order "has to start preparing for a future without trying to force unwanted parades through nationalist areas".

Police praised the efforts made by members of both communities in reducing tension and maintaining calm in the run up to this year's march.

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