City Council confirms material will not be removed from east Belfast bonfire

ITV UTV NEWS LIVE BONFIRE AVONIEL LEISURE CENTRE EAST BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND TWELFTH

Councillors have agreed to not pursue the removal of materials from the Avoniel Leisure Centre bonfire site.

It follows an emergency meeting held by Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee - the fourth time the group have met in four days.

The Committee said they will pursue individuals over trespassing and investigate leaks around contractors.

Alliance Councillor Michael Long said it would be "counter-productive" to remove the material on July 11.

"We have got to take on board that there are children, young people and older people in that area," he said.

"We do have to say that statutory agencies have to really get a grip on this. Belfast City Council has taken the lead on this over the last two or three years.

"It's about time other statutory agencies lived up to their needs and what they should actually deliver for people. It is really disappointing that a democratically taken decision in Belfast City Council cannot be implemented and that is a worrying development."

Alliance Councillor Michael Long said it would be Credit: UTV

DUP councillor George Dorrian dscribed the decision as a 'sensible way' forward.

He said: "What we wanted was a positive outcome to this situation, we certainly didn't want anything to be inflamed or any confrontation with the police or council.

"We think this is sensible way forward. We don't have contractors in place and that's the reality of where we are.

He added: "We want to take this forward and already look towards a more positive bonfire season and cultural celebrations."

On Thursday morning, police attended the site in an armoured vehicle, and a message warning the bonfire builders that anyone on the land was guilty of aggravated trespass was broadcast over a loud speaker.

Earlier this week, Bonfire builders removed hundreds of tyres from the fire at Avoniel - and moved the bonfire from Ashdale Street to a site near Mersey Street. Credit: UTV

The move came after a Belfast City Council committee voted earlier this week to send contractors in to remove material from a loyalist bonfire built in the car park of the leisure centre.

The council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee met on Wednesday and agreed to standby its decision.

The committee heard a warning from police that guns could be used during severe violence orchestrated by loyalist paramilitaries if the bonfire material is removed.