NATIONALISTS in north Belfast have appealed to the Orange Order to have a last minute change of heart and reroute tonight's parade away from their homes amid fears of a serious confrontation.
Members of the Cliftonville Antrim Road Concerned Residents' Association (CARCRA) yesterday attempted to hand a letter and petition into the order's headquarters in Belfast. However, officials in the building would not open the door.
A statement from the order later accused CARCRA of engaging in a "publicity stunt" and questioned its sincerity. "We fail to see any genuine attempt to understand the Orange tradition and culture," it said.
The residents had asked the RUC to reroute the march, which is due to pass through the Cliftonville and Duncairn Gardens districts. However, a police spokesman said the parade would almost certainly go ahead.
Nationalists are planning a counter demonstration at Roe Street and Cliftonpark Avenue tonight. The RUC has appealed for restraint.
CARCRA spokesman, Mr John Fleming, was critical of the police's attitude. "The RUC seem determined to force this blatantly, sectarian march upon our communities despite their lack of consent," he said.
Sinn Fein also asked the order to rethink its decision. Cllr Joe Austin said: "We are now at the 11th hour and a serious confrontation is looming".