PSNI urged to remove controversial bonfire in Belfast

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Published on Jul 10, 2021
More than 230 bonfires are expected to be lit across Northern Ireland this weekend, ahead of the 12th of July celebrations.

But the one built in a sensitive interface area between the loyalist Tigers Bay and nationalist New Lodge is a source of great controversy.

Residents in New Lodge claim they are living in fear and that their homes have been attacked by missiles from the bonfire site.

But loyalists have rejected suggestions the location of the bonfire was deliberately provocative and have accused nationalists and republicans of whipping up tensions.

It has been constructed on land owned by the Department of Infrastructure.

The Minister responsible, Nichola Mallon has previously called for its removal.

Today, Minister Mallon and the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, have threatened police with legal action over a failure to assist in it's removal.

The two Departments have secured the help of Belfast City Council to remove the bonfire.

However, they also need protection from the PSNI.

Police have not intervened, and have made the assessment that doing so would risk disorder.