Leisure centre closed as tensions rise over bonfires
Orange Order call for those lighting fires not to disrespect other cultures by burning effigies or flags
Last updated 8th Jul 2019
Politicians have condemned the closure of a leisure centre in east Belfast, because of tensions over bonfires.
Yesterday the entrance to Avoniel was blocked by a barricade and it was claimed several members of staff were threatened by a group of men
The disruption followed a council decision to remove tyres from another bonfire site in south Belfast (see pic above).
A council spokeswoman said: "The centre was eventually opened, but very few customers were able to get into the centre.
"The health and safety of staff and customers is a priority and a decision was taken to close the centre early, at 12.30pm.
"Customers were diverted to other centres and bookings accommodated elsewhere as far as possible.
"The situation will be reviewed first thing in the morning."
Meanwhile, the Orange Order is urging those lighting bonfires on the Eleventh night to celebrate their own culture and not disrespect others.
There have been several incidents of controversial items being burned in the past.
But the Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Grand Secretary of the Orange Order, was keen to point out that the organisation does not actually organise the bonfires.
And he called on those taking part to focus on celebrating their own heritage
"I don't see the need nowadays for anything on top of the bonfires - like burning effigies or flags," he told Downtown & Cool FM. "Let's celebrate our culture - we don't need to disrespect other cultures."
Already this year, DUP councillors Margaret and James Tinsley have been criticised for posing in front of a bonfire with an Irish tricolur on top.
There have been controversies in the past with effigies, tricolour flags and election poster for local politicians all added to bonfires.
And Mr Gibson said he also wants to see an end to the practice of adding tyres to the blaze.
"Sadly there is one or two where they are difficulties particularly where there are tyres on bonfires which does not do our own community any good - or any community because it hits people with respiratory problems and asthma so we would prefer not to see tyres on bonfires," he added.