The Orange Order has been banned from parading through the centre of Strabane on 12 July.
In an application to the Parades Commission, Strabane District LOL No14 had filed for four bands, numbering 200, and 100 expected supporters to parade along Derry Road Leppers Bray, Abercorn Square, Castle Street, Main Street, Market Street and Butcher Street to the Bowling Green that morning.
However, the Commission has ruled the parade will not be allowed to proceed no further than the War Memorial on the Derry Road – in keeping with recent years.
West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the restrictions.
Mr Doherty had expressed “deep concerns” stating a parade through the centre of the predominantly nationalist town would have been perceived as a “provocative coat trailing exercise” which would have been “extremely detrimental” to community relations.
Welcoming the Parades Commission ruling, Mr Doherty said: “In my submission to the Parades Commission, I expressed serious concern at the damage that could be done to community relations, at the very least,if this parade was given the go ahead to proceed right throughout the town centre.
He added: “I very much welcome that common sense have prevailed.”
Ulster Unionist Derek Hussey said there was “no reason” for the parade not to be allowed through the town centre.
He said if Strabane District Council was trying to promote the town centre as a more welcoming place, then the parade should be allowed.
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