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11/07/2018
East Belfast Bonfire Set Alight Hours After Court Order
A large bonfire in east Belfast was set alight hours after a court ordered its height to be reduced over safety concerns.
On Tuesday, the High Court ruled the Department for Infrastructure must take steps to reduce the height of the Bloomfield Walkway bonfire to no more than three metres.
Belfast City Council said the judge made the order taking into account a number of factors including "elected representative concerns, community fear and apprehension, and significant risk to property and life".
However, as police moved in to secure the site to enable contractors to safely remove material, the bonfire was set alight prematurely in the early hours of Wednesday and missiles were thrown at police. Dozens of riots vans and officers have remained in the area overnight.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended to protect a number of nearby properties. We also received reports of a number of vehicles having been set on fire in East Belfast.
"It is disappointing that some people decided to resort to violence as attempts were made to reduce significant threat to the life and property of local people, due to the size and location of this bonfire.
"Over recent months there has been a concerted effort by a wide range of agencies and community representatives to resolve this completely avoidable situation. I would like to thank those people for their efforts in trying to bring about a resolution to this matter .We all hoped that the bonfire builders would see sense. Regrettably this hasn't proved to be the case.
"Moving forward, PSNI will continue to liaise with partner agencies, local communities and political representatives to address concerns linked to bonfires. While PSNI is not the lead agency on bonfires and have limited legislative power in respect of bonfires or waste which has been illegally disposed at sites, we will continue to support other statutory bodies to carry out their roles if requested."
(LM)
On Tuesday, the High Court ruled the Department for Infrastructure must take steps to reduce the height of the Bloomfield Walkway bonfire to no more than three metres.
Belfast City Council said the judge made the order taking into account a number of factors including "elected representative concerns, community fear and apprehension, and significant risk to property and life".
However, as police moved in to secure the site to enable contractors to safely remove material, the bonfire was set alight prematurely in the early hours of Wednesday and missiles were thrown at police. Dozens of riots vans and officers have remained in the area overnight.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: "Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended to protect a number of nearby properties. We also received reports of a number of vehicles having been set on fire in East Belfast.
"It is disappointing that some people decided to resort to violence as attempts were made to reduce significant threat to the life and property of local people, due to the size and location of this bonfire.
"Over recent months there has been a concerted effort by a wide range of agencies and community representatives to resolve this completely avoidable situation. I would like to thank those people for their efforts in trying to bring about a resolution to this matter .We all hoped that the bonfire builders would see sense. Regrettably this hasn't proved to be the case.
"Moving forward, PSNI will continue to liaise with partner agencies, local communities and political representatives to address concerns linked to bonfires. While PSNI is not the lead agency on bonfires and have limited legislative power in respect of bonfires or waste which has been illegally disposed at sites, we will continue to support other statutory bodies to carry out their roles if requested."
(LM)
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20 July 2012
Lyttle Condemns Bonfire Burnings Of All National And Cultural Symbols
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18 July 2019
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17 May 2016
Road In East Belfast Closed Overnight Following Fire
A road in east Belfast was closed overnight after bonfire material was set alight by youths. The emergency services attended the scene on the Beersbridge Road on Monday night, 16 May. One fire appliance was at the scene and extinguished the blaze. The road has now been reopened.
Road In East Belfast Closed Overnight Following Fire
A road in east Belfast was closed overnight after bonfire material was set alight by youths. The emergency services attended the scene on the Beersbridge Road on Monday night, 16 May. One fire appliance was at the scene and extinguished the blaze. The road has now been reopened.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
