The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, has met representatives of the North and West Belfast Parades Forum.

The private meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was requested by the Forum following recent disturbances in their respective areas on the July 12.

Speaking about the meeting, Professor Rea said: “The Policing Board is here to hold the Police Service of Northern Ireland to account for the delivery of effective, efficient and impartial policing. We also have a duty to meet with and listen to the views of the community on policing and related issues.

“The Forum requested a meeting with the Board and the meeting provided an opportunity to find out more about the work of the Forum. As I stated last week the significant efforts of community representatives and political leaders in North Belfast on both sides has played an important role in recent days in managing tensions and this work must be encouraged.

“By meeting with and listening to the views of groups involved, a better understanding of relevant issues can be obtained. I have also offered a meeting to a representative group from the Nationalist community.”

Last week's disturbances in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast left 25 police officers injured and politicians after a return Orange Lodge parade past shops in the pre-dominantly nationalist area.

Army personnel were also injured during the rioting, and a water cannon was eventually used to disperse the crowd.

Controversially, the PSNI allowed parade followers to move past the area some time after the parade itself, despite a Parades Commission ruling that only the Lodges themselves should be allowed past.

(MB)