Bangor Town Centre should be shared space

12.29.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Apr 2007

North Down Alliance MLA Stephen Farry

North Down Alliance MLA, Stephen Farry, has expressed his support for the police in relation to their actions over the Junior Orange Order parade in Bangor on Easter Tuesday, and stressed the importance of Bangor Town Centre being a shared space, open to all sections of the community.

Stephen Farry stated:

"The police action in Bangor Town Centre and on the train was necessary. They deserve the support of the community, not criticism. Public safety must always be their primary consideration.

"Bangor Town Centre should be shared space. This is something that North Down Council is trying to help deliver. The town should be open to both the Loyal Orders for their traditional parades, and for all other citizens too.

"With rights come responsibilities. While only a minority of youths may have been involved in trouble, those who organise parades have a responsibility to ensure that public disorder does not arise from such events. Clearly, greater dialogue is required in advance of future parades in Bangor."

ENDS