Hopes are rising of a breakthrough in relocating a controversial loyalist bonfire in north Belfast after builders began collecting material for this year’s pyre at an alternative location.
The annual bonfire at Adam Street, which is close to the interface between the nationalist New Lodge and loyalist Tigers Bay districts, has sparked sectarian tensions in recent years.
Trouble has flared at the bonfire in the past, resulting in missiles and petrol bombs being thrown.
It has now emerged that pyre material has recently appeared in the nearby Limestone Road area.
Dozens of pallets have been stacked on a site close to Mountcollyer Youth Club, which is adjacent to Alexandra Park.
Earlier this week workmen and machinery were pictured in the Adam Street area, where it has been reported there are plans to build new homes.
Sources say that while there is still some uncertainty over the Adam Street bonfire site, the Mountcollyer area has been identified as a suitable alternative site for the contentious pyre.
It is understood that recent talks between key stakeholders have taken place and hopes are building of a breakthrough.
The emergence of the alternative site is being viewed as a positive step forward.
It was recently reported that mainstream loyalists linked to the UVF and UDA are keen to see an end to the ongoing dispute at Adam Street
However, it is understood that some local loyalists, aligned to neither group, are keen to press ahead with this year’s pyre at the interface site.
It is not yet known if a funding package has been put in place to compliment any relocation plan.
In 2021 former communities minister Deirdre Hargey and ex-infrastructure chief minister Nichola Mallon took unsuccessful legal action against the PSNI to compel the force to intervene at the bonfire site after it refused to step in over concerns about potential disorder.
Local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte said the views of local people must be considered.
“Adherence to the law and the concerns of the local community must be paramount when it comes the erection of bonfires anywhere,” he said.
“Bonfires in this area have raised tensions in the past with widespread anti-social behaviour having taken place.
“This is an area that is crying out for investment and regeneration and those behind these bonfires would be better off putting their energy into something positive rather than collecting bonfire material as early as February for an event taking place in July.”
