Protective covers have been put up at two controversial loyalist bonfire sites in east Belfast in a bid to protect public spaces from fire and heat damage.
Large white covers were placed on fencing close to a pyre at Clonduff over recent days, while newly installed features at Pitt Park, which recently underwent a £1.7m makeover, have also been shielded.
At Clonduff protective covers have been put up at a playpark close to a loyalist bonfire linked to a notorious bonfire builder’s den dubbed the ‘hut of hate’, which has been built close to Belfast City Council-owned Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.
The pyre is a short distance from a playing area and two modern 4G playing pitches, which cost £300,000 to install.
There was controversy last year when offensive images were put on display in a builder’s hut at the site.
The letters UVF were etched onto a makeshift table while inches away a Swastika made from tape was stuck to the wooden frame.
Nearby the letters KAT, ‘Kill All Taigs’, were scrawled onto a sofa along with an obscene image.
A flag bearing an image of crouching masked man holding a rocket launcher and including the words ‘Clonduff Rocket Team’ appeared in the hut last year.
A similar flag has been flown from a lamppost in the area this year.
Protective material has also been installed at Pitt Park just a month after it reopened following a £1.7m revamp.
The park has a new playground, a multi-use games area and natural stone paths.
At the time of the reopening, Belfast City Council said the expensive redevelopment was “inspired by the nearby shipyard and the area’s maritime heritage.
A spokeswoman for Belfast City Council said the management of bonfires “continues to be led by elected members”.
“A member-led decision-making process has been agreed to consider issues and make decisions on a site-by-site basis,” she said.
“We have installed mitigations at Clonduff Drive Playpark to minimise potential damage.
“We continue to proactively engage with elected and community representatives to minimise any potential negative impact of bonfires on local residents, businesses and property.”
East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds said it was “disappointing to again see in some parts of east Belfast we have some bonfires that are potentially damaging their communities and holding them back”.
“The newly refurbished Pitt Park has received £1.7m in taxpayer’s money and Clonduff £300,000 in ratepayer’s money,” he added.
“The council now has to invest in fire retardant materials and labour costs to protect the facilities, which are for use by the local community, from nearby bonfires.
“This is a choice by a handful of individuals impacting on many.”
Mr McReynolds said those choosing to host bonfires on “unsuitable sites, are holding residents and families back from having modern facilities”.
“Bonfire celebrations cannot be allowed to continue to damage public property in this way,” he added.
“Safer bonfire locations, away from community facilities, can ensure successful, respectful, and lawful celebrations.”
