Contractor ‘on standby’ to remove controversial Belfast bonfire
Belfast police declare major incident over controversial loyalist bonfire
- Contractors are on standby to remove a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast, which has sparked concern due to its proximity to an electricity substation and hospitals.
- The bonfire, located on Meridi Street, is set to be lit on 11 July ahead of annual Orange Order parades.
- Concerns include potential damage to the electricity substation, which powers two major Belfast hospitals, and the presence of asbestos within the bonfire materials.
- Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee voted for the bonfire's removal, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland declaring it a "major incident" and establishing a Tactical Coordination Group.
- Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan criticised unionist leadership for not calling for its removal, while crowds gathered to guard the bonfire, blocking access points.