Residents of a Co Antrim village are set to meet the Parades Commission ahead of a controversial loyalist march.
The meeting comes as concerns were raised about several bands due to take part in the parade in Rasharkin next week.
Up to 30 bands and an undisclosed number of participants and supporters are expected in the Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Flute Band parade through the mainly nationalist village.
The parade has proven controversial in previous years after some bands were accused of carrying loyalist paramilitary flags.
Sean Hanna, spokesman for Rasharkin Residents Collective, said his group is meeting the Parades Commission today.
“We are aware that residents have had recent UDA death threats and any association with paramilitary groups or carrying their flags is highly unwelcome,” he said.
Sinn Fein assembly member DaithMcKay also voiced concerns yesterday about several bands taking part next week, including the Coleraine-based Freeman Memorial Band, which is named after a UVF man who blew himself up in 1975.
“We feel it’s totally unacceptable these bands have been invited into the village,” he said.
He also said nationalist residents’ property had been damaged during last year’s parade and there has been no dialogue between the organisers and local people.
“We will be asking for a determination to ensure there is no loyalist paramilitary involvement,” he said.
