A BONFIRE should not be lit in a public car park close to one of Belfast's busiest shopping centres, an Ulster Unionist councillor has said.
A large number of pallets have been stacked by a wall in the car park on Ashdale Street, close to Connswater shopping centre in the east of the city.
The council-owned car park is surrounded by several businesses.
Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed yesterday that materials should be removed from the site, along with another bonfire in the car park of nearby Avoniel leisure centre.
A council spokeswoman said the bonfires would not be dismantled but hazardous material including tyres would be removed.
However, Ulster Unionist Jim Rodgers questioned the site of the Ashdale Street bonfire.
He said a smaller bonfire was lit in the car park last year.
But he said this year's larger pyre could cause damage to premises adjoining the car park including Wyse Byse department shop and the Barnardos Donation Centre.
"It's on council-owned land," he said.
"To me, it's not a place to have a bonfire. Considerable damage could be done to the pay and display car park. I am also concerned businesses could be damaged.
"There are a large number of pallets and certainly not a good location for a bonfire.
"I would appeal to those involved to think again."
