THE "clock is ticking" on a problem bonfire in Portadown where residents have been advised to evacuate their homes for their safety, Sinn Féin has warned.
Residents of 23 flats in the Corcrain estate face having to move out today before the bonfire is lit at 11pm.
Yesterday, talks were still ongoing between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council and bonfire builders on the size of the structure and its proximity to homes.
The council was also continuing to search for a contractor "to be on standby" should any material need to be removed.
Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Nelson said the council claimed they had spoken to more than 30 contractors but had so far been unable to find anyone.
She said: "Council and other statutory agencies are obliged to act... We are currently playing roulette with people's lives and property.
"It's 2019 but the solution being pursued - to evacuate people from their homes - is ludicrous. Any right-thinking person... is watching in total and utter disbelief.
"The clock is ticking on this, time is running out... and our only solution will be to remove the bonfire or we risk people's lives and property."
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She added: "We have newborn babies, we have elderly people in these blocks of flats... We have to take a step back and realise that is not acceptable.
"This bonfire in its current location at its current size need to be removed."
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie has appealed to bonfire builders to reduce the size of the bonfire.
He said this week that "nobody is attempting to remove the bonfire" but it "cannot be right that anyone is being asked to leave their homes".
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However, a Lundy effigy was posted on the Loyalist Corcrain Redmanville Bonfire Facebook page with a line saying 'Meet Doug', thought to be a reference to Mr Beattie.
The Irish News understands that pallets are still being added to the bonfire but a contractor will only be brought in if it becomes so big or unstable that it is deemed dangerous.
In a letter to tenants, South Ulster Housing Association (SUHA) last week said it had been told by council "that the bonfire poses a serious health and safety risk to residents and poses a risk of damage to your property".
It added: "Assuming the expected size of the bonfire, the council advise evacuating residents from the affected blocks of flats."
Residents have been offered alternative accommodation in Armagh and a community centre is also being opened for their use.
