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Mid Ulster council 'should go ahead with bonfire licensing scheme'

A flag criticising Mid Ulster District Council was placed on top of a bonfire in the Ballysally estate in Coleraine, Co Derry<br />&nbsp;
A flag criticising Mid Ulster District Council was placed on top of a bonfire in the Ballysally estate in Coleraine, Co Derry
 
A flag criticising Mid Ulster District Council was placed on top of a bonfire in the Ballysally estate in Coleraine, Co Derry
 

CONSULTANTS have reportedly recommended that a controversial bonfire licensing scheme in Mid Ulster should go ahead.

More than two-thirds of respondents to a public consultation agreed that Mid Ulster District Council should proceed with its plans to regulate bonfires.

The consultation was launched in June.

According to a report in the Tyrone Courier just under 32 per cent of respondents were opposed to the council's bonfire policy.

A briefing on the report was held last week although the full document has not yet been released.

Unionists had reacted angrily after the nationalist-controlled council voted in April to introduce a licensing scheme for bonfires located on land it controls.

It is believed to be the first time a council in the north had moved to regulate bonfires through such a scheme.

Under initial proposals, organisers have to ensure that "no hazardous or toxic materials are collected, stored or burned" and that "no flags, emblems or effigies are burned".

They also have to provide public liability insurance.

Following the move, several posters appearing to threaten council staff were put up in loyalist areas across the district.

The council will now have to decide on a formal bonfire policy following the end of the 13-week consultation.

A spokeswoman for Mid Ulster council said the consultation report has to be considered by a group dealing with the bonfire issue.

"An initial briefing on the outcome of the consultation on the council’s draft bonfire management policy has taken place for councillors and partner agencies," she said.

"The full consultation report, with recommendations, will be considered by the council's bonfire working group before the council’s environment committee recommends further steps in early 2019."