Trouble will not disrupt parade
Police in Londonderry have warned troublemakers to stay away from the annual Lundy’s Day parade on Saturday or they will face “robust action”.
Thousand are expected in the city for the Apprentice Boys of Derrys’ parade which commemorates the Siege of Derry.
PSNI Area Commander, Chris Yates, said there were plans in place to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.
“If you are caught committing offences you will be arrested and put before the court and dealt with,” he said.
“There is an enormous amount of work that goes into the parades in planning, the negotiations and the consultation process.
“We know there is a small minority of people who are attracted to this event for one reason only and this warning is for them.
“The police have evidence gatherers out, there is extensive CCTV coverage and we will use all means available to find the individuals responsible.”
The Apprentice Boys governor, Jim Brownlee, said it is important that the parade passes peacefully.
“We organise this parade to commemorate an important historic event and it’s in nobody’s interest to cause disruption.
“The minority who are intent on causing trouble should stay away and let those who enjoy it take part.”
The parade is one of the main events in the Apprentice Boys’ calendar commemorating the siege of Derry.
Members march in and around the city centre before an effigy of the traitor Lundy is burnt.
In line with previous years, the Apprentice Boys have moved the march to the first Saturday in December.
This was to accommodate the business community, but there are still concerns among traders about the impact on Christmas shopping, particularly during this difficult period for the economy.
Robert Lundy was a governor of city who advocated surrendering to the advancing troops of James II in 1689.
