AN investigation has been launched after footage emerged of a Glasgow loyalist flute band parading inside Belfast City Hall. The video on social media shows uniformed members of the Govan Protestant Boys performing in the corridors and the reception, and now Belfast City Council has launched a probe.
The footage was taken when the band attended a centenary dinner in the building for the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge on Saturday night.
Councillors in the city have expressed concern over the incident.
Sinn Fein Councillor Ciaran Beattie said his party has been in touch with Belfast City Council and will be demanding answers.
READ MORE: Man taken to hospital after 'four hour' stand off with police negotiators in Maryhill
He told the Belfast Telegraph: "Video footage posted on social media of a loyalist flute band parading around the corridors and reception of Belfast City Hall on Saturday is disgraceful.
"This sends out the wrong message of the changing Belfast and City Hall which is supposed to be a shared space and open to all.
"I have contacted the chief executive to raise serious concerns and demand answers as to how and why this was allowed to happen.
"A council investigation is now underway to identify a possible breach of protocol and into the conduct of this flute band."
Alliance Party leader on the council Michael Long added: "There are pretty strict protocols about what people can or can't do within the building. I've contacted the chief executive to ask her to investigate.
"It would be pretty disturbing if this kind of behaviour is happening within the City Hall.
"It seems very provocative, and I would be looking for the chief executive to look into it.
"Whoever was responsible for the booking of the hall would need to explain why this had taken place while they were using the facility.
"City Hall facilities are meant to be used in a respectful way - and I don't really believe that that sort of behaviour is particularly respectful.
"The Sash followed by Derry's Walls - it's not exactly appropriate in the building.
"The fact that this has been videoed and circulated makes it seem like this could be a deliberate attempt to antagonise."
A spokesman for Belfast City Council said on Sunday: "We are investigating events last night in City Hall."
Two videos sent over tonight showing Govan Protestant Boys holding a small parade around Belfast City Hall ahead of an event last night. Thoughts ? 1/2 pic.twitter.com/bR7m3ViQFd
0 Comments