The steel cage that has protected the Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast from Fenian attacks over the years is to be taken doon.Yes let my people go!
Well no its actually a complete face-lift for the landmark building which is close to the Carlisle Circus intersection which isn't a real circus and separates the loyalist Shankill estate from the republican New Lodge area.
The hall was built in the 1880s. During the Troubles windows were blocked up and the building surrounded by the cage to prevent arson and paint attacks.
William Humphrey, a DUP councillor for the area, said the work would "return the building to its former glory".
"This is all about making Orange halls accessible to the community," he said. Which community ? the ones that want to visit or the ones that want to burn it doon?
"It is a unique building, the statue on top of King William and his horse is the only equestrian statue in Belfast.
(Unless you count the Queen Victoria statue at the city hall as she looks a bit of a nag)
I give it a week before some Fenian young buck decides to firebomb it at the usual time of 3 am which is the traditional time to petrol bomb things.
I have gone to the nearby courthoose for various reasons I do not want to get into right now but I know the area. A lovely place for tourists just don't step out of yer vehicles or look any thick necked tattooed men in the eyes.
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