Oasis' Noel Gallagher, Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar are among dozens to sign a letter in support of residents in a stand-off over a decision to allow a parade down a predominantly nationalist road. There has been 11 days of deadlock between Garvaghy Road residents and the local Orange Order over the proposed march in Portadown, County Armagh. While peaceful, the stalemate has reopened what was once the most bitter parading dispute in Northern Ireland.
Other people to have signed the letter include musician Paul Weller, Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney and The Smiths' Johnny Marr. The letter, addressed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, calls on him to work with the Irish government to appoint an "independent international mediator" to "facilitate a robust, durable solution". It added that "central to any just resolution must be the primacy and protection of the local community".
It also said it was "paramount that the residents be protected from any form of forced processions that disregard their consent, safety and right to live in peace free from intimidation". The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) declined to comment on the letter but it is understood the NIO has received it. Dexy's Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland, who signed the letter, told BBC News NI that it "originated from an honest response to the situation on the Garvaghy Road".
"The letter speaks for itself. It came about from conversations from those of us looking on from afar. "It was an organic process inspired by the courage of the residents.
"As concerned individuals, we are not seeking to build an organisation or alternative platform to the voices of the residents. We would only wish to amplify their voices." Others among the 48 signatories include Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh, movie director Ken Loach, Graham 'Suggs' McPherson from Madness, Kneecap, Imelda May, Maxine Peake and trade unionist Mick Lynch. There have also been letters to Sir Chris from members of the Protestant community concerning Garvaghy Road, external, a group of MPs, external and Members of Congress in the US, external.
There has been more than a week of deadlock in Portadown since the decision to allow an Orange Order march down the Garvaghy Road on Sunday, 27 September. That morning, up to 1,000 people - including politicians such as Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill - blocked the road, preventing Orangemen marching from Drumcree Church a mile to the west. Since then, residents have maintained a constant presence around the road while Orangemen have also repeatedly tried to march the route before being turned back by police.
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