Several loyalist flute bands have announced they will stop notifying the PSNI and Parades Commission of upcoming parades, following the decision to prevent an Orange Order parade from proceeding along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

The Pride of the Village Flute Band in Coagh and the Young Citizen Volunteers Flute Band from west Belfast both said they would cease all engagement with the authorities. The Bangor Protestant Boys and Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors said they were considering their approach to future engagement.

Under the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, organisers must notify the PSNI at least 28 days in advance of a parade, or as soon as reasonably practicable. Failure to do so can result in up to six months in prison.

The bands' announcements followed the decision by Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to ban the Drumcree parade from returning to the Garvaghy Road, after the Chief Constable said police could not safely facilitate it due to a large protest. The Parades Commission had previously permitted the parade with conditions, but that determination was challenged and ultimately not enforced.

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows urged bands not to break the law. He said he understood the anger but warned that following Sinn Fein's example of lawbreaking would lead to criminal records and damaged futures for young people.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson, after meeting the Chief Constable, said the action at Garvaghy Road could be seen as a guide to frustrate other lawful parade determinations, and that confidence in policing could not be repaired unless the law was seen to be enforced.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has asked people to be respectful and not let a minority incite criminality. He has directed that the criminal justice process continue at pace for those involved in unlawful protest.

The Parades Commission encouraged all parade organisers to comply with the legal requirement to notify.

Meanwhile, a residents group on the Ormeau Road in Belfast said it was monitoring an application for an Apprentice Boys parade in November. Lower Ormeau Concerned Community said the parade had not been permitted to cross Ormeau Bridge in the past and there was nervousness about where the current situation was heading.