NOEL GALLAGHER AND STARS SIGN GARVAGHY ROAD PARADE LETTER

Dozens of musicians and actors have signed an open letter backing residents of Garvaghy Road in Portadown, County Armagh, amid an 11-day stand-off over an Orange Order parade through the area. Signatories include Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, Susan Sarandon, Adrian Dunbar and Siobhán McSweeney. The letter, addressed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, calls for him to work with the Irish government to appoint an "independent international mediator" to secure a "robust, durable solution". It says residents must not face "forced processions that disregard their consent, safety and right to live in peace".

The Parades Commission had blocked the Orange Order from taking that route for 28 years amid a history of violence, including an attack that killed three brothers with a petrol bomb blamed on the Ulster Volunteer Force, according to reports. A High Court ruling has eased those restrictions, allowing the parade to go ahead for the first time since 1998. It has been approved on condition that only 35 members take part, starting at 8am rather than the previously planned 1pm. First Minister Michelle O'Neill has asked Bryant to intervene, saying the dispute has left residents with "no sleep in fear and anxiety".

Kevin Rowland, who signed the letter, said it "originated from an honest response to the situation on the Garvaghy Road". He added that signatories were "not seeking to build an organisation or alternative platform to the voices of the residents". The Northern Ireland Office confirmed receipt of the letter and said the Secretary of State continues to engage with all parties. The stand-off has remained peaceful but has reopened one of Northern Ireland's most bitter parading disputes, according to reports.