A REPUBLICAN group making its third bid in six weeks to march through Clydebank accidentally referred to themselves as the IRA in a meeting today.

A special meeting was convened to consider the march proposed for Saturday, October 1 at 2pm.

The Evening Times sister title the Clydebank Post reported that councillors rejected the bid after it found the route unsuitable as it "contravened with article 11" of West Dunbartonshire Council's policy which refers to public processions - namely that it would go through a predominantly residential area.

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The route proposed was: commence at Morar Road, left onto Kilbowie Road, right onto Hawthorn Street, left on to Janetta Street, First Terrace, left on to Second Avenue, left on to Singer Street, right on to Crown Avenue, right on to Graham Avenue, right on to Kilbowie Road, left into Glasgow Road, then right into Cart Street for dispersal.

However, applicant Brian Keenan remained adamant that the group should be allowed to proceed through the route as it had been used before.

Mr Keenan said: "This route has been marched in the past and we believe it won't contravene with article 11.

"If other organisations could use it, why on this occasion would it not be suitable for the IRA - no IRBS, IRBS - to do it?"

Councillors raised concerns over the reason for selecting the route - which differs slightly from the previously applied for routes.

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Councillor John Mooney asked why the group specifically wanted to pass the Blitz Memorial on Graham Avenue, given Police Scotland had proposed an alternative route which didn't involve passing the landmark.

Mr Keenan responded: "Are you suggesting the IRBS don't respect memorials?"

Cllr Mooney reiterated his question to which Mr Keenan told the committee the group like to "take (their) message to different areas".

Further attempts were made by Cllr Jonathon McColl to clarify why the group had chosen the residential route but to no avail.

Cllr McColl made a motion to reject the application on the grounds of the proposed route's conflict with article 11 and it was unanimously passed.

Concerns were raised over the original proposed route as it would involve going through residential areas while further concerns about the September 10 involving a lack of police resources were also considered.

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Objectors said they had hoped the last rejection three weeks ago would be the "final nail in the coffin" for the Independent Republican Bands of Scotland (IRBS) who wanted to march on the same day as the Old Firm Derby.

The third application continued to list Coatbridge United Irishmen Flute Band as the only group taking part.