The leader of a loyal order group claims there is “no reason” to re-route an Easter Sunday parade away from the Catholic church where a priest was attacked by a man following an Orange parade in July.

Graeme Stenhouse, convenor of the Apprentice Boys’ of Derry, believes there is no threat of hostility during the march this weekend.

Members of the Catholic community have criticised plans by the group to parade past the churches of attacked priest Canon Tom White, St Alphonsus’ and St Mary’s churches, during Easter Sunday mass.

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These concerns mean councillors will now discuss whether to allow the procession to go ahead as planned or alter the route, leading to Mr Stenhouse questioning whether Glasgow City Council has an “anti-loyalist stance”.

He added: “We have made great strides over the last 10 years to be seen in a good light. We don’t want to be confrontational and cause bother. I wouldn’t see any reason for a change.

“There have been no issues with us in the past. I know there was an issue last year but that was not the Apprentice Boys and was not connected to the Bridgeton Branch Club.

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“That was an Orange Order parade and the incident wasn’t even because of a participant. Apprentice Boys parades are conducted in a very good manner.

“I don’t know if Glasgow City Council have an anti-Loyal Order stance, or are trying to stop parades.”

In August, The Apprentice Boys voluntarily re-routed a march away from the church in August after talks with police and council bosses.

Councillors later asked the group to re-route a Remembrance Day parade away from St Alphonsus’, which the group say has been rearranged for this weekend with the same original plan.

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Dozens of objections have reportedly now been sent to the council, with campaign groups threatening protests if the procession goes ahead.

Police Scotland, who will also attend the council committee, had raised no concerns about the route.

However, Mr Stenhouse is unhappy at the group having to attend a council committee about their plans, and feels loyal orders such as the Apprentice Boys have not been treated fairly.

He added: “I do think, from reading social media, that Glasgow City Council now seem to be looking a lot at loyal order parades, perhaps they see an issue with them. But there is no reason why our parade should be altered.

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“We feel that the Apprentice Boys have been unfairly treated and as far as I am aware I do not see why the route should change.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “These are all matters for the committee.

“Processions commonly go before committee if there is a concern regarding public order, public safety, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community that cannot be resolved by negotiation.”