MORE than 40 objections have been received to plans for a massive Orange Walk through parts of Gourock and Greenock later this month amid fears that the "outdated" and "divisive" march is a "disaster waiting to happen".
Members of the public have raised concerns over the proposed parade, organised by the County Grand Lodge of Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Argyll, which is set to take place on June 29.
The procession could potentially attract more than 3000 participants - plus large crowds of onlookers - with around 30 flute bands expected to attend together with up to 55 buses.
Inverclyde Council is yet to decide on the application, however, 45 public objections have been submitted - along with four representations in support of the annual Boyne celebration event.
Objectors claim that the gathering will require a police presence that is "stretched to the limit already," and the march has been labelled by some as "clearly antagonistic".
Public comments opposing the plans state that the parade "promotes hatred" and there is "no place for a supremacist and sectarian organisation on our streets".
One objector said: "I strongly suspect that the actual members of the Lodge locally would be hard pushed to fill two bus shelters, yet we are potentially welcoming folk from outside the area to parade their hatred in our streets.
"The suggested 3000 number bears no relation to the interest in this archaic organisation locally."
Another wrote: "Why we would allow thousands who are sworn to promote religious segregation and intolerance to march through the heart of our town ever - never mind on what has been a local holiday for generations?"
The event is planned for the start of the school summer holidays, while cruise ship Azamara Onward is scheduled to call at Greenock on the same day.
Several objections highlighted fears over possible traffic disruption, trouble and anti-social behaviour in residential areas, with the procession route beginning at Battery Park and travelling through local streets.
One local business owner, who complained over a potential loss of trade, said: "It has come to my attention that the Grand Lodge marches have a reputation for creating an undercurrent of conflict which often results in arrests.
"This is deeply troubling, as it goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect that our lovely local community of Gourock upholds."
Another objection said: "Why should we as residents put up with several thousand people descending on Gourock en masse, blocking our streets, causing widespread travel chaos and disrupting our daily lives, just for the whim of a few that fundamentally want to gloat over an event that happened centuries ago?"
Others have argued that the "loutish activities" of attendees - including urinating in gardens and leaving litter - will make the area "virtually a no-go zone," while it is claimed the event "will endanger the safety of our children".
Further objections said the "drunkenness and disorder" that the event could cause makes it a "disaster waiting to happen" and it "risks poisoning our peaceful environment".
Police Scotland have not raised any objections to the event going ahead, however, a response from the force stated that there is a "likelihood of major disruption' to pedestrian and vehicular traffic for its duration".
A supporter of the plans said "most, if not all, Boyne parades by this County Grand Lodge pass off peacefully and with no public order or damage to property," adding that traffic disruption happens with most events held in the area, such as the recent Highland Games.
Council chiefs will approve or reject the plans at a meeting of the general purposes board on June 12.
