Sinn Fein has hit out after a number of homes were damaged during a bonfire on 11 July.

The Sandy Row bonfire in east Belfast caused significant damage to homes in a nearby apartment block.

Sinn Fein Cllr Deirdre Hargey said residents still don't know who is paying for the damage.

She said: "This bonfire was clearly a threat to people’s safety. It was so hot that it melted and cracked windows and residents had to be evacuated from their homes.

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"There should be no repeat of this situation and a meeting was an important step in putting together the correct multi-agency approach to avoid similar scenes in the future.

"However, the failure of unionist parties to show leadership on this issue or even to attend the meeting shows complete disregard for the residents. That is completely unacceptable.

"The residents are also still no clearer as to who is responsible for paying for the repairs to their property. Residents need immediate clarification as to where responsibility lies and it should not be with them because they are not the people at fault here."

(CD/MH)