Noel Gallagher and Susan Sarandon back Drumcree residents in signed letter

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar are among 48 public figures who have signed a letter supporting residents involved in the ongoing Drumcree dispute in Northern Ireland.

The letter is addressed to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant and calls for an “independent international mediator” to help find a lasting solution to the stand-off between residents of Garvaghy Road and the Orange Order in Portadown, County Armagh.

The signatories said the protection and rights of the local community should be central to any resolution. They also called for residents to be protected from processions that take place without their consent and could cause intimidation.

Other prominent names backing the letter include musician Paul Weller, Derry Girls actor Siobhán McSweeney, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, filmmaker Ken Loach, writer Irvine Welsh, Madness frontman Suggs, Kneecap, Imelda May and actor Maxine Peake.

Kevin Rowland, frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners and one of the signatories, said the letter was inspired by the situation on Garvaghy Road and the residents’ response to it.

The dispute has led to 11 days of deadlock after a decision allowed an Orange Order parade along the predominantly nationalist road on September 27. Residents have maintained a presence on the road, while members of the Orange Order have repeatedly attempted to march along the route.

The Orange Order has said its members have a legal right to complete the parade and called on police to implement the relevant determination. It has also said it remains open to dialogue.

The Drumcree dispute dates back to the 1990s and was one of Northern Ireland’s most serious parading conflicts.