A DUMBARTON flute band wants to start playing and marching in Alexandria at 8.30am as part of its annual celebration of the Battle of the Boyne next month.

The Dumbarton Orange and Purple District No. 27 has asked for its Pride of the Rock Flute Band to be allowed to start playing and marching through Alexandria at 8.30am on Saturday, July 7

The group is seeking permission from West Dunbartonshire Council’s because its request is a departure from the authority’s code of conduct, which states that “unless specifically stipulated in the notification, no band shall play or music shall be played before 9am and after 9pm”.

The group originally wanted its flute band to be allowed to play from 8.15am but after a meeting with council officials the request was amended to 8.30am.

The council’s licensing committee will consider the request this Wednesday.

Councillor Jim Bollan, who represents the Leven ward, said: “My position remains the same as it has been in previous years, which is that the playing of music before 9am in these residential areas is not appropriate.

“I feel that keeping this prohibition in place until 9am still gives those involved in the march plenty of freedom to participate fully, just with added consideration for those living along its path.

“I hope the committee do take into account that the parade will pass in front of sheltered housing and the residences of elderly people, whose restfulness early on a Saturday morning should be observed.”

This year, the request has been brought on behalf of Dumbarton Orange and Purple District by James Frize.

Similar applications have been made by Dumbarton Orange and Purple in 2016 and 2017, with the council committee granting requests for start times of 8.45am.