In a statement the Lodge said: " It is with a great deal of sadness and indeed, no small degree of anger, that the Officers and Brethren of Killowen LOL 930 resent the way they have become embroiled in controversy over their 49th Annual Battle of the Somme Remembrance Service and Parade arranged to take place on Wednesday July 1, 2009.
"The lodge are concerned that attempts to deny them their traditional route are being motivated by certain party political agendas coupled with a reluctance to understand the significance, nature, and culture of the event in question.

"Killowen L.O.L. 930 is able to trace its inception back to early 1800's.
"Along with Coleraine Fife and Drum Band, who have always led the lodge, both groupings are well known and highly respected throughout a wide area of the Province and indeed further afield.
"This service and parade is an important fixture in the local area, and is also a vital expression of thanksgiving and remembrance for all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in two World Wars and in other theatres of war since then.

"It is an important expression of culture, remembrance and indeed identity, especially with those whose loved ones, from all sections of the community, who did not return from the various conflicts .
"All supporters of the lodge and band, many of whom live along the traditional route, are very dismayed by the present situation in which the Lodge now finds itself embroiled - through no fault of its own.
"It must be stated that Killowen L.O.L. 930 has no political agenda, and the Lodge wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that the Annual Remembrance Service and Parade cannot rationally be said to have any connection or bearing on recent events which have precipitated along part of the usual parade route of some 50 years standing.

"Consequently, the officers of the lodge have liaised extensively with the PSNI, local political and clerical representatives, and community groups and have proposed for this year to voluntarily reduce the composition of the Remembrance parade in the Heights area.
"The reduced Remembrance Parade, for this this year only, will consist solely of Coleraine Fife & Drum Band, Killowen L.O.L. 930, and County and District Officers.

"The parade will also not proceed along Somerset Drive. Instead it will process along Pates Lane and Laurel Avenue and onwards following the normal route. Music will also be restricted voluntarily along parts of the route and we would request supporters not to become part of, or follow the parade in this area.
No alcohol will be allowed along the route, and the PSNI have been requested to assist in this matter. This decision relates only to the Remembrance parade on the 1st July 2009, and is taken only in the context of events which have recently occurred in Heights/Killowen area."
The statement went on to say that the Lodge hoped that the gesture would be accepted by all concerned as 'a sincere and genuine attempt to ease any potential community tensions, fears, or worries which may exist along the parade route.'

The members have also agreed to the removal of several flags along the route to ease tensions in the area, and the host Lodge and Officers request all supporters to strictly obey the directions of marshals who will be on duty.

The Lodge wish to thank local councillors, David Barbour, Adrian McQuillan, Maurice Bradley and local clergy and others who spoke to the Parades Commission on behalf of Killowen LOL 930.