SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has launched an investigation following claims that pallets from one of its Scottish distribution centres are being shipped to a notorious loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland.
Tesco ordered the probe following claims that pallets from a distribution centre in Livingston are being used for a bonfire at Craigyhill in Larne, Northern Ireland, according to the Irish News.
The pallets are not owned or managed by the retailer, but are run by an international supplier, Chep, which Tesco has reportedly ordered to carry out a full investigation into the claims.
Pallets by Chep are reportedly used for the pyres due to their distinctive blue colour, with other white and red pallets sourced from other firms.
The bonfires are built as part of the remembrance of the Battle of the Boyne on July 12, with thousands of pallets arriving in Craigyhill in advance to be stacked into a tower.
The bonfires are lit on the night of July 11, with the pyre where the pallets are allegedly being used regularly reaching almost 200ft in height.
The pyres are often lit with pictures of republican politicians on them, along with signs with sectarian language.
It has been reported that Chep has a policy not to donate or sell to the public, and there can be no unauthorised movements of pallets for use in bonfires.
According to the Irish news, it was estimated that of the 8596 pallets believed to be on the Craigyhill bonfire last year, around 3470 were owned by Chep.
Tesco and Chep have been approached for comment.
