Other News In Brief

Man Arrested Following 12th July Rioting

A 27-year-old man has been charged with attempting to hurt police officers and rioting in north Belfast on 12th July.

He was arrested on Thursday morning.

He faces charges of grievous bodily harm on police officers at Woodvale Road and riotous assembly at Belfast Magistrates Court later today.

SF Have Change Of Heart On Reconvening The Civic Forum

SDLP Deputy Leader Dolores Kelly has welcomed Sinn Féin's change of heart on reconvening the Civic Forum, following an article by the Sinn Féin Chairman in which it is he states that it should be re-established.

She said: "The SDLP is a long-time supporter of and active advocate for the Civic Forum. In April, we brought forward and secured support for a motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly calling on the First and Deputy First Ministers to reconvene the Civic Forum to fulfil the commitments of the Belfast Agreement. Despite the support for motion OFMDFM still did not act and two months later we were forced to write to OFMDFM seeking an update on progress.

"It is good news that Sinn Féin are finally coming around the idea that reconvening the Civic Forum would be positive. However, lip-service is not enough. The Deputy First Minister must now set out a clear plan of action for the establishment of the Civic Forum as a matter of urgency."

Call For Councils To Tackle Litter Problems

Ulster Unionist Environment Spokesperson, Tom Elliott, has repeated a call for local councils to implement robust anti-litter strategies following a number of complaints from constituents.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: "The recent spell of good weather resulted in many people visiting public parks and beaches across Northern Ireland. However, this also exposed the litter problem which appears to be endemic in some areas and I have received a number of concerns from constituents who have visited these areas, including Ballintoy Harbour.

"From previous questions I have tabled to the Minister of Environment it is clear that local councils are not implementing litter laws in a similar manner across the board. Therefore, we need a new robust litter strategy on top of adequate enforcement of the existing legislative framework, including the appropriate use of fines."

(CD/JP)