Other News In Brief

£65,000 Footway For Cullybackey Announced

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a project to provide a new footway on the Ballymena Road in Cullybackey.

The scheme will provide 150 metres of new footway, associated verge and new boundary fencing.

Work is scheduled to start on 29 April, and last for approximately six weeks. Following this phase, Translink will relocate their level crossing equipment.

Minister Kennedy said: "This scheme will link up two existing footways on the Ballymena Road in Cullybackey either side of the railway crossing, providing a continuous safe pedestrian route from Cullybackey to Ballymena."

Family 'Tormented' In Derry – SDLP

A family living in the Kylemore area of L'derry are reportedly being "tormented" by a group of youths.

According to SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack, the gang consists of at least 10 youths.

Ms Cusack, who is a Derry City Councillor, said the family has been terrorised by the anti-social behaviour taking place outside their home over a number of nights. The family's elderly mother also lives in the house, and Councillor Cusack said: "I visited the family to find out what was going on and they explained how the youths, whose average age they estimate to be approximately 15, hurl objects at the house and bang on their windows late at night.

"This is terrifying the family's elderly mother, who is not in good health. From what we understand, the youths are not from the area and seem to delight in tormenting this family.

"This behaviour is despicable and I am urging anyone who knows, or recognises anyone from the group responsible to report them to police.

"This type of anti-social behaviour may seem like a laugh and a joke to those carrying it out, but they have to realise they are making this family's life a misery. That is not fun and it must stop.

"What is also concerning is that some of these young people, some aged approximately 13 are on the streets well past midnight. I am also urging parents to check the whereabouts of their children and make sure they know where they are, who they are with and what they are doing."

Public Invited To Dunluce Castle Open Days

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is inviting the public to view its plans for a new development at Dunluce Castle.

It has been said that there is potential at the site to provide a unique heritage destination and the NIEA is now embarking on an initiative to showcase Dunluce and what it has to offer.

An information day at the Mill Rest in Bushmills on Thursday 1 May, as well as a free open day at Dunluce Castle, on Saturday 3 May, will be held and will provide the public with the opportunity to hear about the project plans and to make a valuable contribution to the development.

Phelim Maguire, Dunluce Development Project Manager explained: "As a truly spectacular and iconic image of Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle deserves to be showcased to the world as a must see visitor attraction.

"Our ambitious plans will transform Dunluce into a world class visitor's experience and I encourage everyone to embrace this unique opportunity, attend the Information and Open Days and get involved in its future."

Development plans for the site include a five-year archaeological excavation and conservation programme that will allow visitors to walk down the original 17th-century cobbled street, and see where merchants' houses once stood, leading to the historic castle gardens which will also be restored to their original grandeur. These will be complimented by a new, world-class visitor centre, allowing the story of the castle and the town to be told through state-of-the-art interpretation.

The proposals are being made possible with the support of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

(JP)