Other News In Brief

Dromore Masterplan Launches

A new vision for regeneration of Dromore town centre has been launched.

The Dromore Masterplan sets out a blueprint of a new vision for the centre.

Key proposals in the Dromore Masterplan include:

• creating a River Lagan corridor

• reconnecting local communities with the town centre

• development opportunity sites

• creating active streets to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Alliance Condemns Larne Arson Attack

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has condemned those behind an arson attack on a shop in Larne which forced residents in the building to leave their homes.

This is the second time that the shop on Dunluce Street has been targeted in a month.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: "Whoever is responsible for this arson attack has put the lives of these residents at risk. There can be no justification for setting a building on fire.

"My thoughts are with the residents who were put out of their homes for the second time in a month.

"The people behind this attack must be urgently apprehended by the Police before any other lives are put in danger, so I would urge anybody with any information to contact the Police or Crimestoppers."

Belfast's Procurement Policies To Be Amended

SDLP South Belfast Councillor Claire Hanna has welcomed the agreement from the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to amend Belfast's procurement policies to shine a light on tax dodging.

Cllr Hanna made the proposals at April's council meeting in support of campaigning efforts by Christian Aid.

She said: "Aggressive tax avoidance by some multinational companies has a variety of negative effects; taking money from public services - an estimated £30bn per year in the UK - and creating an uneven playing field for small local business to compete on. In particular the practice of tax dodging has a devastating impact on developing countries, which lose many times more through tax dodging than they receive in aid, and which restricts their ability to provide basic services to their citizens. This motion was about ensuring that ratepayers money does not go to companies who aggressively avoid their fair share of tax."

(CD)