Other News In Brief

UUP Congratulates Orange Order On New Museum Opening

Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has congratulated the Orange Order on the opening of their new museum at Sloan's House, Loughgall in County Armagh.

Mr Nicholson said: "I was delighted to attend the opening of the new Sloan’s House museum.

"It is fitting that one of the Orange Order’s two new interpretive centres should be situated here in Loughgall, at a location steeped in history for the Orange Institution.

"The Museum, which I'm glad to say has been supported by the EU’s PEACE programme, is an opportunity to learn about the foundations of the Orange Order, as well as a celebration of Orange culture and tradition."

Refurbished Gym At Falls Leisure Centre Opens

A newly refurbished gym has opened at the Falls leisure centre in Belfast.

Following a £200,000 investment the refurb includes a new 53-station gym with cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

GLL, one of the UK's largest leisure providers, which runs the centre under its brand name Better, has refurbished the gym in partnership with Belfast City Council and the investment marks the first major refurbishment since the centre opened.

Falls Leisure Centre is the third leisure centre to receive a gym refurbishment since January 2015.

Gareth Kirk, Better Regional Director for Belfast, said: "Were thrilled to offer our customers this newly refurbished gym. We’re really grateful to the local community who came along to our open day; they were so enthusiastic to test out the new equipment and help us celebrate the centre’s tenth anniversary.

"As a social enterprise, Better is committed to providing high quality facilities and service to our customers, by investing in our centres. The response so far has been fantastic and we're already seeing an increase in the number of new faces through our doors, including a 20 per cent rise in pupils on the Better 'Learn to Swim' programme. We welcome everyone to use our leisure centres to get fit, stay healthy and meet new friends."

SF Seeks Meeting With PSNI On Ormeau Flags U Turn

South Belfast MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir is seeking a meeting with the PSNI to discuss its U turn on a commitment given in 2014 about the flying of flags on the Ormeau Road in Belfast.

Mr Ó Muilleoir has accused the PSNI of colluding with loyalists who erected the flags

He said: "I am disappointed and share the frustration of residents who have contacted me and my office from yesterday evening.

"In June 2014, taking into account the changed demographics and the deluge of complaints from residents, the PSNI publicly stated they would treat the erection of flags in parts of south Belfast as a breach of the peace.

"This public commitment was repeated by the PSNI in private engagements with residents and Sinn Féin representatives.

"However, when residents on the Ormeau Road contacted police (last night) when a large group of up to 20 people were erecting flags, the PSNI arrived and took no action other than to facilitate this act.

"The Ormeau Road is a vibrant, multicultural community which in many ways sets an example for the city. No one has the right to mark out territory in this intimidatory fashion.

"I understand that many of the individuals who erected the flags are not from the Ormeau area. Their actions are not reflective of the Ormeau community, nationalist nor unionist, who reject any effort to harm community relations in the area."

(CD)