Other News In Brief

SDLP Criticises Western Health Trust

The Western Health Trust has been slammed over its lack of transparency after political representatives were denied access to a consultation meeting in Gortin where the future of frontline services for the local area was discussed.

SDLP West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan said the Trust has denied public representatives a role in voicing the needs and concerns of the people we represent.

Mr McCrossan said: "This clear lack of transparency raises serious questions around what exactly the Western Trust is planning for the future of our people. There is a clear danger that vital services could be removed by stealth and today highlights how the Trust are now attempting to hide the flawed process that they have undertaken in the previous 6 months.

"Indicative of the level of our concern and the lack of communication and openness from the Trust, is the cross-party support from political representatives in West Tyrone. It is not often we agree but we are together in our outrage and anxiety on the direction the Trust is taking."

Consultation Process To Improve NI Soccer Stadiums Opens

A consultation process to make improvements to soccer stadiums in Northern Ireland has opened.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín welcomed the news and said over £36 million is to be invested in stadia and roots soccer.

Mr Ó hOisín said: "The aim of the consultation is to increase the quality of stadia across the North, improve safety standards at these venues and help integrate clubs with their local communities.

"The consultation over the next 12 weeks will be an opportunity for clubs, supporters and other interested parties to help shape the final document."

UUP Condemns Attack On Community Worker

Ulster Unionist Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Carl McClean has condemned Wednesday night's attack in Bangor on community worker Aaron McMahon by masked men.

Cllr McClean said: "Aaron's volunteering work has changed the lives of children growing up in the Clandeboye village and kept them away from drugs and criminal records. This area of Bangor has never been infected by paramilitarism, and Aaron has had to stand alone to keep it this way since UDA flags appeared by the new children’s playpark in March, and when they tried to take over the peaceful community bonfire. While everyone made it clear the UDA were not welcome, equally no agency was able to provide the necessary support to Aaron against the threats.

"Far more is needed than words; it cannot be business as usual. Local politicians have tried to bring paramilitaries into the political tent but there can be absolutely no place for violence in our society and there should be zero tolerance of those who continue down this path."

(CD)