Other News In Brief

BT Called To Urgently Address Phone And Internet Services In Tyrone

An SDLP representative is calling on BT to "urgently address" the blackout of phone and internet services in Co Tyrone.

West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan said he has already contacted BT three times over the weekend and twice on Monday to get the issue resolved.

Residents living in the area have been without phone and internet services since Friday.

Mr McCrossan said: "While this blackout has inconvenienced many people in the area, the anxiety it has caused to some residents should make this matter a priority for BT.

"Most people can get by using their mobile for a couple of days but many of those left isolated are older residents who would rely on their landline to stay connected to friends and family and more importantly in the event of an emergency. BT must therefore address this blackout as a matter of urgency."

New Cycle Track And Crossing Scheme To Be Developed

A new cycle track and crossing scheme linking a primary school to the Craigavon Community Greenway is to be developed.

£100,000 funding has been announced for the project which will see Portadown Integrated Nursery and Primary School linked to the Greenway.

Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "Schemes like this are especially important as they support the Active School Travel Programme which works to encourage more school journey to be taken on foot or bicycle. They also go to illustrate the new and innovative ideas that my Department is now delivering to meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. This scheme provides a pedestrian and cycle priority crossing feature to make it easier for these groups to cross in or road junctions."

Amendments To Be Submitted To Anti-Bullying Bill

The Alliance Party is to submit amendments to an anti-bullying bill.

The bill is currently going through the Assembly to help ensure homophobic and racist harassment is included.

Alliance Party Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA will move the amendments to the Addressing Bullying in Schools Bill, which received its first stage reading in the chamber. However, there is no specific mention of homophobic or racist bullying throughout the Bill, an error Mr Lunn said he intended to fix with amendments later in the process.

He said: "Bullying in any shape or form is unacceptable and must be eradicated from our society. Therefore the introduction of proposed anti-bullying laws has to be welcomed and I hope it becomes enshrined in legislation before the end of this Assembly mandate.

"However, under current guidelines, homophobic and racist bullying incidents are not classified as such but rather grouped under hate crimes. These acts are a serious and ongoing problem in our society and we must have all the tools required to stop such intimidating behaviour.

"In order to achieve a shared future for all the people of Northern Ireland, we must have equal rights for everyone from all backgrounds. This Bill is in the position to make a strong statement against those who commit homophobic or racist bullying and it is essential we take that opportunity."

(CD)