Other News In Brief

Primary School In Draperstown To Close

A primary school in Draperstown, Co L'Derry, is to close.

Education Minister, Peter Weir, approved the closure of Altayeskey Primary School following a decline in enrolments over the past four years.

Minister Weir said: "I have carefully considered the proposal put forward. Altayeskey Primary School has suffered from declining enrolments and is therefore no longer educationally sustainable.

"I would like to pay tribute to all those connected with Altayeskey Primary School, who over many years, have shown their commitment and dedication to the school and its pupils. I am confident that those involved, including parents and school staff, will ensure a smooth transition for the children as they transfer to their new schools in September."

Council Removes Memorial Monument In Carnlough

A 1916 memorial monument which was erected in Carlough, Ballymena, last year has been removed by Mid and East Antrim Council.

The council claimed it had not received approval for the memorial.

Sinn Fein has described the removal as "a shameful and disrespectful and one-sided act".

Mr McMullun said: "There are loyalist memorials dotted throughout the council area. We are simply asking that all memorials should be respected and treated equally.

"This action has caused considerable hurt and anger in the Carnlough area.

"I can't think if a single issue that has caused so much hurt in recent times.

"I got a phonecall from a lady in tears this morning who asked if our community were ever going to get equal recognition in this council area.

"It is definitely a blow for community relations in the Carnlough and wider East Antrim area."

Call For Enhanced Provision At School In Donaghadee

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has backed a campaign calling for the Education Minister to enhance education provision at Killard House School in Donaghadee.

The MLA for Strangford has added her support to a petition urging the Education Minister to provide post 16 education for young adults with learning difficulties at the school.

She said: "Killard House School is a fantastic resource for the Ards and North Down area and I'm delighted to back this petition calling on the Education Minister to not only recognise the local benefits, but actively improve provision for young adults in the area.

"With close to 1,000 signatures already, it's clear this is an important campaign for local people as the creation of a sixth form centre would give pupils the opportunity to complete their education."

(CD/LM)