Other News In Brief

Concerns Raised Over Illegal Dumping At Bonfire In East Belfast

An Alliance Councillor has requested a meeting with Council Officers and statutory agencies to discuss concerns over illegal dumping at a bonfire in east Belfast.

The bonfire site has seen an increase in illegal dumping over the past few days, causing many to fear the same situation last year in which 50 families were forced from their homes .

Alliance Councillor David Armitage said: "It is extremely worrying that we could be facing another serious situation regarding an East Belfast Bonfire – once that could potentially put the safety of local people at risk.

"Not only have we seen an increase in illegal dumping in the area, but there has also been a rise in anti-social behaviour, with reports of vandalism at a new play park.

"This bonfire site is not part of the Council's official bonfire scheme, with those behind it regrettably not willing to take part in the approved process."

Improvement Work To Start In Co Antrim

Work to upgrade street lighting and improve pavements and kerbs in Randalstown, Co Antrim, is to begin later this year.

Funding of £380,000 has been secured to carry out the work which will take place in New Street and the surrounding linkage areas of John Street and Arches Lane.

New street furniture will also be installed.

Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA said: "I welcome this third phase of public realm works in Randalstown which will complement the other regeneration improvements my Department has already funded in the town and will complete the upgrading of the entire town centre. Public realm schemes improve the economic, environmental and social conditions in our towns and cities. Working together with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Transport NI we are helping transform Randalstown into a more vibrant and attractive town for locals and visitors alike."

The work is to be completed by March 2017.

Air Canada To Purchase 45 CS 300 Planes From Bombardier

Air Canada has announced it is to buy 45 CS300 planes from Bombardier with an option for an additional 30.

Ulster Unionist Party economy spokesperson Steve Aiken MLA welcomed the announcement and said it is an important boost for NI's manufacturing sector.

He said: "This is excellent news coming out of Canada which will be well received in Northern Ireland. The silver lining in the dark cloud when Bombardier announced over 1,000 redundancies in February, was the news that the company has signed a letter of intent with Air Canada for up to 75 CS300 aircraft. The confirmation of the order is timely and an important boost for our manufacturing sector in these uncertain times."

(CD)