Other News In Brief

Families Are Being Financially Squeezed By A Rise In Inflation - SDLP

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead Bradley has said said families are being financially squeezed by a rise in inflation and the cost of living needs.

She said: "Hard pressed households across the North are struggling even more as the biggest price rises in four years begin to bite. The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that the price of food and electricity continue to rise as inflation outpaces wage growth.

"The net result for families across Northern Ireland is less money in their pocket after pay day and a greater struggle to provide a roof and food for their children. That trend needs to be addressed immediately.

"We need to provide a considered pay rise for our nurses, teachers and other hard-worked front line public servants. And the crass Tory manipulation of the Living Wage to provide incomes below the independently set rate must come to an end."

Fermanagh Farmer Fined For Pollution Offence

A farmer from Fermanagh has been fined for a pollution offence at Omagh Magistrates' Court.

Mr James Henderson received a fine of £500, plus a £15 Offender Levy, for making a polluting discharge to a waterway.

On 03 July 2015, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), inspected a tributary of the Ballinamallard River and observed a growth of sewage fungus in the waterway. The discharge of silage effluent to the waterway was traced to farm premises owned by James Henderson.

A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.

Call To Ensure Tower Blocks In NI are Safe For Residents

Ulster Unionist Andy Allen MLA has expressed concern at the fire at Grenfell Tower, London, and has contacted the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to ensure that tower blocks in Northern Ireland are safe for residents.

Mr Allen MLA said: "The fire at Grenfell Tower in the early hours of this morning has led to fatalities, people being rushed to hospital and for residents to flee their homes. My heartfelt sympathy goes to those who have been affected by this tragedy.

"With a number of tower blocks in Belfast recently refurbished or currently undergoing refurbishment, I have contacted the Northern Ireland Housing Executive so people can be assured that any materials used for the cladding, insulation and general renovation of tower blocks do not present a fire hazard. I have also inquired about what fire suppression measures are installed in tower blocks in Northern Ireland.

"The safety of residents is absolutely paramount, and it is vital that they are not put at risk."

(CD)