Other News In Brief

Work To Start On Carriageway Resurfacing Project In Co Down

Work is to begin on a carriageway resurfacing project in Co Down.

Construction work on the £80,000 scheme on the B3 Legananny Road, Loughbrickland is to start on Monday 20 November and is to be completed by Friday, 01 December.

A road closure is required between 8am and 6pm, however diversions will be put in place.

Tyrone Construction Firm Scoops £1m Replacement Deal

A construction firm in Tyrone has scooped a £1 million replacement deal to carry out work at a college in Co Down.

Western Building Systems will replace a number of modular classrooms at New Bridge Integrated College.

The firm will replace the existing modular blocks on site with five leading-edge modular double classroom blocks. The classrooms will occupy a similar footprint whilst providing a transformed, modern learning environment, manufactured to today's current building and energy performance standards.

The project forms part of the wider NHS Shared Business Services Framework Agreement for the supply of Modular Buildings to the NHS Shared Business Services Membership and Associate members.

Ciaran O'Hagan, Contracts Manager at Western Building Systems, commented: "Taking place under an established framework, the tender process was well-managed from start to finish to the benefit of both the buyer and supplier.

"As the school will remain fully operational whilst works are underway, health and safety has been an especially key consideration within the construction planning process. The steel-framed modular buildings will be built in a manner that minimises disruption on site, whilst providing quality accommodation capable of being readily re-located in the future. The contract will include the removal and installation of each classroom one-by-one in a controlled, phased manner.

"Western Building Systems is delighted to continue this working relationship and our team is looking forward to creating a modern, learning-friendly environment in which current and future pupils can thrive."

Omagh Electoral Office To Close – Reports

Concerns have been raised over reports the electoral office in Omagh is to close.

Alliance activist Stephen Donnelly said he was disappointed with the decision.

If the closure goes ahead the office's functions will be transferred to Derry-Londonderry.

Mr Donnelly said: "This is an extremely concerning move and one that has the potential to have a serious impact on electoral services across Omagh.

"While it might seem a simple move to some, the vast majority of people affected by this decision live in isolated, rural areas of the West Tyrone and Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituencies and the question of access is a serious problem.

"Derry-Londonderry is a significant distance to travel for those who need to access services and don't have easy access to transport."

(CD/JP)