Other News In Brief

Trees Next To Home Deliberately Set On Fire

An investigation has been launched after trees were deliberately set on fire next to a house on Merrion Park in Poleglass.

Emergency services responded to reports of a fire and it is understood that the blaze was dealt with within 15 minutes.

There have also been reports of damage caused to the house, but it is understood that the fire was "just yards" from the residents.

Police are treating the fire as deliberate.

MLA Takes Matters Into His Own Hands On Overgrown Grass Verges

Ulster Unionist East Antrim MLA John Stewart has joined a number of volunteers to cut overgrown grass verges in Carrickfergus.

Mr Stewart said that he had been inundated with calls from residents who had safety concerns over the height of uncut verges.

It is understood that Roads Service was unable to give Mr Stewart a definite date on which the verges would be attended to.

This spurred Mr Stewart and a group of volunteers to tackle the verges themselves.

Posting to Twitter, Mr Stewart, said: "Last night myself & handful of keen volunteers including @AndyParkWilson took to cutting grass verges in Carrickfergus.

"Junctions such as the North Road had become so overgrown that visibility was becoming a real issue.

"We continue to report the worst areas across East Antrim."

Alliance Announce Selection For Barney Fitzpatrick Council Seat

Alliance has selected local activist, Chris McCaw, to fill the party's seat on Causeway Coast and Glens Council - a seat left vacant by the sudden passing of long-standing Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick earlier this month.

Selected by local Alliance members at a special meeting on Tuesday, 29 May at Portstewart Town Hall, Chris said he was "delighted" and "honoured" to take up the role.

He continued: "It is with immense privilege that I take up this role, continuing the Alliance Party's strong record of providing strong inclusive leadership for everyone in the local area. I cannot wait to hit the ground running. I'm extremely passionate about improving our local area and I look forward to working with other Councillors to achieve this.

"My own personal focus will be on the local area's economic development. Jobs are badly needed in Portrush, Portstewart, Bushmills and the surrounding areas. I feel that I have the skills from my job with Invest NI to make a real impact on the local job market.

"I am also looking forward to working on issues such as integrated education, health and local community relations. These issues are all close to my heart, and I cannot wait to get stuck in."

Paying tribute to Barney, Chris added: "Barney was someone who lived the values of Alliance. He was born in West Belfast and served in the police for over 40 years. He was wounded in the line of duty and yet chose to work for a united community in Northern Ireland, to bring divided communities together.

"I was inspired to become involved in politics by Barney's passionate belief in a united Northern Ireland and Alliance will continue to work towards his vision of a united, progressive society that works for everyone."

Chris will take up his position at next month's Council Meeting.

(MH/LM)