Other News In Brief

Ballymena Showgrounds Upgrade Works Continue

Upgrade works are continuing at the Ballymena Showgrounds in Co Antrim.

Since May, work to transform the pitch has been carried out in order to revamp drainage and lay a new playing surface.

Mid & East Antrim Council said the scheme is well on schedule, with football expected to return to the venue as planned in October.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Lindsay Millar, said: "I am delighted the programme of extensive work on the pitch at Ballymena Showgrounds is progressing well.

"This will improve drainage and the quality of the playing surface to ensure it meets European standards.

"Ballymena Showgrounds is a multi-use venue and Council continues to work closely with all users to ensure it remains one of Northern Ireland's premier facilities. Over the past year the venue has hosted several top sporting events, including the SuperCupNI, Uefa Women's Under-19 Championship and World Stock Rod Championships.

"We look forward to more superb events taking place at Ballymena Showgrounds once the improvements have been carried out."

PSNI Called To Increase Patrols

PSNI and Community Safety Wardens have to be urged to increase their patrols in the Culmore area following another weekend of anti social behaviour. SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins said that the activities over the last number of weekends show no respect for communities.

She said: "Once again, the football pitch in Culmore has been targeted by youth drinking and setting fire to the surrounding trees and embankments which lead to a small wooded area adjoining the rear of houses. The sandy beach area- a popular walk for families and dog owners- is now strewn with broken bottles and litter; left dangerous after all the effort by the community and council preparing and cleaning the bay area for the people to stand and enjoy the arrival and departure of the clippers, as it is the first focal point on their reaching Derry .

"I am pleading with parents to explain to their children the consequences of such actions and the distress it is having to those on the receiving end and, how a possible police record will impact any future plans they may have."

UUP Condemns Anti-Social Behaviour In Brookeborough

Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington has criticised those who were involved in anti-social behaviour, including the burning of Union Flags, in the village of Brookeborough in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Cllr Warrington said: "It is sad that there are some people determined cause mayhem and havoc in Brookeborough village, along with heightening tension by the burning of Union Flags.

"There is no place for this type of behaviour anywhere and certainly not the area of Brookeborough.

"Terrorising the residents of the village, damaging property and causing sectarian tension is disgraceful and those involved should consider the outworkings of their actions.

"I trust the police will look at the evidence and information that they have and can bring those people responsible for the shameful actions to justice."