Other News In Brief

Two Arrested In Connection With Belfast Drug Seizure

Two people have been arrested after police stopped a vehicle in south Belfast yesterday and made a significant drugs seizure.

Herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of over £4000 was discovered, along with over £5,100 in cash, after two follow up searches in the city.

A 34-year-old woman and 31-year-old man were arrested and later released on police bail.

Roadworks To Commence On £127K Resurfacing Project In Ballynahinch

The Downpatrick Road in Ballynahinch will soon be upgraded, with a £127,000 resurfacing scheme set to begin next week.

Getting underway on Wednesday 13 March, the project will see a stretch of 0.7km resurfaced, from the Downpatrick Road's junction with the Cumber Road to the Mossvale Road junction.

Both the structural integrity of the road and the surface & drainage will be improved.

A weekday closure will be enforced between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm until the completion date of Friday 12 April. Clearly signposted diversions will be in place via the Crossgar Road in Ballynahinch and the Ballynahinch Road in Crossgar.

Local access for residents will be maintained at all times, and the route will be open on evenings and weekends.

The public are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with care in vicinity of the works.

The Department has carefully programmed the work and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.

Completion of the work by 12 April 2019 is dependent on favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

Planning Permission Granted For MUGA In Longstone, Armagh

Planning permission for a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Longstone, County Armagh has been given council approval.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's Planning Committee gave the £70,000 investment for Drumsill Park, Longstone the green light at a recent meeting.

The new outdoor games area will enhance the local area by encouraging participation and interaction within the community. It will feature a tarmac surface and floodlighting within a fenced area that includes built-in goal post units allowing for various types of sports and games to be played such as football, basketball and tennis.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Julie Flaherty said: "With planning approval confirmed, this new development will provide new facilities for the local community to enjoy for years to come. Key to the success of this project has been the partnership approach of the local community and we are delighted that the people of the Longstone area have worked together with the council to bring this project to fruition."

The local community have proactively engaged with the council and have agreed a Service Level Agreement, which will allow, once construction is completed, the MUGA at Longstone to be opened and closed by a representative of the local community association.

Francie Rafferty, Chairperson of Longstone Community Association, said: "This is a long awaited facility for Drumsill Park and we are very much looking forward to the project being completed. We would like to really thank the council for their efforts and funding of the project."

It is anticipated work will be completed by the end of July 2019.

The £70,000 investment is part of the Council's £4.75m Play Strategy for 2018-2026. The eight-year plan puts ABC Council at the forefront of health, recreation and leisure in Northern Ireland, actively championing play to help improve understanding of its critical importance to children and young people.



(JG/MH)