Other News In Brief

Portrush Paraglider Injured In Crash Landing

A paraglider has been seriously injured after a crash landing at a beach in Portrush.

The man was paragliding over Whiterocks Beach on Sunday afternoon when he got into difficulties, with members of the public reportedly witnessing the crash.

It's understood the canopy collapsed leaving the man to fall to the dunes below.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was assisted by the Coastguard in stabilising the injured man and removing him from the scene. He was taken to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment.

Larne Roadworks Announced

A road on the outskirts of Larne is set to close for improvements early next month.

The Department for Infrastructure is investing £350,000 to improve a section of the A36 Shaneshill Road. It will extend from 800 metres east of Upper Ballyboley Road for 2.4 kilometres towards Larne.

Work will begin on Monday 04 November and run until Friday 29 November.

A full road closure will be implemented weekdays from 7am to 6pm throughout the duration of the works. During these times, a diversion will be in place via The Collin Road, Rashee Road, Main Street, Ballyclare, Ballynure Road, A57 Templepatrick Road, A8 Belfast Road and A8 Larne Road (and vice-versa). HGVs will be advised to use an alternative route via A26 Lisnevenagh Road, M2 Motorway, A57 Templepatrick Road, A8 Belfast Road and A8 Larne Road (and vice-versa).

Drivers should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the area.

Village Renewal Scheme Enhances Facilities In Dromara

Dromara's Lagan Park has been successfully upgraded through a series of facility and landscape improvements.

The County Down park was redeveloped as part of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Village Renewal Scheme.

The scheme focused on improving the current leisure and recreational facilities in the village, utilising existing assets such as the multi-use games area and riverside looped walk. Improvements include the extension of the pedestrian footpath from the main road to allow safe access to the primary school and the towpath, the delivery of a new and innovative pump track, resurfacing of the existing kick about space and the introduction of adult gym equipment.

Funding support was provided by the Council and the NI Rural Development Programme through the Lagan Rural Partnership.

Speaking at the launch of the recently completed scheme, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of the council's Development Committee and Chair of Lagan Rural Partnership, said: "The completed scheme looks excellent and has really added to the park facilities. I believe the new pump track has been a great hit with young cyclists in the village; and I'm delighted to see the addition of the adult gym equipment and other new facilities.

"I know this project is something the Dromara Community Association was keen to see achieved and I commend the Chairman and his committee on their hard work over the years to ensure the project was delivered and received community buy in. We can also recognise the benefits such a scheme can have in a small rural community. I'm delighted to see the addition of the path creating a safer walking route from the main road. Dromara has a great local community, both in the village and wider rural area, who will benefit from the new look Lagan Park."