Other News In Brief

UFU Calls For Safety As Schools Close

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is urging parents/guardians to be vigilant as schools have now closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

With curious minds and adventurous spirits, children love to get out on the farm to explore, however farms are a place of work and are a dangerous environment for children.

UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: "Children are naturally curious. Children view farms as one big play area and fail to understand the consequences that go hand in hand with playing around machinery, equipment and livestock. Farms, and in particular working farms, can be tempting places for them to play and often children do not understand the dangers a farm can present."

Agriculture has one of the highest fatal accident rates of any industry in Northern Ireland and is the only high-risk industry that has to deal with the constant presence of children.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is calling on the farming community to keep children safe on the farm and has provided a farm safety checklist for parents.

Busy South Belfast Route To Close For Improvements

A key route in south Belfast is set to undergo improvement works next week.

The Department for Infrastructure is investing £170,000 to improve the Upper Knockbreda Road from Belvoir Road to Upper Galwally.

Work will begin on Monday 30 March and run until Sunday 04 April.

Overnight road closures will be implemented between 10pm and 6am during these dates. A diversionary route will be in place while access for residents and deliveries to Forestside shopping centre will be maintained.

Road users should expect some delays and allow additional time when planning their journey.

Public Warned Over Sewer Blockages

NI Water customers have been urged to follow guidelines to help keep the sewer network clean.

Members of the public have been warned to only flush toilet roll as people are buying and using more wet wipes.

NI Water's Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulation, has issued a reminder to customers that wipes and kitchen roll should not be flushed.

"It is absolutely right that people are taking extra precautions around hygiene at this time, however, if customers need to use alternatives to toilet paper, we want them to put used wipes and kitchen roll in the bin, not down the loo," she continued.

"These items, along with cotton buds and sanitary products, can cause blockages in the sewer which are difficult to clear and can cause raw sewage to come back up and flood homes, businesses and the environment.

"If everyone follows the simple message of only flushing the three P's, pee, poo and toilet paper, most out of sewer flooding will be prevented."

Angela added: "NI Water's priority during the Covid-19 outbreak is to ensure the continued provision of water and wastewater services to customers while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of staff. By following this advice, you will be helping to reduce the number of potential blockages during what is a very challenging time for everyone."