Other News In Brief

PSNI Given Permission To Donate Seized Goods

Officers from Foyleside & The Moor Neighbourhood Team have donated an estimated £500 to worth of goods seized as part of a recent investigation.

The items are a mix of children's and adult clothing, toys, personal accessories and items. Approval was granted by the Court to allow police to distribute the items at their discretion. The Team subsequently identified Cornerstone City Church to distribute the goods.

Sergeant Walsh said: "We consulted retailers from whom a number of these items were stolen. Following the return of a number of items to the retailers, we've been able to donate hundreds of pounds worth of other items to charity. The items are in pristine condition, and we hope they'll make a difference in the homes they go to. Thank you to the Cornerstone City Church for accepting the goods and distributing them."

John Loughery, on behalf of Cornerstone City Church Senior Leadership Team said: "On behalf of Cornerstone City Church and the Hope Centre, this is a real blessing coming at a key season we are entering into, especially in around the cost-of-living crisis. We will be able to allocate the clothing, toys and accessories to those who need it the most within the city. We have seen a sharp increase in families seeking extra help at this time in the lead up to Christmas and are expecting this to continue to grow in the coming months. I want to thank the PSNI Foyleside & The Moor Neighbourhood Team for their generous donation of goods, and for acknowledging the Hope Centre. Our heart is to serve the city in whatever way we can, and our services are available to anyone who is in need."

Minister Marks 30th Anniversary Of Historic Environment Record

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has marked the 30th anniversary of the Historic Environment Record at a celebration event in Belfast.

The Record, which was initially launched as the Monuments and Buildings Record in October 1992, holds over a million archive items relating to over 45,000 local heritage sites.

The resource contains maps, drawings, photographs and written records and is managed and made publicly accessible by Department for Communities' staff.

Speaking at the celebration event in a former linen mill in Belfast, Minister Hargey said: "Venues such as these show the contribution our built heritage provides and the importance of maintaining historical links to them.

"The Historic Environment Record is a fantastic public resource that not only helps promote our heritage and supports development and sustainable reuse.

"The record is the cumulation of over 100 years of research and survey."

As part of the 30th anniversary celebration a range of free events was available to the public including displays and guided tours of key listed buildings in the local area. A temporary exhibition is also touring local libraries promoting the record and its access to the public.

Minister Hargey continued: "The Record provides a wealth of information on archaeological sites and monuments and historic buildings and landscapes which provide an opportunity for people to engage with this unique resource.

"I welcome the moves to further promote the Record and would encourage everyone to explore this fascination collection."

Alliance Calls For Urgent Action On 'Crippling' Childcare Costs

Childcare costs have been branded "crippling" by Alliance South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl, who has called for immediate action to be taken to ensure that affordable, flexible childcare is accessible for all.

Kate was speaking ahead of addressing the March of the Mummies event at Belfast City Hall on Saturday (29th October).

Kate said: "The cost of childcare is crippling, and it's one of the issues that is raised with me time and time again. People are worried about the costs. Parents and carers - primarily women - are reducing their hours or are being forced out of the labour market altogether, all of which will have a prolonged negative impact on the social, emotional, and educational development of our children.

"We urgently need a robust childcare strategy which would ensure people receive what they deserve - affordable, flexible, high-quality childcare which pays practitioners good wages and gives every child the best start in life. We need to stop seeing this issue as an individual family problem, but as key economic infrastructure which when properly invested in creates better educational, health, social and economic outcomes.

"Childcare should not cost more than your mortgage, and it should never be a reason why people don't return to work, or why parents choose not to have another longed-for child."

The March of the Mummies will meet at Belfast City Hall on the 29th October at 9:45am.