Other News In Brief

fonaCAB Named 'Taxi Company Of The Year'

fonaCAB has been named 'Taxi Company of the Year, Northern Ireland and Ireland' for the second successive year.

The trophy was presented at the Taxi Summit UK and Ireland Industry Awards held this week at a prestigious ceremony hosted in Liverpool's impressive Anglican Cathedral.

fonaCAB was recognised for the work it had done over the last year in both the company's and the taxi sectors recovery from the pandemic, and its continued commitment to its charity and sporting partners during this period.

fonaCAB Managing Director William McCausland commented: "It's a great honour to be recognised again for the hard work that we continue to do day and daily. I'd like to thank the judges for the award, but my gratitude really goes to our passengers, drivers and staff for their continued loyalty and trust in fonaCAB.

"Demand for taxis is high in Northern Ireland and regularly outstrips supply, especially as hospitality and tourism continues to recover from the pandemic, and we're grateful for the support of our passengers as we work hard to increase capacity to meet this demand.

"It's fantastic to Northern Ireland so well represented at the awards and we'd like to congratulate all the companies who were shortlisted including our friends at 365 Taxis."

Alliance Welcomes progress On Baroness May Blood Statue

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown has welcomed the progression of a statue to commemorate the late Baroness May Blood by Belfast City Council.

Speaking after a Council committee agreed to further develop the proposal

He said: "This idea has been well-received since my colleague Michael Long raised this last month, as a fitting tribute to the long-time campaigner on integrated education, employment and equality issues.

"We were all saddened to learn of May's passing and with the council embracing a broader range of citizens who have served the city, it really is a lasting legacy to the impact May has left.

"I'm delighted this has been able to get cross-party support and I look forward to seeing plans come together to progress this in coming months."

SF Condemn Those Responsible For Waterside Security Alert

Sinn Féin have condemned those responsible for a security alert near Lisnagelvin in the Waterside on Sunday night.

The Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson said: "Last night's security alert at Richill Park in the Waterside was totally wrong and I condemn it.

"My thoughts are also with the man who was forced by armed men to drive to the local police station.

"This action has only served to cause huge disruption with many people being forced from their homes on a cold and wet Sunday night and children's education being impacted as a local school is now closed today.

"Those responsible for this attack have absolutely no regard for the local community.

"Their only focus is on dragging us back to the past. They will not succeed.

"We must all unite against the reckless actions of recent days. We have a responsibility to keep building the peace and moving forward together to build a new and better future for all.

"I would urge everyone to co-operate with the ongoing police investigation."