Other News In Brief

Active Communities Network Named As One Of The Lord Mayor's Official Charities

The Active Communities Network – a charity which uses sport as a pathway to education, training and employment – has been chosen as one of Belfast Lord Mayor's official charities.

Active Communities Network's Belfast programme was established in 2009 as part of a pilot to develop new ways of working to improve outcomes for young people and communities, working with young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said she was proud to be supporting the charity during her time in office.

"This charity is doing fantastic work with young people through sport, culture and education initiatives, and it's my hope that I can help to shine a spotlight on the very positive work that they do to support young people here in Belfast," said Councillor Black.

"Getting young people active and supporting them in making positive life choices early on has a huge impact when it comes to improving outcomes around mental health and well-being; and it gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their goals, as well as developing resilience and skills which will set them on a positive career path.

"The charity is also to be applauded for its work with young women to provide training and support to give them the confidence and skills they need to become involved in transformational community development. The EmpowerHER project has been a huge success and is helping to increase the number of women involved in leadership and decision-making roles in local communities."

Rachelle McCurry, director of programmes with the charity, said: "We're delighted that the Lord Mayor has chosen us as one of her charities this year, and it gives us a fantastic platform and opportunity to raise awareness about the work we're doing here in Belfast.

"We're so proud of everything we have achieved over the last eight years; we have significantly grown our presence across the city, helping high-risk young people and focusing our attention on areas of high tension and depravation with a lack of sports provision for young people."

Rathlin Island Ferry Essential And Vital Service – SF

The Rathlin Island ferry provides an essential and vital service and it must be protected, North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has said following the news that operator RIFL has ceased trading.

Mr McGuigan said: "Today's announcement by RIFL is disappointing, but the Department for Infrastructure must act quickly to put in place a contingency plan to ensure the continuity of a ferry service between Rathlin and Ballycastle.

"This solution must protect islanders, those who work on the island and also ferry staff currently working on the ferry. I have been in contact with and will continue to engage with the Department to help resolve this situation."

Man Arrested In Connection With Pennybridge Industrial Estate Burglaries

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of burglaries and thefts in the Pennybridge Industrial Estate area of Ballymena.

Detective Sergeant Crothers said: "Following reports of four burglaries and one theft from a car reported between Sunday 8th and Monday 9th January, officers identified the suspect and arrested him yesterday, Tuesday 10th January.

"We believe that the burglaries and thefts occurred between 4.40am and 8am on Sunday 8th January, with a number of tools and batteries taken from two business premises in the area.

"The suspect also cut locks off two shipping containers, but thankfully nothing was reported as stolen.

"Two tablets were reported stolen from a car which was parked in the area on Sunday morning."

Detective Sergeant Crothers said: "The man, aged 39, was arrested on suspicion of four counts of burglary and one count of theft from a motor vehicle. He has since been released on police bail to allow for further police enquiries.

"The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and we would ask anyone with information to call police on 101 quoting reference number 218 09/01/23 , or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."