Other News In Brief

Alliance Calls For Action On Missed Bin Collections

Alliance Belfast City Councillor Micky Murray has called for action on missed bin collections, after it was revealed that badly parked vehicles and road works account for up 82.6% of missed collections in the city.

Cllr Murray, who chairs the People and Communities Committee said: "When such a significant amount of missed bin collections are due to badly parked cars and road works we need to engage with those who have the authority and responsibility to address these issues.

"In order to get the ball rolling on this Alliance called for a special meeting of the People and Communities Committee, with key partners like the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure, which the Department sadly refused to attend.

"Here, we raised proposals such as a pilot scheme to identify and address the top 10 key streets which are most often missed in bin collection routes due to badly parked cars, and the development of an app which would share holiday collection times and notify people of missed collections.

"We are committed to working further on finding a solution and improving this service for local residents, but the DfI have an essential role to play in doing that, and therefore it's really disappointing that they've declined to engage in the process at this point."

Finucane Calls Again For Govt To Scrap Legacy Bill

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has renewed his call for the British Government's "flawed" Legacy Bill to be scrapped.

Responding to a damning report from the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights, the North Belfast MP said: "Leading international lawyers from across Europe, the US and South Africa have become the latest people to hit out at the flawed Legacy Bill and call for its abandonment.

"The Legacy Bill is unworkable and does not enjoy the support of victims and survivors, the Irish Government, human rights experts and none of the political parties on this island.

"Ultimately, it is in breach of the Good Friday Agreement, and it is incompatible with international human rights obligations.

"This legislation is about; amnesties for British state forces; denying investigation; avoiding accountability and cover-up and shutting down families from ever getting truth and justice.

"The legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in 2014 demonstrated that working together is the best way to achieve an agreed way forward, not self-serving solo runs. This Bill should be scrapped without delay."

'Spring Fest' Returns To Malone House 22-23 April

Belfast City Council has announced the return of 'Spring Fest' on 22-23 April at Malone House and Barnett Demesne.

The popular spring event returns to the park after three years with a weekend of family fun, live music, spring flower displays and lots more.

Entry is free with the event running from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on both days.

Launching the event at Barnett Demesne today, Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Black, said: "I'm thrilled that our seasonal top event, Spring Fest, is returning to Malone House and Barnett Demesne - a month from today!

"Spring themed, there will be lots to enjoy for everyone from a wonderful spring flower show with hundreds of blooms on display over the weekend, live music and entertainment, family fun activities, food and crafts stalls and much more.

"It's great to see big events like this returning to our city parks with more to come and look forward to during the year. Come along and celebrate the season and our parks too with Spring Fest!"

Spring Fest activities include the spring flower show; live music and entertainment; workshops on flower-crown making, sustainable fashion and upcycling; a petting farm; fun fair rides; mini golf; bungy jump trampolines; arts and crafts and food and craft stalls.

There is no parking at Malone House and Barnett Demesne but a park and ride service will operate from Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park to and from the event. Parking will be at the Top Field.