Other News In Brief

Kids Together Belfast Added To Lord Mayor's Chosen Charities

A charity focusing on services for families with children and young people who have complex needs has been chosen as one of Belfast Lord Mayor's official charities.

Kids Together Belfast was established in 2005 by local parents, and designs, plans and delivers a wide range of tailored support systems for families whilst also providing children and young people with a sense of belonging, stability, and acceptance.

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was delighted to show his support to the local community organisation and said: "It is my absolute pleasure to announce Kids Together Belfast as one of my charities for my term in office.

"This charity is undertaking incredible work in our city, supporting children with moderate to severe disabilities in a safe and nurturing environment.

"It provides an inclusive programme of activities including ‘After school' groups, play days and outreach services that will not only improve children and young people's communication skills but provide the children with social skills, encourage them to build friendships, and reduce any feelings of isolation they might have.

"I am delighted to lend my full support to this worthwhile resource in our city and I look forward to seeing their continued promotion of opportunities towards children and young people with disabilities and their families."

Speaking on behalf of the charity, Abbey Warren said: "We are overwhelmed to be chosen as one of The Lord Mayor of Belfast's official charities and feel very privileged that the important services that we provide to families in need is being recognised.

"We continue to work tirelessly to promote equality of opportunity and diversity of services, both to children with complex needs and disabilities, their siblings, and their parents."

Council Funds 'Grey To Green' City Gardens Scheme

Belfast-based small businesses, community groups and schools have been urged to help create a temporary city centre social farm or garden, with funding of £50,000 from Belfast City Council.

Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "Our Bolder Vision for Belfast includes encouraging a greener, less polluted city centre – so we want Grey to Green proposals to focus on urban farming, social gardening, or a community food growing initiative, possibly on a council owned site. We'll be supporting the project we fund through our Advisory Group's expertise – and we'll be encouraging proactive community engagement to create a sense of ownership.

"We're looking forward to seeing greater biodiversity in the city centre being achieved through the introduction of plants, flowers, bug hotels and bird boxes. This is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about food growing, nutrition, and how they link to our health and wellbeing."

An online information session is being held on Thursday August 10 at 6:30pm and those interested in attending should email belfasti@belfastcity.gov.uk to receive a registration link.

The Grey to Green demonstrator project is a key action arising from last August's Belfast Healthy Cities 'Greening the City' workshop and is part of the 'Greening the City' Advisory Group's ongoing work.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm on Monday, 21 August and projects must be completed by 29 February, 2024.

SF 'Remain Resolute' In Opposition To Proposed Hightown Incinerator

Sinn Féin has said that they "remain resolute" in its opposition to the proposed Hightown Incinerator, with local MLA Declan Kearney pledging his support for the people of the Hightown and Mallusk area in their campaign.

Speaking after leading a cross party and community delegation to meet with senior Department for Infrastructure officials, the South Antrim representative said: "In May this year, a court ruling led to the Hightown Incinerator planning application going back to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for consideration. Understandably, this news was met with shock and disbelief by the people of greater Hightown and Mallusk.

"Local residents have consistently voiced concerns about the serious repercussions which would flow from such a facility, including the negative consequences for community health and wellbeing, and the natural habitat and ecosystem of the surrounding countryside. Years later, they continue to live with the uncertainty of this incinerator emerging in the immediate vicinity of their homes and local amenities. The case has also been consistently made by the local campaign group No-ARC21 that there is no economic argument justifying this proposal as well as a very dubious business case.

"I and my political colleagues remain resolute in our opposition to the proposed Hightown Incinerator and will continue to support local the No-ARC21 campaign, and the wider community of Hightown and Mallusk."