Other News In Brief

SDLP Welcomes Engagement With PSNI

The SDLP has welcomed engagement with the PSNI on a number of issues impacting the local community in north Belfast.

Councillor Whyte met with the recently appointed North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry this week.

Councillor Whyte said: "It was important to have the opportunity to meet with Chief Inspector Alan Lowry as he takes up a new role as area commander in north Belfast. The area has a range of complex problems and I welcome Chief Inspector Lowry's acknowledgement of the challenges facing those who live here.

"We discussed a wide range of issues including violence against women and girls, road safety, the use of scramblers in residential areas, the lack of regulation around scramblers and e-scooters, general anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and misuse in our city centre and graffiti which continues to blight a number of areas.

"While I welcome that the police have a number of initiatives and measures in place to deal with these different issues, the continued impact of pressure on financial resources is a concern. It is important in a place like north Belfast that officers are able to work on the ground helping people and communities. I will continue to work with Chief Inspector Lowry and our local officers as we work together to tackle crime and associated issues across north Belfast."

UUP Supports Call For Reform Of NI's Current Planning System

The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a new report from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which calls for reform of NI's current planning system.

UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler MLA said: "I welcome the report published today by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry which highlights many of the challenges our existing planning system has created.

"It is obvious that the entire system requires urgent and thorough review, ensuring that any amended and modernised replacement provides a simple, clear and efficient planning service.

"I, along with my party colleagues, will be calling on the department to undertake a full root-and-branch review of the planning system and will, when a functioning Executive returns to Stormont, call on the Minister to give this matter the attention it deserves."

Alliance Calls For Clarity On Strangford Ferry Services

The Department for Infrastructure has been urged to provide clarity about its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough, after it left passengers stranded following a suspended service last month.

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong recently wrote to the Department regarding the problem, which occurred on December 26 due to an electrical fault, only to be told there was no issue, an assertion the Alliance representative disagrees with.

"On Boxing Day, one of the ferries went out of service without appropriate notice being given, with the other unavailable due to lack of crew numbers. That left passengers stranded without a way to cross back over the other side of the Lough. The Department has confirmed there is no intention to provide alternative arrangements in a situation like this," she said.

"It meant a number of people, including those visiting family over the festive period and hospitality workers, were essentially abandoned by the lack of a ferry. That's not good enough. The people of Strangford are not second-class citizens to be abandoned due to poor planning and lack of ferry maintenance.

"I have written to the Department and while the Permanent Secretary is unable to meet me, he has confirmed the ferry will remain out of commission until repairs are carried out next week. He has further stated no alternative arrangements are in place to address any future similar scenario which arises.

"It is disappointing the Department insists there is a 98-99 per cent service availability, when that figure excludes how often the ferry is taken out of service at short notice. As a local resident, I am calling on the Department to provide clarity around its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough."