Other News In Brief

Appeal Following Theft Of Livestock Trailer In Plumbridge

Police in Strabane have issued an appeal for information following the theft of a livestock trailer from a property in Plumbridge.

A modified Crooks trailer was reported stolen from premises on Ligford Road in Plumbridge sometime between 6pm on Monday 1st July and 9am yesterday, Tuesday 2 July. A blue wheelie bin was also taken.

As police continue with enquiries, Inspector McDermott is appealing to anyone who may have seen this trailer being towed away from the property, or drivers in the area between these times who may have footage which captured the trailer being driven away, to get in touch.

Inspector McDermott said: "We'd also urge anyone who is offered a trailer for sale in suspicious circumstances, similar to the one reported stolen , or knows of its whereabouts, to get in touch. This trailer has great value to the owner so anyone with information to help return it should call 101, quoting reference 739 of 02/07/24."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/

Alliance Welcomes Commitment To Flexible Working Practices Consultation

The Alliance Party's Early Years and Childcare spokesperson Kate Nicholl MLA, has welcomed news of the Economy Minister's commitment to consulting on the introduction of legislation to reform flexible working practices in Northern Ireland.

She said she was 'delighted' to see how Alliance have influenced the work of the Minister in bringing forward this important legislation. Ms Nicholl, South Belfast and Mid Down Westminster candidate, said: "I have been advocating for reforms to flexible working long before the restoration of the institutions and have maintained pressure on the Minister to deliver these changes in the months since his appointment, so this is very welcome.

"In June 2023, I announced my intention to bring forward a Private Members Bill on flexible working. I firmly believe that the lack of a right to flexible working in Northern Ireland is limiting our economic potential and acts as a major barrier to significant sections of our society entering the workforce.

"In my ongoing work on childcare reform, I know that the lack of flexible working is often a significant reason why parents feel unable to return to work after parental leave. It is also crucial that those with caring responsibilities have flexibility and an opportunity to work alongside those responsibilities.

"Alliance believes the introduction of more flexible practices could enhance the inclusiveness and productivity of our economy, allowing carers and parents in particular an opportunity to join or re-join the workforce, and make a valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.

"Having advocated for these changes for some time, I am very glad to see this consultation coming forward. I would encourage all interested parties to submit their views on the proposed changes."

SF Welcomes 500 New Student Places At Magee Campus

Sinn Féin have welcomed the news of an additional 500 student places at Magee Campus.

Councillor Sandra Duffy said: "It's fantastic news for Derry, our economy and our university that the Economy Minister has today announced over 500 student places for Magee.

"Conor Murphy has prioritised the Magee expansion since taking office, and I am delighted at this step in the right direction which will further establish the north west as a vibrant place to live and study.

"It is a Sinn Féin priority in the Executive to work with others to bring 10,000 students to Magee University, and we will continue to do that.

"I will continue working alongside the strong Sinn Féin Executive team to expand Magee, build our local economy, create good jobs and keep moving Derry forward to a new and better future."