Other News In Brief

BCC Approves Expanded Glass Recycling And Sunday Trading Pilot

Alliance Belfast City Councillors Jenna Maghie and Sam Nelson have welcomed the council's decision to ratify their proposals for expanding kerbside glass recycling services and implementing a pilot scheme for extended Sunday trading hours.

The proposals were approved at a recent meeting of the full council.

Cllr Maghie expressed her delight in the expansion of glass recycling services to Lisnasharragh and additional homes in Ormiston. "This is a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and a positive outcome for residents and the planet," she said.

Cllr Nelson also celebrated the progress made on extending Sunday trading hours. "We're pleased to see the decision to develop plans for a pilot scheme, which may include car-free Sundays," he stated. "This will provide more choice for shoppers while ensuring workers' rights are protected."

Both councillors emphasised Alliance's commitment to working for the people of Belfast and expressed their satisfaction with these positive developments.

Man Sentenced For Drug Offences

A 36-year-old man from Newtownards was sentenced to two months in prison on Tuesday, 01 October, for drug-related offences.

Niki Robert Gallagher was convicted of being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug and a Class B controlled drug. He was also fined for possession of a Class A controlled drug.

Gallagher was arrested following a search of his Newtownards residence in June 2023. A mobile phone seized during the search contained messages indicating his involvement in the drug trade.

He was subsequently arrested and charged in August 2023 and was convicted in June 2024. Detective Sergeant Hyslop from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch stated: "We will continue to aggressively pursue individuals involved in drug supply at all levels, making arrests and bringing them before the courts."

McCrossan Calls For Immediate Start On A5 Upgrade

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has urged the Executive to immediately commence work on the A5 upgrade following reports of planned approval on Thursday.

Mr. McCrossan, who has been campaigning for road safety improvements on the A5 for nearly a decade, expressed his relief and extended condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones on the road.

"This is a momentous day for our entire area," Mr. McCrossan stated. "The strength and courage of the families affected have been a constant source of inspiration, and without them, this progress would not have been possible.

"The campaign to build the A5 has been my number one priority throughout my time in politics and I have carried on the efforts of my SDLP predecessors in working with everyone to see these important upgrades carried out. Campaigners deserve huge credit for facing down every obstacle and making it absolutely clear they would not stop until people could safely travel on the A5.

"This must be a watershed moment – it cannot be another false dawn. The A5 is key to the future of this entire region, not only in saving lives and preventing injuries, but in creating economic opportunities by making our towns and cities better connected, bringing much needed investment and jobs.

"We must also have assurances from the Executive and Minister that the A5 will be delivered in full. We have seen repeatedly in the past how phased projects of this nature have stalled or been beset with delays. After such a long wait we need work to start – and finish – as soon as possible and I will not stop pushing this issue until these improvements are delivered and this road is fully built."