Other News In Brief

DUP Lay Poppy Cross At Westminster

Members from DUP have gathered to lay a poppy cross in the Speaker's Constituency Garden of Remembrance at Westminster.

Party MPs, including DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP, joined Members of the House of Commons from across the UK to make the tribute.

Gavin Robinson said: "The Speaker's Constituency Garden of Remembrance stands as a place of solemn tribute.

"Within the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, Members of Parliament from across the United Kingdom gather to lay a poppy cross in honour of those from their constituencies who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country.

"In this period of national Remembrance, it is fitting that such a memorial is held within Westminster, which stands as a symbol of our nation's freedom and democracy.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to pay our respects to the courage and selflessness of so many, and we extend our thanks to the Speaker of the House for establishing this space to remember."

Traffic Disruption Expected For Strabane Halloween Festivities

The public in Strabane, L'Derry, has been advised of minor traffic and travel disruptions to facilitate tomorrow's Halloween festivities in and around the town centre.

Castle Street will be closed from 7am-6pm to allow for the family friendly events before the fireworks display take place at 7pm from Melvin Running Track. 

The pedestrian footbridge and paths around Melvin Running Track will be closed to the public from 6.45pm-7.30pm.

There will be restricted access for residents only on Melvin Road and Ballycolman Estate from 6.30pm-7.30pm. Members of the public are advised to use Strabane Sigersons GAA car park or the town centre car parks.

Drivers are reminded that normal on-street parking restrictions will be in place and are advised not to obstruct any resident or business, or access for emergency services. Accessible viewing will be available at Melvin Arena carpark. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr said: "Plan ahead and think about where you will park your car or how you will get to the fireworks display. Please adhere to the advice of Council staff when you are out and about."

Any residents with domestic pets who find that their animals may be sensitive to fireworks may wish to take measures to reduce the impact upon their animal for the display between 7pm and 7.20pm. Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

New Support Guide For Cost Of Living In Belfast

A new Cost of living Support Guide has been launced by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray.

The guide was unveilled at an Anti-Poverty Networking Event in Belfast City Hall ahead of the winter months, which can be notably challenging for the public especially as residents continue to grapple with rising costs.

Outlining a range of community-based support services, the new guide signposts to important benefits, grants and referral services while also providing practical tips on how to save money particularly around energy and food bills.   

The support organisations which featured in the guide joined other key stakeholders at the event to foster further collaboration and innovation.

Speaking at the event, which was organised by Belfast City Council, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray said: "Poverty is not just a statistic; it's a reality that impacts our friends, neighbours and families. Belfast City Council is committed to tackling poverty as part of the inclusive growth and anti-poverty strands of the Belfast Agenda.

"While there are no quick fixes, it's only by working together, that we as a city, can begin to make a difference for struggling residents.

"From food banks to warm spaces, our new cost of living support guide highlights the variety of support services available across the city.

"We're pleased to welcome so many of these hard-working organisations to City Hall today, not only to acknowledge their important contribution, but to be a catalyst for new partnerships, innovative strategies and renewed commitments to our common cause."

Copies of the Cost of living Support Guide will be distributed to community centres, leisure centres, public libraries and advice service providers across the city in November.

The information within the guide is also available here.