Other News In Brief

PSNI Advice Ahead Of Apprentice Boys Parade On 07 December

The PSNI have issued traffic and travel advice ahead of a Apprentice Boys of Derry 336th 'Shutting of the Gates' taking place in L'Derry on Saturday, 7th December.

The city centre is open and motorists driving through the city-side and Waterside areas, between 11.30am and 5.30pm, are advised to take extra care and of delays during parade times.

Signage advising of diversions/closures will be in place and officers will be on patrol.

Police work in partnership with the parade organisers and marshals to ensure minimum disruption to those going about their daily routine.

• Parade details

Visiting Branch clubs taking part in the parade will assemble at the Railway Station in the Waterside at about 11am and leave at 11.30am.The route will take the clubs and bands from Duke Street across the top deck of Craigavon Bridge and then onto Carlisle Road, Hawkin Street, London Street, Bishop Street and Palace Lane to the Memorial Hall.

• 1.15pm

Bands will leave Society Street, Bishop Street, The Diamond, Ferryquay Street, Wapping Lane, Carlisle Road, Kennedy Street, Hawkin Street, London Street into the grounds of St. Columb's Cathedral. This is estimated to take approximately 40 minutes.

• 3.15pm

The Parade reforms in Bishop Street, Society Street, and moves off via London Street, Hawkin Street, Kennedy Street, Kennedy Place, Wapping Lane, Carlisle Square, Carlisle Road, Ferryquay Street, The Diamond, Bishop Street, Society Street, Palace Street to Bishop Street for the burning of the effigy at 4pm. When the parade is in Bishop Street for the burning; traffic - where possible - will be facilitated in the city, and this will be clearly signposted and officers will be on the ground to assist with traffic flow.

• 4.30pm

Following the burning, the parade will return to the Waterside across the top deck of Craigavon Bridge via London Street, Hawkin Street, Carlisle Road, Craigavon Bridge, and Duke Street for dispersal at Waterside Link at 5.15pm approximately.

The top deck of Craigavon Bridge (Waterside-bound) and Duke Street will be closed for a short time as the parade is underway.

Councillor Urges Public To Support Charities At Belfast City Hall Christmas Tree

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has encouraged the public to support Palestinian Medical Aid and the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice by making donations at the Belfast City Hall Christmas tree.

This initiative, now in its third year, provides an opportunity for visitors to contribute to these worthy causes. Councillor McKeown said: "Thousands of people come into Belfast City Hall every week to see the Christmas Tree, so I thought we should be harnessing some of the festive goodwill to raise funds for good causes.

"With so many people visiting, the idea is to have a charity donation box beside the tree. This is the second year that our Christmas appeal will go towards supporting medical aid in Palestine to help people undergoing the most unimaginable hardship in Gaza. From the outset of the latest phase of this conflict in the Middle East, people in Belfast have shown tremendous support and solidarity and I would ask anyone who's in the city centre this Christmas doing some shopping, visiting the market or enjoying a night out to call by City Hall, admire our tree and consider donating.

"I felt it was important that we build on last year and welcome the support of my fellow councillors to once again use our annual Christmas tree appeal to support Medical Aid for Palestinians. I hope this small gesture from the people of our city will provide much needed aid to those who dearly need it.

"Following cross-party discussions, this year there will also be funds raised for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice. The hospice and its staff do incredible work in the most difficult of circumstances and it's impossible to overstate the help they provide to young people and their families."

SF Welcomes New Substance Abuse Action Plan

Sinn Féin has welcomed the Health Ministers announcement of a plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland.

The party's mental health spokesperson, Órlaithí Flynn, said: "This new plan from the health minister to improve substance use services and support vulnerable people and their families is to be welcomed.

"Tragically, many people continue to lose their lives as a result of drug and alcohol misuse, and these deaths often occur in working class communities.

"The health minister has put an important focus on improving health outcomes for all communities across our society, and this plan will help to continue with this vital priority.

"Recently, I met with the minister alongside bereaved families and together we made the case for improved services including the need for a residential rehab service based in Belfast to support those struggling with addiction.

"I want to commend both the Brennan family and the 'Jack's Promise' campaign for their commitment to driving forward positive change on these issues, and I will continue to support them.

"Together we must continue working to improve the physical and mental well-being of our most vulnerable, and to ensure the services they access are compassionate and of good-quality."