Other News In Brief

Funding Announced To Mark 250th Anniversary Of US Declaration Of Independence

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £250,000 in funding to enable organisations in Northern Ireland to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The Minister made the announcement during a meeting of the US/NI Cultural Working Group, expressing his hope that the funding will assist local organisations in celebrating the historical and cultural connections between Northern Ireland and the United States in the lead-up to this significant milestone.

Minister Lyons stated: "We have always had strong cultural and historical bonds with the United States with early settlers from Northern Ireland playing a significant role in communities across the US. To highlight this landmark 250 year anniversary, I will be providing £250,000 of funding to ensure Northern Ireland can celebrate this historic event."

He referenced a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he met with representatives from America250, the Congressional Commission responsible for planning the 250th anniversary celebrations. Discussions focused on how Northern Ireland could play a key role in the commemorations. Minister Lyons emphasised the strengthening of high-level collaborative relationships and his commitment to exploring practical ways to work with the US/NI Working Group to celebrate the anniversary and highlight shared heritage.

"The celebrations planned in 2026 offer a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland to be part of this historic milestone, to strengthen relationships with the US and promote our shared cultural connections," Minister Lyons added. "This funding announcement will encourage more local people to celebrate our place in the founding of modern America and to mark the global impact of the Declaration of Independence."

Further details on the application process for organisations to access this funding are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Councillor Calls for End to Violence at Broadway Interface After Teenager Injured

SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has called for an end to violence at the Broadway interface following an incident where a 15-year-old girl was hospitalised after being struck by a brick. Councillor Doherty expressed his concern after the latest in a series of incidents at the interface: "This is the latest in a long line of incidents at the Broadway interface and it is incredibly lucky that this teenage girl's injuries are not more serious after being hit in the head by a brick. We could have been dealing with a tragic situation here today and the young people who regularly engage in disturbances in this area need to wake up and realise the potential consequences of what they're doing."

He highlighted the distressing nature of witnessing young people, some not yet teenagers, involved in hostile behaviour with their neighbours. "I have gone to this interface on a number of occasions to try and quell disturbances and it's heartbreaking to see children - some of them not even in their teens - engaging in hostility with their neighbours," Councillor Doherty said. "Alongside the threat to people's safety, they are risking ending up with a criminal record which will severely limit their prospects in life."

Councillor Doherty welcomed the ongoing police presence in the area aimed at deterring such activity, but noted that the disturbances persist. He urged parents and representatives from both sides of the community to educate local young people about the dangers involved, in order to bring an end to the violence before further injuries occur.

"I welcome the continued police presence in this area to try and dissuade people from engaging in this kind of activity, but it seems to continue regardless. I would urge parents and representatives on both sides to make sure that local young people are aware of the dangers here so that we see an end to these disturbances before anyone else is hurt," he concluded.

Police Investigate Creeper Burglary And Car Theft In East Belfast

Police are investigating a creeper-style burglary in the Wynchurch Road area of east Belfast, during which car keys and a car were stolen from a house.

Sergeant Tom Wilkinson said, "We received a report that car keys and a car had been stolen from outside a house in east Belfast. This is reported to have occurred between 12:30am and 6:30am on Thursday, 3rd April."

Officers responded to the report, and the stolen vehicle was later discovered in the Springfield Road area of west Belfast. The car had collided with a barrier and was on fire when found. Fire crews from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene, and the vehicle had sustained extensive damage.

Sergeant Wilkinson is appealing for public assistance in the investigation. "We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the Wynchurch Road area during the time-frame of this report, and noticed any suspicious behaviour, or those who may have dash-cam or other video footage to make contact with us on 101, quoting reference number 153 03/04/25,” he said.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/