Other News In Brief

Alliance Renews Call For Crossing To Be Installed On Major Road

An Alliance Councillor has renewed his call for a crossing to be installed on a major road in Co Down.

Cllr Scott Wilson called on Transport NI to create the crossing on the Belfast Road, stating the road was "extremely busy and dangerous to cross".

He said: "Many residents from Silverstream, Elmwood, Shaftsbury and other nearby areas need to cross this road on a regular basis, and the speed and volume of traffic makes it difficult. There are also a lot of cars that park on both sides of the road, making limited visibility a major safety factor.

"When Transport NI has previously committed to carrying out a survey, I feel a crossing should have been installed a long time ago.

"As well as meeting local residents, I have written to Transport NI on numerous occasions over the past two years stressing the need for this crossing. I really hope that something is done before someone is seriously injured or killed."

NIHE To Develop New Homes In Mid And East Antrim

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced it is to develop new homes and invest over £17 million to upgrade and maintain properties in the Mid and East Antrim area over the next four years.

The firm said it will also support people to live independently, increase the energy efficiency of homes and provide grant aid in the private sector.

Through its landlord and regional services last year the Housing Executive invested £29.36m in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.

NIHE's Director of Regional Services said: "The Housing Executive works hard to maintain a good working relationship with councils and it is important this continues. Our Housing Investment Plan was informed by a range of stakeholders and developed as a comprehensive conversation piece for the whole housing sector in Northern Ireland.

"As the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland we have prepared this plan to inform the community planning partnership on the state of the housing market, on housing needs, the policy priorities and public sector investment proposals for 2015-19.

"There is a lot of work that needs to be done to meet housing need, improve housing stock and provide support for the most vulnerable in our community. We at the Housing Executive will continue to play our part to ensure this work is delivered efficiently, effectively and judiciously."

SDLP Condemns Orange Hall Arson Attack

SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has condemned those responsible for an arson attack on the Salterstown Orange Hall in Ballyronan.

Arsonists are believed to have removed slates from the roof of the hall last night and poured flammable liquid inside.

He said: "I am shocked that this disgraceful attack has happened in such a quiet area which rarely sees any trouble and where people get on extremely well with their neighbours.

"It is completely out of character for an area where a belief in 'live and let live' has always prevailed.

"This attack was utterly reprehensible and must be condemned by everyone. Those responsible for it have nothing to offer the community."

(CD/MH)