Other News In Brief

Education Minister Attends NICMA

Registered childminders are key to the delivery of childcare services in Northern Ireland, according to the Education Minister.

Peter Weir was speaking at the Annual NI Childminding Association conference (NICMA) in Belfast where the theme was 'Childminding Matters'.

Childminders are the largest group of childcare providers in NI.

Minister Weir said: "I want to ensure the childcare needs of parents and children are being fully met.

"When you look at the figures we have on childcare services, it is clear that so many people rely on childminders for their childcare. Quite simply, our childcare sector could not survive without its registered childminders, they are key to the delivery of childcare services here."

Work On Millennium Way Scheme In Lurgan Delayed

The completion date of construction work at Millennium Way in Lurgan has been delayed until Spring 2017.

The work at both the Flush Place / Gilford Road / Banbridge Road and Millennium Way / Malcolm Road junctions has been slower than anticipated as both junctions contain a significant amount of utility provider equipment.

Despite considerable advance works, the necessary alteration and diversion of the equipment has been protracted.

TransportNI will continue to work with the construction contractor and utility providers to complete the work as soon as possible.

Bank Of Ireland To Close Belleek Branch

SDLP Councillor John Coyle has said that the community in Belleek is 'outraged' following confirmation that Bank of Ireland will close their branch, leaving the area with no permanent banking facilities.

Councillor Coyle said that he is livid that once again that banks are acting 'with impunity to the detriment of local people'.

He said: "I am absolutely livid that despite an intense campaign to retain banking services in Belleek to support an isolated rural community, Bank of Ireland has decided to forge ahead with its plan to abandon people here. It's an absolute disgrace and people are right to be angry.

"Rural communities have had to live with services being stripped away one after another. What's even more galling is that much of the austerity being heaped on struggling families is a result of rampant speculation and irresponsible lending in the banking sector in the first place.

"We have endured years of hardship and austerity as a result of publicly funded bail outs to support financial services. Now, when our communities are in need, the banks are the first to cut and run. It just isn't acceptable."

(CD/JP)