Other News In Brief

Man Arrested In Banbridge After Car Stolen In Republic

A 26-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the theft of a luxury car in the Republic of Ireland.

It is understood that the man was detained after an alert was issued by Gardaí about a stolen BMW 6 Series car.

The PSNI in Banbridge found the car and arrested the suspect.

The man has been charged with handling property stolen in the Republic of Ireland and using a motor vehicle without insurance. He is expected to appear before Banbridge Magistrates' Court today, 10 November.

Communities Minister Encourages Organisations To Apply For Community Halls Pilot Grant Programme

Eligible organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding under the Community Halls Pilot Grant Programme.

The Programme is open to all types of community halls – church halls, scout halls, Orange halls, AOH halls, sports clubs, village halls and other not-for-profit community halls. The application period will close at 12pm on 23 November.

Speaking on a visit to a community hall at Cooke Church on the Ormeau Road, Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "A range of halls across Northern Ireland are used by thousands of people each day, with many of them requiring support to undertake minor works to maintain and/or enhance their valuable contribution to the local community and wider society.

"This Programme makes available awards of up to £25,000 to undertake minor work such as boiler replacements, disability access, installation of new toilets, kitchens and car park improvements. 

"The Programme has already generated plenty of interest from across Northern Ireland but with less than two weeks to apply, I would encourage community organisations who fit the criteria to submit an application before 23 November."

Major Resurfacing Scheme Underway In Portglenone

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced that a £170,000 resurfacing scheme on Main Street, Portglenone is now underway.

The scheme will provide 0.5km of new asphalt road surface on the A42 Main Street from Townhill Road to the River Bann bridge. The work is scheduled for completion on 26 November.

Minister Hazzard said: "This £170,000 investment will greatly enhance the road surface and will serve the local community and visitors to the area for many years to come.

"Improving transport connections and maintaining a road network which is fit for purpose is a priority for the Executive. Schemes such as this play a key part in achieving that."

(MH/JP)