Belfast Zoo Helps Raise 'Cash For Kids'

Throughout December, Belfast Zoo teamed up with local charity, Cash for Kids. Volunteers from Cash for Kids joined forces with the zoo’s volunteer group, ‘the Friends of the Zoo’ to help visitors create some fun and festive crafts and with the generous help of the zoo’s visitors, almost £700 was raised. Zoo Manager, Mark Challis, was delighted with the partnership: "As one of the leading family visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, we were delighted to join forces with Downtown Radio and Cool FM’s Cash for Kids over the holiday period! We would like to thank the Cash for Kids volunteers who donated their time and we would also like to thank the zoo visitors who generously donated and helped us to make a difference to the lives of children throughout Northern Ireland."

Portavogie Promenade To Get £500,000 Facelift

Portavogie promenade is to receive a £500,000 facelift after Ards Borough Council secured rural developing funding. Originally built in 1974, the promenade has been subject to tidal erosion making parts of it unsafe for public access. A grant of £250,000 has now been awarded through the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP), with the Council providing the equivalent in match-funding.The project will include the renewal and strengthening of the rock armour coastal defence and the enhancement of the walkway, as well as the addition of seating and lighting. Planning and environmental consents have already been approved and work is expected to begin early in April 2012 and to be completed by the end of October.

Rural Development Scheme Welcomed

Lisburn Alliance Councillor Stephen Martin has welcomed Department of Regional Development's announcement inviting applications from rural businesses seeking funding towards capital investment programmes. Cllr Martin stated: "If there is investment potential that we can bring to Lisburn then we, as elected representatives, have a duty to bring such information to the public's attention. I would encourage anyone in the Lisburn City Council area involved in the agri-food sector engaged in food processing activities or in the processing of a forest product outputting a renewable energy fuel to find out more about the scheme."

(GK)