Other News In Brief

Ross Welcomes A2 Commencement

East Antrim DUP MLA Alastair Ross today attended a lunch in the Clarion Hotel to mark the commencement of the A2 road scheme between Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey.

Mr Ross said: "Local representatives from all levels of government have been campaigning for this upgrade for decades now, but finally it has got the green light from the Northern Ireland Executive and work can begin immediately.

"Anyone who travels along this stretch of road knows the frustration of slow moving traffic because of the existing bottleneck. This upgrade will significantly speed up journey times between Belfast and Carrick and ultimately be good for businesses and commuters.

"I would pay tribute to the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson and Roads Minister Danny Kennedy who ensured Executive agreement for this scheme, and would also recognise the many years hard work that has been put in by Assembly Members, past and present, as well as local Councillors in Carrick and Newtownabbey."

Durkan Supports HeadSmart Campaign

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is supporting a UK-wide 'HeadSmart Campaign' organised by The Brain Tumour Charity, to raise awareness amongst parents and healthcare professionals of the symptoms of brain tumours in children and young people.

Mr Durkan attended an event in the House of Commons this week hosted by The Brain Tumour Charity and The Danny Green Fund to learn first-hand how to recognise the symptoms. The charity showed Mr Durkan the resources they have developed, including symptoms cards and an innovative smartphone app to help people recognise the symptoms of a brain tumour.

Mr Durkan said: "Around 500 children and young people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year – nearly ten a week.

"Early diagnosis is crucial. Symptoms of a brain tumour can present in children in such a way that they are frequently mistaken for less serious conditions such as viral infection, fatigue, migraine, even hay fever or depression.

"I urge all parents to get hold of the symptoms cards or download the smartphone app, as well as to be watchful for the symptoms. If they persist, they need to raise their concerns with their local GP as soon as possible."

New Fitness Suite In East Belfast Opens

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has attended the official opening of a new fitness suite and 3G multi-use sports pitch in the Tullycarnet area of East Belfast.

Minister McCausland stressed the importance of addressing the needs of the community by providing local facilities for the participation and development of sport and physical/social activities.

Minister McCausland said: "I commend the work of the Hanwood Trust and the people of Tullycarnet on the successful opening of the sports pitch and fitness suite which will bring much needed physical and social regeneration to the area.

"This is great news for the people of Tullycarnet as I know that many years of planning and hard work have gone into bringing this project to fruition."

(CD)