New Multi-Use Games Area To Be Built In Lurgan

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £145,000 for the construction of a multi-use games area in Lurgan.

The new facility which will be located at Dickson Primary School, Mourneview, Lurgan, will provide young people in the area with a state of the art venue for participating in a range of sporting activities. The facility will be available for use by pupils of the school during the day and by residents of the surrounding area in the evenings, weekends and school holidays.

Confirming the investment, the Minister said: "The new facility in Lurgan will provide residents, children and community groups with a range of sporting activities in a safe environment. It will make a great contribution to the regeneration of the area helping to improve health, address social exclusion and reduce crime levels."

Road Safety Measures Secured

Alliance east Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has welcomed the installation of a new traffic management system at the Kings Road and Knock Road junction.

Following her own safety concerns, Mrs Cochrane raised the issue with Roads Service after also being contacted by a number of constituents on the issue. The new system will operate on the approach to the junction in order to aid traffic flow and reduce road hazards.

Judith Cochrane MLA said: "As a regular user of this road, I too have become increasingly aware of the complications facing motorists seeking to turn right into Towell House. Without adequate provisions for visibility or access, this is a situation which has only worsened since recent changes to the signal sequence at the main Knock Road/Kings Road junction.

"In recognition of these dangers, I requested that the Roads Service consider installing a yellow box at the turning juncture and I am delighted that they agreed and have now delivered on their commitment to do so. This will make a huge difference not only for motorists regularly using this road and visitors accessing Towell House, but also for the wider community who will benefit from a safer and more efficient travel environment."

Call For More Support For Local Businesses

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has challenged the UK Chancellor to provide more support for local businesses that face increased red tape over VAT accounting for imports.

Ms Ritchie stated: "The UK Chancellor has made a virtue of claiming to be supporting small and medium sized businesses. However, no attempt seems to have been made to review the current approval criteria to create a simplified import VAT accounting scheme.

"I am regularly told by local business people that the current arrangements are a major impediment for imports and that there is the need for urgent reform. It was worrying that the Chancellor did not seem to be aware of this problem and I eagerly await his letter in response to my question."

(CD)