Larne Arson Attack Condemned

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned an arson attack in Larne, which resulted in the destruction of six classic cars.

Mr Dickson said: "This was a senseless attack on a collection of cars that has taken many years of hard work and dedication to build up. These classic vehicles represented a unique view of the history of motoring and will be a great loss to their owner.

"I condemn whoever carried out this attack and would appeal to anyone with information about this crime to pass it to the police on the 101 non-emergency number."

New Masterplan To Regenerate Banbridge Town Centre Launched

A new Masterplan which aims to regenerate Banbridge town centre over the next 15 years has been launched.

The Banbridge Masterplan includes improvements to shop fronts and further public realm enhancements.

Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA, launched the Masterplan and confirmed some of the early actions will see an investment of around £180,000 from the Department for Communities (DfC).

He said: "The town centre has already seen significant and visible public realm and revitalisation improvements in recent years and the Masterplan will help capitalise on these by presenting more opportunities to attract investors, employers, visitors and residents to the town centre.

"By working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, other statutory agencies and private sector we can help turn the Masterplan into a reality to ensure that Banbridge can reach its full potential."

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating said: "The future development of our city and town centres is a key priority for the Council. We are dedicated to working closely with our business community to provide the necessary support to ensure that our urban centres continue to thrive and prosper.

"The Banbridge Masterplan clearly identifies projects which the Council, statutory agencies and the private sector can take forward together to realise the future potential for the town and the launch of the plan is the beginning of this vital process."

New Controlled Schools' Support Council Set Up In NI

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has welcomed the establishment of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC).

The CSSC will be led by a highly experienced educationalist, Barry Mulholland who previously served as the Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board and more recently, as Regional Managing Director of the Education Authority.

Minister Weir said: "This is an historic day for education in Northern Ireland. The establishment of the Controlled Schools Support Council will help to address a longstanding deficit in representation. It will place the controlled sector on a similar footing with the other sectors in education.

"The new CSSC will ensure the sector has a strong and effective voice. I am confident that they will make a positive contribution in helping to raise educational standards across the controlled sector. This is an important step towards greater equality and fairness in education."

(CD)