Other News In Brief

Over 60 New Homes To Be Built In Cookstown And Magherafelt

More than 60 new homes are to be built in Cookstown and Magherafelt.

A total of 23 new houses will be developed near Loran Vale in Cookstown, while a residential development comprising 43 units will be built on the Moneymore Road in Magherafelt.

In addition, plans have been approved for SGN to further advance the £250 million 'Gas to the West' scheme.

Cllr Cáthal Mallaghan said: "Mid Ulster has a growing population and with that growth comes demand for housing.

"Housing developments, particularly close to our towns, help to ensure that we meet accommodation needs, while also contributing to the vibrancy of our retail centres.

"It is also very encouraging to see that more vital infrastructure works will be coming, bringing a further 3.5km of underground gas transmission pipeline to Cookstown as part of the on-going Gas to the West project."

Political Leaders Condemn Violence And Appeal For Calm

The leaders of all the main political parties have united to condemn violence and to appeal for calm.

A joint statement on behalf of the leaders said: "Attacks on the police have been on-going for a number of days alongside other violence including sectarian attacks on houses, petrol bombs thrown at the police, intimidation of contractors, vehicles hi-jacked and attacks on sheltered accommodation.

"The shots fired were a clear and obvious attempt to murder police officers. There must be a strong, clear and united voice against those who would engage in such disgraceful violence.

"As a society we must all stand with those who maintain law and order and who protect all sides of our community.

"We condemn any illegal activity and urge those who are damaging their own community and intimidating their neighbours to stop. We would urge people to work with the Police to bring those involved in criminality to justice."

Erection Of Loyalist Paramilitary Flags In Ballynahinch Condemned

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard has said that there is no place for the flying of illegal loyalist paramilitary flags following their erection in Ballynahinch.

He said: "There is widespread anger and frustration that illegal loyalist paramilitary flags have been erected throughout Ballynahinch. In shared housing areas, Council playing fields, outside public buildings such as the library, and in parts of the commercial centre of the town.

"Flags, emblems and symbols should never be used to intimidate, harass or mark out territory. There is no place for paramilitary flags in our society.

"The erection of such flags in public areas is a clear attempt to intimidate and raise community tensions."

(CD)