Other News In Brief

Resurfacing Works To Begin In Ballymena

Resurfacing works, worth over £160,000, are set to begin in Broughshane, Ballymena.

Construction work on the Rathkeel Road will commence on Monday, 25 February, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 15 March.

Work will be carried out along a stretch of 1.2km, from the junction with the Lisnamurrican Road towards Lisnahilt Road, however a full closure will be in place to ensure safety.

A two-way diversion will operate on the Caherty, Deerfin and Rathkeel roads from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for the duration of the works.

The Department has programmed both the resurfacing scheme and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however drivers should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the area.

Free Judo Classes For Young People In L'Derry & Strabane

Young people aged 12-24 in the L'Derry and Strabane districts are being offered the chance to try their hand at judo for free.

The initiative is part of the council's Youth 19 strategy, which involves dedicating the year to young people in the area, and is a project in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Judo Open, hosted in L'Derry next month.

The free trial is open to newly registered members of Foyle Arena Judo Club, St Columb's Park Judo Club and Shori Judo Club on the week beginning Monday 25 February.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, urged young people to take the opportunity to try a new challenge next week. He said: "This is an excellent opportunity for young people to come along to local clubs and get a taste of what the sport of judo is all about. It is an exciting time for the sport locally with the Foyle Arena hosting last week's Northern Ireland closed championships and the biggest event in the local judo calender, the NI Open, being hosted here next month.

"I would like to thank Youth 19's partners at NI Judo for making this possible and I would encourage our youth aged 12-24 to take the opportunity to try a new discipline through this unique and free opportunity with our local clubs."

Northern Ireland Judo Federation Commercial and Marketing Manager Mark Donald added: "The NIJF are delighted to open the doors of local dojos and introduce the sport we love to a new audience. The feedback from the NI Closed Championships at the Foyle Arena last week was very positive and we are pleased that the profile of judo is growing in the North West region by hosting major championships and this new initiative to reach out to local young people."

Anyone attending next week's sessions are advised to bring sportswear with them to the club and let the coaches know that they wish to take part in the Youth 19 scheme.

A full induction will be given on the night.

St. George's Hailed Best Large Indoor Market

St. George's Market on May Street, Belfast, has been celebrated as the Best Large Indoor Market.

The May Street offering was awarded the accolade in the Great British Market Awards.

During a visit to the facility, Councillor Donal Lyons, Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: "It is great to see this recognition for St. George's Market where the traders and staff work hard to ensure visitors get more than just a shopping experience. It is a very relaxed atmosphere, with music and eateries, people can have a cup of tea, taste the wares, and pick up local craft and unique items."



(JG)