Other News In Brief

Emergency Services Attacked By Youths In L'Derry

Police officers and firefighters have been targeted by youths in a weekend of anti-social behaviour in L'Derry.

A number of incidents took place in the Madam's Bank Road area on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April.

When road barriers were pulled out onto the road on Saturday evening, responding police officers were pelted with fireworks and stones. A similar incident occurred on Sunday and traffic lights were also set on fire.

No injuries have been reported to the police.

The fire service attended the scene on Sunday but had to withdraw from the area after being targeted with stones. Police were also attacked by youths throwing bottles and bricks.

Belfast Bikes Reports Continued Growth On Fourth Anniversary

The Belfast Bike service has grown in popularity over its four years of operation, with almost 800,000 journeys made throughout the city since the initiative was launched in 2015.

Sponsored by online food delivery service Just Eat since 2018, the 5,500 annual subscribers pay £25 a year and can begin their journey from any of the 46 docking stations across the city.

Commenting on the fourth anniversary of the service, Director of Economic Development at Belfast City Council John Greer said: "Belfast Bikes continue to go from strength to strength, the public bike scheme is a healthy, convenient and enjoyable way to connect the city, the demand for bikes and additional docking stations is testament to its success. City development and living here are major priorities of the Belfast Agenda, our community plan, which focuses on improving connectivity and the city living experience - Belfast Bikes echoes this vision to continue to become a more cycle friendly city. In turn, our commitment to the scheme shows the desire to continue to make Belfast a city that is a better place for people to work, live and move in.

"We were delighted to welcome Just Eat on board last year and look forward to enjoying continued success as the scheme grows in popularity. With the summer season approaching I urge people to consider signing up to avail of a healthier and happier commute."

Beach Clean Boards Introduced In Ards & North Down

With around 700 pieces of plastic located on every 100 metres of beach in Northern Ireland, Ards & North Down Borough Council has introduced new 'Beach Clean Boards' in a bid to tackle the issue.

The eight boards will provide bags and a litter picker that members of the public can use to collect small amounts of litter during their walks and dispose of using the bin next to the board.

The scheme was introduced through the Recycling Community Investment Fund (RCIF) to allow local residents to keep their beach clean and free from waste.

"It costs half as much to recycle waste compared to the cost of sending it to landfill so the savings made as a result of our community's recycling efforts have enabled the Council to fund a range of new recycling projects such as the Beach Clean Boards," said Stephen Addy, Head of Regulatory Services.

"The Council is providing many opportunities to make it easy to recycle waste and it really does make a huge difference. With everyone working together, we can clean up our Borough so I'd encourage all residents and businesses to keep up the great recycling work!"



(JG/CM)