Police Urge Vigilance Among Builders & Contractors Over July Holidays

Builders and contractors operating sites in Northern Ireland are urged to remain vigilant over the July holidays.

The PSNI warned of possible burglaries at building sites over the next few weeks as the marching season approaches.

Writing on Facebook, an officer in Armagh said: "It's coming to that time of year where some folk get a couple of days off, and some very lucky ones get a few more (and some don't get time off at all).

"If you run a building site or are responsible for one please be extra careful when closing the site down and locking up.

"We don't want to be getting reports of boilers being stolen out of new builds or reels of cable being taken from sites.
 Never mind any tools, power tools or other machinery. If you can take it away - then do. If you can't - make sure it is secure, marked/registered and that the site is safe as houses.

"Parents - we can't ask this enough....Please explain the dangers to your children about venturing into building sites... particularly closed ones!"

L'Derry Forest Boosted With New Facilities

Garvagh Forest in County L'Derry has been upgraded with new cycling and walking trails.

These new facilities provide up to 13 kilometres of waymarked walking routes, along with an enhanced trail head and car park. It also includes over 10 kilometres of purpose built green, blue and red grade bike trail and a skills loop.

Speaking at the official opening of the project, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: "This is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in health and our wider community. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council recognises the increasing demand for outdoor recreation in our landscape and the need for this provision to be appropriate and sustainable. I was encourage everyone to visit the fantastic new facilities, enjoy some fresh air and experience this unique addition to Garvagh."

This project was supported by DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, Sport NI's Everybody Active 2020 Programme and the Landfill Community Fund.

Make The Call Service To Ensure Full Welfare Entitlement For Families

A programme administered by the Department for Communities is aiming to ensure that every individual and household across Northern Ireland is receiving all of the social security benefits and other supports to which they are entitled.

Make the Call is a wraparound service delivered by a team of dedicated telephony advisors based in Belfast and a team of outreach officers throughout Northern Ireland who visit vulnerable customers in their home and assist them with benefit support, queries and the completion of forms if needed.

2017/18 was a record year for the Make the Call Wraparound Service. In total over £37.1 million was generated in unclaimed benefits across NI. 7,765 people were better off by an average of £92 per week after contacting the advisors.

Between April 2017 and March 2018 in the Derry City and Strabane area, £2.7 million was generated in unclaimed benefits. 559 people were better off by approximately £93 per week after they Made the Call.

A recent independent survey carried out by Ipsos MORI showed that of those making contact with the service, 87% of people surveyed reported a notable and positive impact on their lives, 76% of whom are now receiving a social security benefit they had not previously been in receipt of.

For further information or to have a benefit entitlement check carried out, Make the Call to 0800 232 1271 or text CHECK to 67300.



(JG/CM)