SDLP Condemn Co Antrim Attack

An SDLP Councillor has condemned an attack on homes in Cushendall, County Antrim.

Police are investigating a "loud bang" heard in the rural village on the evening of Wednesday 03 July, and said damage was caused to the door of a property and two cars parked nearby.

A car park on Mill Street was cordoned off this morning while officers conducted enquiries.

Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Margaret Anne McKillip, who is from the area, said people are "totally opposed" to the attack.

She commented: "I was shocked by reports of an attack on homes in Cushendall last night and immediately contacted the police into the early hours of the morning to establish what had happened.

"People here are totally opposed to this. We don't want this kind of violence in our area. Those responsible need to get off our backs and should be brought to justice.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious at around 11pm last night to come forward and help police with their investigations."

Proposals For The Reform Of Business Rates Outlined

Trade NI has set out its proposals for business rate reform.

The discussion formed part of a two-day key Department of Finance Policy Lab at PRONI looking at the potential for change.

The organisation- made up of Retail NI, Manufacturing NI and Hospitality Ulster- took part in the meeting with senior civil servants. In a joint statement the three respective CEO's- Glyn Roberts, Stephen Kelly and Colin Neill- said: "We very much welcome this fundamental review of business rates and hope that it will deliver the step change needed to fix the current broken and antiquated system.

"Fixing Business Rates is Trade NI's top priority in terms of the hospitality and retail sectors. We also want to see the targeted approach to small business rate relief, which was put forward by the last Finance Minister, Rethinking Rates as a vital starting point. These proposals include enhanced rates relief for the mainstays of the high street-independent retail and hospitality businesses.

"However, in terms of our manufacturing members, we have a very clear red line that the current industrial de-rating must not be changed. This is a key element in supporting thousands of jobs across the supply chain and is vital to the future of the local manufacturing sector.

"In addition, we also need to ensure that any new system of business rates includes incentives for business growth. We will be outlining proposals for a Green Rate Relief Scheme to incentivise businesses to invest in green technology, enhancing the current Empty Premises Rate Relief scheme, a Capital Allowance scheme and making it easier to access the Rates Hardship scheme.

"We hope this process will lead to a publication of an action plan to ensure that the next Finance Minister has options to make immediate changes."

Belfast Road To Close For Improvement Works

A series of closures are set to take place on Belfast's A24 Saintfield Road to facilitate improvement works.

This £700,000 project will see right turn pockets provided for vehicles turning into Myrtledene Road and Glenhugh Park, the introduction of a Puffin crossing to replace the existing footbridge and a retaining wall at the back of the new footway along Beechill Avenue.

These works are being carried out to improve safety for road users and pedestrians in the area.

Lane closures will be in place, alongside a 30mph speed limit, when the scheme launches on Monday 15 July. At least one lane in both directions will be maintained.

A full road closure will be required at times to ensure safe removal of the footbridge and for the final resurfacing work.

Motorists are urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

This scheme is expected to be complete by September.



(JG/CM)