Other News In Brief

Warning As Counterfeit Cash Circulates Counties Tyrone & Down

Members of the public, retailers and other businesses are being warned as counterfeit £50 notes circulate in counties Tyrone & Down.

Police have received numerous reports of cash being passed to small businesses in the Banbridge, Clough, Crossgar, Coalisland and Tyrone areas.

Staff are reminded to remain vigilant when accepting all notes and reported any suspected counterfeits to police by calling non-emergency line 101 quoting reference 823 of 10/08/19.

Vehicles Damaged In Paint Attack

Police are investigating after two vehicles were damaged in Ballymena, County Antrim.

Two cars parked in the Bryan Street area of the town were targeted on Friday evening, 09 August.

Paint and cement from a nearby building site was strewn over the cars and the road. Both vehicles were damaged as a result, and an extensive mess was left in the surrounding area.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that can assist with the investigation to contact officers in Ballymena on 101 and quote reference number 2338 of 9/8/19. Information can also be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Antrim Village Restored In Rural Development Programme

Stoneyford village in Country Antrim has been upgraded after a recent investment through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme.

A number of streetscape improvements were delivered in the area as well as a freshening up of the arterial route through the village with the installation of ornamental floral display baskets. New outdoor gym equipment was also installed at the local children's play park.

During the initial consultations residents talked fondly of how the name for the village came from the original stone wall on the bridge at the heart of the village, and the natural stone was restored on the bridge as part of the scheme.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council supported the development of the scheme, with further funding support from the NI Rural Development Programme through Lagan Rural Partnership.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of the Council's Development Committee and Chair of Lagan Rural Partnership, said: "The regeneration of our villages is important and I am delighted that elements of the history of the village have been included in this modernisation scheme. The village looks fresh and inviting and the introduction of adult gym equipment in the children's play park has made this a shared space for all. I recognise the economic benefits such a scheme can have in a small rural community and it contributes to a cohesive and inclusive rural community."

Stoneyford was shortlisted as one of five villages to receive funding through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme: Rural Village Renewal Scheme.



(JG/MH)