UUP's Tom Elliott Opts Against Election Posters In FST

Ulster Unionist Party candidate in Fermanagh and South Tyrone Tom Elliott has pledged not to erect any election posters in town centres.

Mr Elliott will contest the seat currently held by Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew.

Explaining his decision, he said: "Last week traders in Omagh and Strabane appealed for politicians to leave the two town centres free of election posters.

"I think this is a very good idea indeed and as a result, I will not be erecting any election posters in town centres in Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

"This election will be taking place in the run up to Christmas and town centres will be festooned with Christmas lights and decorations and it would not be a good idea to have them fighting for space with dozens of election posters.

"I am therefore happy to state that my posters will not be on display in town centres in Fermanagh & South Tyrone and it would be beneficial if other candidates were to follow suit."

Funding Made Available For Rural Firms In Derry & Strabane

A funding scheme of capital support for projects contributing towards sustaining rural communities has launched this week.

Delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.

The total grant awarded to rural businesses in the DCSDC area is £47,490 and applications are now being invited from existing micro businesses (less than 10 employees) in rural areas with minimum grant awards of £500 and a maximum of £4,999. The total project cost must not exceed £20,000 and applicants must be willing to provide 50% match funding.

The scheme aims to help tackle poverty and social isolation within rural communities across Northern Ireland by enhancing entrepreneurship and growth.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, urged local businesses to check out their eligibility for the scheme. "This new funding support offers a great opportunity for smaller businesses with a project they want to get off the ground," Cllr Boyle said.

"Our rural businesses face unique challenges and Council is committed to supporting them where possible in the delivery of projects which will positively impact on rural areas. I would urge any small business to find out if they could benefit."

Application forms, guidance notes and further advice and information are available from DCSDCs Business section or online.

A special information workshop will be held in Sion Stables, Sion Mills at 7pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. The closing date for applications is 12noon on 18 December.

NI Water Welcomes Promising Young Industry Professionals

A host of promising young professionals in the water industry have developed their skills further during a visit to NI Water.

The young people are part of the Institute of Water's Rising Stars programme as the company aims to support the careers of people working in the UK water utility sector.

This programme brings together a collection of unique opportunities, designed to develop the skills and professional excellence of new industry talent and particularly focuses on providing professional development in the skills areas that are not traditionally tackled or made available to individuals.

During a visit to NI Water, the Rising Stars had the opportunity to discuss careers with Sara Venning and Rose Kelly, as well as hear more about Planning for the future and PC21 from Mark Turner Ernst and Young and Adrian McCann. They also enjoyed a hands on tour of the labs with Daniel Macklin and Mark Collins as well as hearing about the making of the IOW conference from Anthony Lynn.



(JG/CM)