Other News In Brief

Emergency Services Host Open Day In Belfast

Northern Ireland's emergency services will be demonstrating what they do on a daily basis at a '999' open day at Central Fire Station in Belfast.

Public servants working for the Fire & Rescue Service, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard Agency and British Red Cross will be in attendance at the event on Saturday 16 November, from 12.30-4pm.

An exciting series of demonstrations and displays that convey a flavour of the many incidents that the emergency services respond to will be among the highlights including a Specialist Dog Team display, a road traffic collision rescue demonstration, a chip pan fire demonstration and a water rescue display.

With something for all the family, everyone is welcome to attend. Feel free to call into the Fire Station, based on Bankmore Street/ Ormeau Avenue Belfast, between 12.30pm – 4pm.

Council Promotes Waste Reduction Among Local Citizens

Householders, business, schools and organisations in the Fermanagh and Omagh areas are encouraged to take positive action on reducing waste this European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR).

The council is supporting EWWR, which runs from Saturday 16- Sunday 24 November, by urging members of the public to implement everyday changes in their life that can make a difference.

"By ditching items such as straws, single use plastic cutlery and plastic bags we can significantly reduce the use of single-use plastics," a council spokesperson said.

"Reuse and refill your coffee cups and water bottles. Donate clothing to your local charity shop and visit your nearest library. Donate reusable furniture and avail of the Councils paint reuse scheme."

Available sites include Gortrush, Omagh, Drummee, Enniskillen, Carrickmore, Fintona, Lisnaskea, Irvinestown and Kesh Recycling Centres.

By recycling correctly in your blue recycling bin, brown compost bin and food waste caddy, the Council will be able to reduce the level of waste which is still going to landfill.

Items such as paper, cardboard, aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles including shampoo and cleaning bottles, plastic tubs and plastic trays, aerosols and glass bottles and jars can all be recycled in the blue bins. Remember all items should be presented clean, dry and loose.

Locals Invited To Shape Vision Of Carrickfergus

Residents of Carrickfergus in County Antrim have been called to shape regeneration plans for the town.

Consultation has been launched to help develop a vision, strategy and investment plans for Carrickfergus.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and its public sector partners, which collectively form the Carrickfergus Regeneration Investment Programme (CRIP) Board, are leading the consultation events.

The CRIP Board has commissioned Venture International Ltd to work with its team to facilitate its citizens to have their say on the future of Carrickfergus.

A draft Carrickfergus Regeneration Investment Plan has been developed and will be shared throughout the process.

Mid and East Antrim Alderman Billy Ashe MBE said: "Our draft plan for Carrickfergus presents a range of important developments that will not only improve and enhance the town centre for citizens living here and in the wider borough, but will also help attract increased tourism footfall that will benefit local businesses and the local economy in the long term.

"But these plans must be subject to a two-way conversation and, for us, this consultation and public engagement exercise is about being receptive and listening to our citizens. We want to hear their feedback, their ideas and their suggestions, and any concerns they have about the proposed schemes of development – all of which will be carefully considered as we advance our proposals in the coming months.

"I would encourage all citizens, businesses and other stakeholders to avail of the opportunity to have their say in shaping what is a tremendously exciting future for Carrickfergus by attending one of our public events."

The consultation events are as follows:

• Wednesday 20 November, 3pm-9pm at Carrickfergus Leisure Centre

• Thursday 21 November, 12pm-5pm at The Mall, Civic Centre.



(JG/CM)