Other News In Brief

Belfast Appoints New High Sheriff

DUP Councillor Nicola Verner has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast.

Councillor Verner succeeds Alderman Tommy Sandford to become the 120th High Sheriff of the city and the 13th woman to hold the position.

The appointment follows her election to the Court area in last year's local government elections.

Ms Verner said she is looking forward to fulfilling the role.

"I promise to serve the people of Belfast to the best of my ability," the Councillor commented.

"It's an honour to take on such a prestigious role and I will do my best to support both the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor throughout my year."

The role of High Sheriff begins in January of each year and ends in December.

Warning As Antisocial Behaviour Escalates In Cookstown

Police have pledged to put a stop to escalating antisocial behaviour in Cookstown.

A spokesperson issued a warning to youths in the William Street area amid an increase in reports of nuisance, with businesses warned against selling eggs to children.

Individuals throwing objects from alleyways, including eggs, at passing cars and causing a general nuisance to local businesses are among the disturbances reported.

The spokesperson warned: "The Neighbourhood Teams have been carrying out additional patrols in the area and speaking with businesses. The anti social behaviour is not going to be allowed to escalate, it gets nipped in the bud now.

"Throwing stuff at cars opens up a whole list of offences which we'll deal with in a custody suite after arrest.

"If you're involved in any of it, wise up.

"Parent's we'd appreciate if you would have a word with your kids about not getting sucked into this sort of nonsense in town.

"Grocery shop owners or any businesses that sell eggs around the town, don't be selling eggs to kids and don't have them sitting somewhere in the shop where they can be easily lifted and stolen."

Anyone with concerns or persisting issues in their local area is advised to report it immediately.

Roadworks To Begin In Dungannon

A £130,000 programme of roadworks has been announced in Dungannon.

The Department for Infrastructure scheme will see a section on the Beech Valley resurfaced from its junction with the A45 Railway Road to its junction with the Windmill Hill Road.

Work will begin on Monday 20 January and run until Sunday 16 February.

Announcing the scheme, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I have made clear my intent to tackle the regional imbalance in infrastructure. I will want any investment in road maintenance to reflect the need across our entire network. I am pleased to announce this significant investment in the Dungannon area. The work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network and will serve the local community and visitors to the area for many years to come."

During the majority of the works a one-way traffic system will be in operation between Windmill Hill Road and Railway Road. Town bound traffic will be diverted along Windmill Hill Road, Eglish Road, Granville Road, Ballygawley Road and Railway Road. Out of town bound traffic will still be able to use Beech Valley during these times however delays should be expected.

It will be necessary to implement full road closures between Windmill Hill Road and Railway Road from 11.00 pm on Saturday 01 February through to 1.00 pm on Sunday 02 February, from 8am to 1pm on Sunday 09 February and from 8am to 6pm on Monday 10 February.

During these road closures a two-way traffic diversion will be in operation along Windmill Hill Road, Eglish Road, Granville Road, Ballygawley Road, Railway Road and vice versa.



(JG/CM)