Other News In Brief

New Adventure Play Trail Opened In Gosford Forest Park

A new Adventure Play Trail has been opened in Gosford Forest Park by Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots.

The Adventure Play Trail, set in 240 hectares of stunning woodland and green spaces, comprises five unique superstructures which form part of a giant-sized outdoor adventure play area. The project was funded through the Rural Tourism Scheme of DAERA's Rural Development Programme. DAERA contributed £500,000 to the overall cost of £850,000.

Following the ceremony, Minister Poots said: "It is clear from my visit here today that the creation of innovative visitor experiences that showcase our natural landscape, which are compelling and accessible to all, can offer long term sustainability and growth for rural tourism in Northern Ireland."

Lord Mayor Supports Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey has joined charity National Energy Action (NEA) to support their work in combating and highlighting the effects of fuel poverty.

Tomorrow, Friday 27 November marks #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay and NEA has launched their new Warm and Safe homes campaign aimed at identifying the most vulnerable in society and targets help and support services to help people deal with the impact of fuel poverty.

This year, NEA have reported a substantial increase in fuel poverty due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 crisis. This is due to a number of contributing factors such as:

• An increase in energy use, due to more people spending more time at home

• A reduction in income, as many jobs were either lost or placed on furlough

• Increased affordability issues and therefore debt, leading to energy rationing

• Reductions in smart meter and energy efficiency installations

• Difficulties in accessing support, especially where households were digitally excluded or spoke English as an additional language

Calling on people to reach out for help, Alderman McCoubrey said: "More people than ever before face the reality of fuel poverty as the winter months set in. The impact of fuel poverty has been compounded this year by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

"Individuals and families across the city are struggling to keep up with their day-to-day living costs. Not only can this have a negative and detrimental impact on their physical health but also many will struggle with their mental health and wellbeing by carrying the weight of such a burden on their shoulders.

"Their troubles cannot go unheard and I encourage those who are suffering in silence to speak out and seek help. Charities such as NEA carry out fantastic work in helping people face down difficult times, offering help and assistance to get them back on the right track. Campaigns such as Warm and Safe Homes as well as the Warm and Well Campaign are vital tools to help reduce the level of fuel poverty in Belfast and beyond."

He added: "The right help and support services are out there and ready to step into action. People need to be comfortable in seeking help and taking the first steps towards a better future."

Pipe Bomb Discovery 'Extremely Worrying Development'

North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey has expressed his concern at the discovery of two pipe bombs in Dervock and Derrykeighan

Commenting Mr Storey said: "This is yet another extremely worrying development. The placing of pipe bombs at someone's home cannot be condoned in anyway, this is reckless and could have lead to someone being seriously injured or even worse.

No cause is served by this type of action.

"I would appeal to those involved in this attack and others that have happened in recent times to step back form all of this activity before someone looses their life. I would also appeal for anyone with information in relation to the incident to assist the police in bringing those responsible to justice.

"I am saddened to see a community being affected by this type of activity."