Other News In Brief

Maghera Roadworks Announced From 18 April

The Department for Infrastructure has announced a programme of roadworks in Maghera, due to get underway on 18 April.

The road improvement scheme on the A6 Glenshane Road at Ranaghan Road, Maghera will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface quality of the road. Works are expected to be completed by 2 September 2022.

A signposted temporary 40mph speed limit will apply continually from Monday 2 May 2022 to Friday 2 September 2022 between the junctions of Glen Road and Lisnamuck Road. During these dates right turning at Ranaghan Road will be prohibited.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the area.

In order to help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with extra care when travelling in the vicinity of the works.

Completion of the works by 2 September 2022 is dependent on favourable weather conditions. The Department will keep the public informed of any changes.

SDLP Condemn South Belfast Arson Attack

The SDLP have condemned a suspected arson attack on the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association (BMCA).

It follows a previous arson attack on the premises last year.

South Belfast Assembly candidate Matthew O'Toole said: "Let me be absolutely clear – there is no room for racism or hate targeted at any one group anywhere in the North and the people behind these attacks on the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association are achieving nothing other than strengthening the resolve of committed anti-racists everywhere. People will pull together and the BMCA will rebuild and overcome this latest setback.

"It's heartbreaking that after extensive repairs were carried out on this building to allow the BMCA to resume their important work in a hub at the heart of the community that serious damage has once again been caused to the premises. This is an important resource for a group that works to help people in our city and we need to see proper support to allow them to continue providing their vital services.

"The last time this building was attacked the public raised over £60,000 for repairs and I'm sure they will once again rally around the BMCA and help in any way they can. South Belfast is one of the most diverse places on these islands, people from around the world live together peacefully and those who carried out this mindless act in no way represent the views of this community. I would encourage anyone with information about what took place to come forward to police and I will be contacting the BMCA directly to express my solidarity and to identify what can be done to help them bounce back from this as quickly as possible."

Drugs Seized During Search In Skegoniell

The PSNI have seized drugs worth an estimated £6,000 during a search operation in the Skegoniell area.

Officers from Tennent Street Police Station carried out the search as part of a wider operation.

Posting to the PSNIBelfastN Twitter account, police said: "Following a recent operation by one of our neighbourhood policing teams, we have conducted a search at a property in the Skegoniell area. As part of the wider operation, drugs with an estimated street value of £6,000 have been removed from our streets - Tennent St Police."