Greens Call For Action Amid 47% Increase In Foodbank Use

Green Party Councillor Maurice Macartney has called on Newtownards Council to act as a local foodbank has seen a 47% increase in demand for its services.

Making the call, Macartney said: "These headlines show we're already facing a crisis in nutrition and healthcare, but we already know inflation and heating costs are about to soar just as temperatures drop. We are careening towards a cliff edge that will tip us beyond crisis, into full scale social emergency – and in Stormont, there's no one at the steering wheel.

"While I commend the efforts of staff and volunteers at Newtownards and other food banks, and those who donate to them, it is the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure there is healthy food and adequate shelter for all in our communities.

"The DUP need to set aside their boycott of the power sharing institutions and take emergency action to tackle these problems.

"However, in the continued absence of the Executive, I am calling on Ards & North Down Borough Council to develop an emergency action plan, looking at any and all areas where they can support vulnerable residents feeling the effects of the Cost of Living and Energy Crisis.

"In the long term, and just as urgently, we need to look at the causes and not just the symptoms of the situation we find ourselves in. We need to plan for a just transition away from fossil fuels, and towards a more equitable, more sustainable and more democratic system."

Hargey Praises Youth Workers For 'Bonfire-Free Belfast'

Sinn Féin MLA and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has praised youth workers on the ground and all those who worked in communities on diversionary events and ensured there were no organised bonfires in Belfast on Monday night.

Minister Hargey also hailed 'amazing scenes' from Féile an Phobail as tens of thousands of young people enjoyed the annual dance night in Falls Park.

Deirdre Hargey said: "As a result of the amazing efforts of Féile an Phobail, youth workers and local community organisations in delivering top-class diversionary events, there were no organised bonfires in Belfast last night.

"Instead we watched amazing scenes from Falls Park as 10,000 young people danced the night away at Féile an Phobail's biggest dance night yet to first-class local and international DJs.

"It's a real credit to everyone involved in the running of a series of fantastic community festivals right across the city which promotes everything that is positive about Belfast.

"It's also a credit to the young people of Belfast who played their part in supporting their community and helping to keep it safe while having a great night out."

Viable Device Found At Belfast Security Alert

An investigation has been launched into a security alert in Belfast on Tuesday night.

A suspicious object was reportedly found in the Norglen Parade area of the city shortly before 8pm.

Ammunition Technical Officers examined the device at the scene and declared it viable.

The device has been removed for further examination.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police.