Other News In Brief

London's Night Czar In Belfast To Advise On Night-Time Economy

The SDLP has welcomed a visit to Belfast by London's Night Czar Amy Lamé to examine ways to support the development of the city's night-time economy.

Belfast City Councillor Séamas de Faoite has proposed that Belfast examine ways to support activity and economic development at night, including the potential of appointing the city's own night-time champion.

He said: "I welcome the advice and expertise London's Night Czar Amy Lamé has to offer Belfast about how to develop our night-time economy and how our public services operate between 6pm and 6am.

"The night-time is forgotten about or ignored far too often. We will be working with the council and relevant partners to broaden everyone's understanding of what happens in Belfast at night - it's not just about pubs, clubs and bars, but it's about public services and facilities.

"The SDLP has campaigned for some time to see night bus services expanded and crucial support provided to the arts and cultural sectors to create and maintain livelihoods in these valuable industries.

"We've also raised the need to support night-time and shift workers who are currently abandoned by Cinderella public transport services and poor access to fresh food and groceries."

Coleraine Cost-Of-Living Information Event Announced

The Department for Communities has announced a cost-of-living information event in Coleraine next week.

The free event, which will take place in Coleraine Town Hall on Tuesday 31 January, is open to everyone and booking is not required.

Attendees will be able to access free advice and information on a range of cost-of-living issues from organisations such as the National Energy Action NI, Energy Advice NI and a range of local partners.

Department for Communities staff from Universal Credit, Make the Call and Discretionary Support will also be on hand to advise people on any additional supports to which they may be entitled.

The cost-of-living information and advice event is one of three currently scheduled with sessions in Belfast and Newry also taking place.

The Coleraine event will take place between 4pm and 7pm on Tuesday 31 January and all are welcome to attend. Further information on cost-of-living support is available at NI Direct.

PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Richard McGarrity

The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of a 54-year-old man at Belfast Crown Court for drug offences.

Richard McGarrity was sentenced to 28 months, 14 months in custody and 14 months on license, having previously pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.

McGarrity was arrested after cocaine, with an estimated value of approximately £14,000, was recovered as a result of a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a house in Bangor in March 2022.

The search, and subsequent seizure, was carried out by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, as part of an investigation into the North Down Brigade of the UDA. The team enlisted the support of Police Dog Jess, who successfully located the drugs.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: "We will continue in our efforts to make Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work by investigating, arresting and bringing those involved in serious criminality before the courts.

"Richard McGarrity unwisely got involved in drugs criminality and as a result is now in prison. The sentence handed to him at Belfast Crown Court today should act as a deterrent to others who supply drugs in our communities.

"McGarrity and others like him are only interested in making money for their own personal gain. They don't care about those who are harmed along the way – from those who buy and consume illegal and dangerous drugs, to those loved ones who are left to deal with the heartache.

"I would ask anyone who has information about the use of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."