East Belfast Tribute Mural To Raise Awareness Of Mental Health

A new public artwork to raise awareness of mental health issues has been unveiled at Orangefield Park Pavilion.

The artwork was created as part of special project with young men in the Orangefield area in east Belfast, supported by Belfast City Council and Eastside Greenways. East Belfast Alternatives worked with the group of 12 to develop the artwork in memory of their friend, Adam Woods, who passed away last year, aged 21.

The young men produced the artwork which they felt was a fitting tribute to their friend as well as celebrate his work as a local artist.

The artwork at the pavilion has a poignant message: 'For every dark night there's a brighter day'.

East Belfast Alternatives said that it is hoped the artwork will inspire and give comfort to people struggling with their mental health and promote mental health awareness among young people who use the park.

Man Arrested In Organised Crime Investigation

A man, aged in his 50s, has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into organised crime.

The man was arrested during a search operation in Lisburn on Thursday, 04 May. A number of items were seized, including an Audi A6, suspected drug documentation, mobile phones and designer jewellery including watches, a Versace bracelet and a Cartier ring were seized during the search.

Detective Inspector Sweeney said: "Drugs ruin lives. Drug dealers are only concerned with lining their own pockets at the expense of others, leaving families and loved ones to deal with the inevitable devastation caused by the drugs they supply."

Anyone with information relating to the illegal supply of drugs in the community should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Crimestoppers is an independent charity which is 100% anonymous and gives the people the power to speak up and stop crime.

DUP Blame Police Numbers Issues On Secretary Of State

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland cannot shirk responsibility for the chronic underinvestment in policing over the last decade, DUP lead Policing Board representative Trevor Clarke MLA has said.

Clark was commenting after the Chief Constable warned the Policing Board that an estimated £141m hole in this year's budget could lead to a total freeze on officer recruitment and the closure of some PSNI stations.

Responding, the DUP South Antrim MLA said: "It is unacceptable that policing in Northern Ireland remains at risk of being paralysed by a failure to deliver appropriate funding for the PSNI. In the current financial year, the policing budget will again be squeezed considerably, leaving the Chief Constable with no option but to sustain the growing culture of cuts both to headcount and core services.

"We need to be realistic about the cause of these problems. The huge pressures facing funding for policing would not simply vanish into thin air if an Executive and Assembly was restored today or tomorrow. Current funding for all aspects of our public services is not capable of meeting current demands."