Other News In Brief

Comber Greenway Works To Get Underway From 22 January

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that the next phase of the proposed upgrade works along the Comber Greenway will get underway on Monday 22 January 2024.

This scheme starts approximately 180 metres north-west of its junction with the Ballyrainey Road, and will extend approximately 1.4 kilometres south east until the termination of the Comber Greenway at the Belfast Road junction.

It is anticipated that the work will be completed within fourteen weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions.

The Greenway will be closed from the Billy Neil MBE Country Park to the Old Belfast Road. Users are advised to find an alternative route.

The Department has apologises for any inconvenience that may be associated with the works and would like to thank users, in advance, for their tolerance during the construction process.

UUP Express Their Condolences At The Sudden Death Of Ian Elliot

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have expressed their sadness at the sudden death of former Oaklee Housing Chief Executive Ian Elliott.

Paying tribute to Mr Elliot, Fermanagh & South Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, said: "Ian was originally from Fermanagh where his father Wilson Elliott was a long-standing Ulster Unionist Councillor.

"Ian worked for spell at Ulster Unionist Party Headquarters in Belfast, before moving into the Housing Sector where he had a long and successful career, being highly respected within that sphere.

"Our sincere sympathy to Ian's wife and family at this difficult time."

Alliance Welcomes New Flood Support Fund Announcement

The Alliance party has welcomed an Executive Office announcement that a further funding round for flood-impacted businesses will open in January.

Over 200 businesses across NI, particularly in Downpatrick, Newry and Portadown, faced unprecedented flooding for several days at the end of November.

South Down MLA Patrick Brown said many businesses are still struggling to recover, with many not yet able to open their doors due to the damage. So far, rates relief has been applied to these businesses and many were able to apply for a £7.5k grant. However, with the estimated economic impact of the flooding well into the tens of millions, and many excluded from the criteria attached to this initial funding, it is clear more needs to be done to provide financial support to businesses.

Welcoming the announcement, he added: "In November the Alliance Party wrote to relevant agencies outlining our priorities for how the remainder of the £15m flood recovery fund should be spent. I am pleased that the Executive office has an announced a fund very close to what we proposed, specifically a grant fund of up to £100k, based on need for those worst impacted by flooding. Businesses will need to evidence their losses, applications will open in January, and all money must be spent by the end of the financial year.

"There still remains a number of important questions we are seeking clarity on, and this includes whether stock and loss of revenue can be included in calculations (early indications are that only equipment, fixtures/fittings and cleaning/relocation costs will be covered), and also how we can ensure businesses excluded from the £7.5k grant are included. After a positive meeting with Acting Permanent Secretary for Economy Ian Snowden this morning, I was encouraged that his department will be looking into these issues.

"Many businesses who have insurance still face significant losses over and above what they are insured for, and it's important that this is taken into account in any further scheme. Additionally, there are a number of businesses who were excluded because they were not yet trading, are charities or did not have internal flooding. It's important that these factors are taken into account to ensure no one in need of support is excluded."