TUV Requests Mayor's Reception For Local Darts Hero

TUV Braid Councillor Christopher Jamieson has called for a hero's homecoming to greet Northern Ireland darts team member Josh Rock following his historic World Cup triumph in Frankfurt.

In a gripping final decider on Sunday (June 15), Rock, along with County L'Derry-native Daryl Gurney, triumphed 10–9 over Wales, clinching Northern Ireland's first ever World Cup of Darts title.

"I am absolutely thrilled to extend my congratulations to the Northern Ireland darts team on achieving an extraordinary victory at the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt," said Cllr Jamieson.

"As the local councillor representing Broughshane, I could not be prouder to see Josh Rock – our hometown hero – step onto the world stage and deliver such a performance. Breaking the tournament record for 180s made it all the more special.

"Josh's return to Broughshane will be met with a hero's welcome. I will be requesting a Mayor's reception for him. I’ve no doubt that his achievement will inspire future local sports stars."

Alliance Want More Support For Racial Violence Victims

Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has highlighted concerns "for the children directly and indirectly impacted by the racist violence" across Northern Ireland over the last week. 

The Lagan Valley MLA has called for the Department of Education to allocate additional resources to the Education Authority (EA) and schools through relevant teams, such as the Intercultural Team and the Addressing Bullying in Schools team, to support school children who have been affected. 

Michelle Guy MLA said: "Yesterday, the Education Minister confirmed that many newcomer children have been absent from school following the racist violence and the fear of being targeted. Every child has a right to an education, and have the right to live without fear, discrimination or violence.

"These children and their families have been traumatised, and we need to better understand the full impact of this racism on children who are simply trying to go to school, so we can do all we can to support them.

"Other children from a minority background, who may not have been directly impacted by this most recent racist violence, will be terrified that they could face abuse or be attacked."

She concluded: "We urgently need to reassess what more can be done both in and outside of schools, to ensure children understand and appreciate difference and diversity, and they reject racism and violence."

New Sewer Connection Set To Be Installed In Belfast

Works will begin this week to install an essential new sewer connection for new student accommodation on York Street in Belfast, NI Water has announced.

The work, carried out by contractor Meridan Utilities, will take place over two weekends, including: Saturday, 21 June, from 8am, to Monday, 23 June, until 6am and Saturday, 28 June, from 8am, to Monday, 30 June, until 6am.

There are no diversions required, however, delays in the area are expected as four of the five lanes on York Street will be closed. Multiple lane closures will be in operation at: 

• York Street, Belfast, from Frederick Street to Little Patrick Street;

• Great Patrick Street, Belfast (Country Bound), from Talbot Street to York Street;

• Nelson Street, Belfast (City Bound), from little Patrick Street to Great Patrick Street.

NI Water and Meridian Utilities have thanked residents, businesses and the wider public for their patience and cooperation while they deliver this new stormwater system.