Police Appeal After Ballymena Burglary

Police in Ballymena are appealing for information following a burglary at a home in Shetland Gardens on Tuesday, 30 September.

Detective Inspector Gallagher said the incident occurred just before 8.40pm when the homeowner disturbed four or five masked intruders, one of whom may have been armed.

The property was ransacked, cash was stolen, and the windscreen of a vehicle parked outside was smashed. The burglars chased the homeowner in the direction of Dalriada Walk before fleeing towards Crebilly Road.

Detective Inspector Gallagher said: "We're thankful that the homeowner was unharmed, though shaken by his ordeal. We would be keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed these events, or a silver BMW being driven suspiciously in the area."

Alliance Calls For Greater Investment In Active Travel

Alliance Infrastructure Spokesperson Peter McReynolds MLA has called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to take active travel seriously, following a Northern Ireland Audit Office report highlighting underspend and missed targets.

Currently, DfI spends around £50 million annually on active travel, below the £85 million required under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) according to figures.

Mr McReynolds said: "It is disappointing to yet again see active travel being overlooked at a Departmental level. Significant underspend is evident through the failure of targets being met for the use of active travel methods. Objectives need to be set and met to ensure the continued growth of the sector and the benefits that come with it." He added that the Department must produce a detailed timetable of aims and stick to commitments, involving stakeholders to ensure investments are user-friendly and targeted effectively.

Public Consultation On Revised Mental Health Code Of Practice

The Department of Health has launched a 12-week consultation on the draft revised Code of Practice to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, running from 30 September to 29 December 2025.

The consultation seeks views from service users, carers, health professionals, the PSNI, and advocacy groups.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "This consultation is a vital step towards ensuring our mental health framework is modern, inclusive, and person-centred. The revised Code of Practice will support professionals in delivering high-quality care while protecting the rights of those with mental health needs. I encourage everyone with an interest, particularly those with lived experience, to share their views and help shape this important guidance."

Justice Minister Naomi Long added: "It is of paramount importance that the public consultation receives widespread engagement, ensuring that the views of service users, carers, professionals, and the wider community are appropriately captured and reflected in the development of future policy and service delivery".

Meanwhile, John Morgan, Regional Service User Consultant, also encouraged service users and families to contribute.

Responses can be submitted online via nidirect consultations, by email to MCAimplementation@health-ni.gov.uk, or by post to Mental Capacity Act Unit, Department of Health, Castle Buildings, Belfast BT4 3SQ.