Bower Welcomes Motion to Boost Community Orchards in Belfast

Alliance Belfast City Councillor Christine Bower has welcomed the passing of her motion by the People and Communities Committee, calling for the development of community orchards across Belfast. The motion, seconded by Cllr Fiona McAteer, recognises that orchards offer wide-ranging benefits, including increased access to fresh fruit, enhanced green spaces, and the promotion of local food resilience. Cllr Bower said the initiative would promote biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and help the Council meet its 'One Million Trees' targets, noting, "Community orchards are not just about simply growing fruit, they are also about bringing people together."

Man Charged Following Banbridge Hit-And-Run Police have charged a 40-year-old man to court following a report of a hit-and-run road traffic collision on the A1 carriageway at Banbridge on Tuesday, 7 October. The man faces several charges, including dangerous driving, possession of a Class B controlled drug, and being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug. He was due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 8 October.

First Ministers Must Give Evidence On Stormont Reform – O'Toole

Opposition Leader Matthew O'Toole MLA has challenged the First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and the deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill to accept an invitation to give evidence to the Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC) on institutional reform. The SDLP MLA tabled a successful proposal for the committee to invite the First Ministers to discuss potential changes to Stormont rules to prevent future collapses, as well as reforms like the equalisation of their titles. Mr O'Toole stated that refusing the invitation would "simply indicate... that these parties have no interest in changing the dysfunctional, toxic culture at Stormont."