Ciara Quinn

Homes in Ballymurphy are set to become fully insulated from the cold

AFTER almost a decade in development the final phase in the ‘Ballymurphy Home Insulation’ project is to commence. Sinn Féin Councillor Steven Corr welcomed the news that Housing Executive properties in the area are to receive much-needed cladding insulation as part of the scheme.

WATCH: Groundbreaking med-tech company Cirdan backs Blackboard Awards for our hero teachers

THE CEO of technology firm Cirdan says the company is honoured to be sponsoring one of the main Blackboard Awards at this year’s virtual event. Hugh Cormican, a co-founder of advanced camera manufacturer Andor in West Belfast, now heads up the medical device company with offices overlooking the Lagan at Lambeg.

VIDEO: Brokenhearted mother says son Jack couldn't find help to beat his addiction

THE heartbroken family of a young Lenadoon man who lost his battle against drug addiction have paid tribute to a son, brother and friend who was so wholeheartedly “loved” by all who knew him.

Food drive at the Devenish for those most in need during Covid crisis

FINAGHY’S Devenish Complex have teamed up with nursing assistant Melissa Ross to establish a food drive to help those most in need as Coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue.

Private taxi financial scheme is an ‘absolute calamity’

A taxi man has described as an “absolute calamity” the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) handling of a financial assistance scheme set up to help beleaguered drivers.

Lucy McIIhatton: New police appeal over fatal crash

POLICE say they are working to establish the movements of the silver coloured Toyota Avensis car which struck and killed 24-year-old Lucy McIIhatton on the night of Sunday January 3.

BLACKBOARD AWARDS 2021: Full marks for Flynn as they back teaching heroes of the pandemic

WITH community and family very much part of its ethos, Flynn Building has stepped up to sponsor this year's virtual Blackboard Awards saluting the teaching heroes of the pandemic.

Housing Executive launch new plan to tackle anti-social behaviour

THE Housing Executive has launched a new community safety strategy aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. Running until 2023, the new strategy, Working Together for Safer Communities, has seen the creation of an action plan which commits the housing organisation to improve reporting of antisocial behaviour and building community confidence. Commenting on the strategy, Colm McQuillan, Director of Housing Services at the Housing Executive, said: “We are committed to ensuring all forms of anti-social behaviour are tackled appropriately. “While the majority of our areas are safe and popular places to live, we recognise that nuisance and anti-social behaviour are real issues that can impact significantly on local families. “It is important that residents know what to do if they are worried about anti-social behaviour and – just as importantly – to know their reports will be taken on board and acted upon. “The easiest way to report anti-social behaviour is to ring our General Enquiries Line on 03448 920 900 and ask to speak to your Patch Manager. “If anti-social behaviour is more serious or criminal, then you can call the PSNI on 101.“We are also happy to take anti-social behaviour referrals from a relative, a friend or an advocate, if you’d prefer someone else to make contact on your behalf. “It is always advised that residents provide us with as much detail as they possibly can, in order to allow our teams to investigate the issues thoroughly. “However, you can still provide information anonymously via our website at where you can also view our new strategy.” Linda Watson, Chairperson of the Central Housing Forum and Vice-Chair of Supporting Communities, said: “I’m pleased to welcome the launch of the Housing Executive Community Safety Strategy 2020-2023, Working Together for Safer Communities.“Anti-social behaviour is disruptive in our estates and communities. Such behaviours can undermine communities and have a long term impact on the lives of tenants and neighbours. “On behalf of the Central Housing Forum, I would encourage all members of the Housing Community Network to take time to consider the Strategy and Action Plan and to think how they can work with the Housing Executive and other stakeholders to ensure that our estates and neighbourhoods continue to be safe places to live.”

Call to assist taxi drivers during the current lockdown

WEST Belfast MP Paul Maskey has called for the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister to address “immediately” the development of a second financial assistance scheme for taxi drivers. Mr Maskey was speaking after DfI Minister Nichola Mallon wrote to the First and deputy First Ministers seeking further ‘Determination and Designation’ under the Financial Assistance Act to implement a second scheme for drivers. “The taxi industry has taken a severe hit since the start of the pandemic,” said Mr Maskey, “after talking to many drivers over recent times there is much hardship that they’ve experienced and very little help to them from the DfI”. Mr Maskey said that he has been dealing with many drivers who applied for the Taxi Drivers Financial Assistance Grant, “and have yet to get a penny of help – that is not acceptable”.

SPAR Craic 10K goes worldwide this year

AS the last of the Quality Street and Roses are eaten and selection boxes emptied of their sugary contents, New Year training can get underway as the annual St Patrick’s Day SPAR Craic 10K goes global – and virtual in 2021.

St Teresa's principal suggests transfer test solution

THE PRINCIPAL of St Teresa’s Primary School says he feels the only option for grammar schools is to “abandon” academic selection as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and use admissions criteria similar to that used in non-selective schools as the fall-out from the transfer test row continues.