Arrest Following Home Searches In Dungannon

A individual has been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a property search in Dungannon, County Tyrone.

Police said they forced entry to a number of homes in the area in recent days, seizing a large amount of suspected cannabis resin, suspected cocaine, cash, scales, mobile phones, illegal fireworks and more.

The individual was detained for possession of Class A and Class B drugs, possession of Class B with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Police said information from the public is key in securing drugs arrests and encouraged anyone with suspicions to contact them on 101.

"As always, keep the info coming in PMs or other ways, you guys are playing a brilliant role in cleaning the streets," a spokesperson said.

Newry City Centre To Enjoy £1.7m Investment

Newry City Centre is to benefit from regeneration plans worth £1.7 million.

The project is to be majority funded by the Department for Communities, with £177,000 coming from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The scheme, due to get underway next January, will focus on improving and enhancing the streetscape at the lower end of Hill Street and John Mitchell Place, and the adjoining streets of O'Hagan Street, Mill Street and St Colman's Park.

Announcing the scheme, Louise Warde Hunter from DfC said: "This is a substantial investment from the Department in a vital retail area of Newry City. It will complement previous public realm works and assist in making this part of the City centre more appealing, supporting the local economy in Newry. The investment, and the improvements it will deliver, are a tangible example of how the Department is supporting our city centres and all those who shop, live or trade in them now and in to the future."

Alliance Demand All Flags Be Taken Down

The Alliance Party has called for all flags to be taken down following a tension-filled summer marching season.

South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw said the flags, no matter what type, should be properly removed before they are destroyed.

She continued: "It is widely recognised that the 'marching season' ends on the final Saturday of August. Even those for whom the display of flags and emblems are an important marker of cultural heritage will recognise that they should now be removed.

"Although there have been significant advances in some areas, it has been frustrating to see flags erected at locations where they do not have the support of the local community, and often on an unnecessary scale. It is also long past time we saw action on flags erected illegally.

"Regardless of people's view on them, however, they should not be left to become rags. That is disrespectful of the flag and what it represents."

Ms Bradshaw expressed hope that a flag policy can be developed to monitor the matter in future. She continued: "It remains hugely frustrating for the vast majority of people that there remains no political agreement on an apt way to display flags and emblems as a cultural celebration, while not abusing them to intimidate or mark out territory. It is time for a fundamental recognition that all of Northern Ireland is a shared space, allowing for legitimate cultural expression but not for unreasonable behaviour designed to irritate and exclude."



(JG)