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17/12/2019
Other News In Brief
Christmas Presents Stolen In West Belfast Burglary
Police have called for vigilance after Christmas presents were stolen during a burglary in west Belfast.
It's understood a thief entered a property via an unlocked door in recent days, resulting in the loss of gifts bought for the festive season.
A PSNI spokesperson warned: "As we approach Christmas the criminals are often out there to steal your presents.
"Always lock your doors and keep presents out of sight!"
Only Hours Remain To Prevent Health Strike- UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has demanded action as just hours remain to reach a settlement with healthcare unions and prevent looming strike action.
Party Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs issued an appeal ahead of planned industrial action on Wednesday 18 December, with hospitals and Emergency Departments to come under significant pressure.
Health unions and staff are fighting for pay parity and safe staffing levels. The action comes amid a fresh round of negotiations to restore devolved government at Stormont.
Mr Beggs MLA said: "The Northern Ireland health service is in the midst of spiralling crisis. Never before have so many people been waiting, and waiting for such unacceptably long periods of time. The delays are only being exacerbated by the debilitating shortages in the local workforce.
"Under any normal democratic circumstances, the final hours before unparalleled strike action would present a major crisis for a Health Minister. They would have been locked in intensive discussions with the unions and the Department of Finance, and they would have been expected to produce a deal that resolved the pressures in pay. Yet it now appears unless there is a last-minute reprieve, strike action and all the associated disruption to healthcare that it will bring is virtually inevitable.
"With the ongoing absence of a local Executive, and the shameful refusal of our Secretary of State to intervene directly, once again it will be ordinary health workers and patients left to suffer.
"We simply cannot afford to wait until next year to see if the current political talks do or do not succeed – the crisis in our health service needs attention now and that can only be achieved through the direct intervention of the new UK Government."
£1.6m Investment Boosts Leisure Facilities In Antrim
A series of upgrades have been delivered at leisure facilities across Antrim and Newtownabbey thanks to a £1.6 million Council investment.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth visited Antrim Forum, Sixmile Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre to unveil the latest upgrades.
Approximately £400k of the investment was put towards installing self-service kiosks at the centres, as well as other technologies to greatly improve the customer journey, offering fast access and reducing any queuing times.
New changing facilities, costing roughly £150k, were also delivered at Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre to boost accessibility for those with specific needs.
The £500k investment in the new Spa at the Valley Leisure has created an ultra-modern facility. Featuring a new Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, the newly extended Spa now boasts heated loungers and monsoon showers.
The new state-of-the-art extended fitness suite at Sixmile Leisure Centre now boasts the newest, innovative Technogym equipment following £575k investment. Also included in this major investment has been the refurbishment and updated design of the Spin Studio, and installation of advanced digital and sound technology.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented: "This major investment shows a commitment by Council, to develop and enhance the leisure facilities we provide to the residents of our Borough, encouraging them to be MORE active MORE often. The Council has a fantastic value for money family membership package for just £39 per month and I am delighted that we are able to invest in our leisure facilities, keeping them up to date and more appealing for our leisure centre users."
(JG/CM)
Police have called for vigilance after Christmas presents were stolen during a burglary in west Belfast.
It's understood a thief entered a property via an unlocked door in recent days, resulting in the loss of gifts bought for the festive season.
A PSNI spokesperson warned: "As we approach Christmas the criminals are often out there to steal your presents.
"Always lock your doors and keep presents out of sight!"
Only Hours Remain To Prevent Health Strike- UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has demanded action as just hours remain to reach a settlement with healthcare unions and prevent looming strike action.
Party Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs issued an appeal ahead of planned industrial action on Wednesday 18 December, with hospitals and Emergency Departments to come under significant pressure.
Health unions and staff are fighting for pay parity and safe staffing levels. The action comes amid a fresh round of negotiations to restore devolved government at Stormont.
Mr Beggs MLA said: "The Northern Ireland health service is in the midst of spiralling crisis. Never before have so many people been waiting, and waiting for such unacceptably long periods of time. The delays are only being exacerbated by the debilitating shortages in the local workforce.
"Under any normal democratic circumstances, the final hours before unparalleled strike action would present a major crisis for a Health Minister. They would have been locked in intensive discussions with the unions and the Department of Finance, and they would have been expected to produce a deal that resolved the pressures in pay. Yet it now appears unless there is a last-minute reprieve, strike action and all the associated disruption to healthcare that it will bring is virtually inevitable.
"With the ongoing absence of a local Executive, and the shameful refusal of our Secretary of State to intervene directly, once again it will be ordinary health workers and patients left to suffer.
"We simply cannot afford to wait until next year to see if the current political talks do or do not succeed – the crisis in our health service needs attention now and that can only be achieved through the direct intervention of the new UK Government."
£1.6m Investment Boosts Leisure Facilities In Antrim
A series of upgrades have been delivered at leisure facilities across Antrim and Newtownabbey thanks to a £1.6 million Council investment.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth visited Antrim Forum, Sixmile Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre to unveil the latest upgrades.
Approximately £400k of the investment was put towards installing self-service kiosks at the centres, as well as other technologies to greatly improve the customer journey, offering fast access and reducing any queuing times.
New changing facilities, costing roughly £150k, were also delivered at Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre to boost accessibility for those with specific needs.
The £500k investment in the new Spa at the Valley Leisure has created an ultra-modern facility. Featuring a new Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, the newly extended Spa now boasts heated loungers and monsoon showers.
The new state-of-the-art extended fitness suite at Sixmile Leisure Centre now boasts the newest, innovative Technogym equipment following £575k investment. Also included in this major investment has been the refurbishment and updated design of the Spin Studio, and installation of advanced digital and sound technology.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented: "This major investment shows a commitment by Council, to develop and enhance the leisure facilities we provide to the residents of our Borough, encouraging them to be MORE active MORE often. The Council has a fantastic value for money family membership package for just £39 per month and I am delighted that we are able to invest in our leisure facilities, keeping them up to date and more appealing for our leisure centre users."
(JG/CM)
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GLL Plans To Close Pool at Shankill Leisure Centre - Union
Management firm Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) is planning to close the pool in Shankill Leisure Centre in Belfast, according to Unite the union. Unite Regional Officer, Michael Keenan, has called on Belfast City Council to put an end to threats hanging over pools at both the Shankill and Ballysillan Leisure Centres.
19 July 2023
Better Leisure Centres To Host Weekend Of Free Family Events
Belfast's Better leisure centres are set to host a series of free family activities to mark 30 years of GLL. Founded in 1993, GLL is the UK's largest public leisure and libraries co-operative and charitable social enterprise.
Better Leisure Centres To Host Weekend Of Free Family Events
Belfast's Better leisure centres are set to host a series of free family activities to mark 30 years of GLL. Founded in 1993, GLL is the UK's largest public leisure and libraries co-operative and charitable social enterprise.
16 September 2016
Consultations Announced For Belfast Leisure Centre Redevelopment Plans
Consultation events have been announced by Belfast City Council on proposed designs for a number of leisure centre transformations across Belfast. The council is to invest £105 million in a Leisure Transformation Programme (LTP), to be developed over the next 10 years.
Consultations Announced For Belfast Leisure Centre Redevelopment Plans
Consultation events have been announced by Belfast City Council on proposed designs for a number of leisure centre transformations across Belfast. The council is to invest £105 million in a Leisure Transformation Programme (LTP), to be developed over the next 10 years.
06 March 2018
Work Continues On New Boulevard In Belfast
Construction work is continuing on a new boulevard in Belfast. The road will lead from the Boucher Road to the newly refurbished Olympia Leisure Centre and is part of the £21.75million being invested in the project. Belfast City Council is also urging the public to suggest a new name for the boulevard which is due to open at the end of May.
Work Continues On New Boulevard In Belfast
Construction work is continuing on a new boulevard in Belfast. The road will lead from the Boucher Road to the newly refurbished Olympia Leisure Centre and is part of the £21.75million being invested in the project. Belfast City Council is also urging the public to suggest a new name for the boulevard which is due to open at the end of May.
05 July 2004
Men urged to ‘check up’ on Health Day
Around 25 health-related agencies are coming together next month to take part in the first ever ‘Men’s Health Day’.
Men urged to ‘check up’ on Health Day
Around 25 health-related agencies are coming together next month to take part in the first ever ‘Men’s Health Day’.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
