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20/05/2024
Other News In Brief
Suspected Firearm Recovered In Castlecat
Police have recovered a suspected firearm at the River Bush, close to the bridge at the Seneril Road, Castlecat shortly after 11:15am on Sunday 19th May.
It is understood that the suspected firearm was reported to police by a member of the public.
Inspector Ferriby said: "Officers attended and the suspected firearm was recovered and taken away for further forensic examinations.
"Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to their investigation, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 684 19/05/24. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Farm Families Health Checks Programme Welcomes 25,000th Client
The Farm Families Health Checks Programme, which offers on-the-spot health checks to rural communities through a mobile unit attending marts and community-based events, has marked the 25,000th client to avail of the service at this year's Balmoral Show.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) partners with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop and co-fund the programme, and it has been successfully delivered by the Northern Trust since March 2012 to help improve the health and social wellbeing of farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: "The Farm Families Health Checks Programme has proven to be an invaluable service for rural communities, as evidence has shown that the farming community can be particularly susceptible to poor health and wellbeing. Hazards associated with farm work include accidents, stress and mental health problems, and musculoskeletal disorders, so by having an easily-accessible service which can be located in these communities and at markets means people can get health and wellbeing support on the ground. Partnership working is at the forefront of the service which has contributed to the success of the programme."
The health assessment provided by the programme includes blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes and heart attack risk assessments, BMI measurement, and blood sugar testing if required. Support and signposting will also be offered around maintaining good mental health and on mental health conditions. In addition, individual lifestyle advice is given on a range of health issues, and onward referral completed to local support services as required, including GPs, Rural Support, and dieticians.
There are more than 25,000 farms throughout Northern Ireland, with more than 30,000 farmers registered as working on these farms, and an additional 11,000 registered agricultural workers.
John Blair 'Deeply Concerned' Over Four Mile Burn Fish Kill
The Alliance Party's environment spokesperson, John Blair, has said he is "deeply concerned" after hundreds of salmon and trout are believed to have been killed in a pollution incident on a Co Antrim river.
The fish kill was reported in the Four Mile Burn, which is a tributary of Six Mile Water. It is believed the incident happened above the village of Parkgate.
South Antrim MLA Mr Blair said it was time fines for polluters were increased.
"It is a deeply concerning incident and could have a major impact on local fish populations," he said.
"It comes just days after I reported an incident of suspected pollution in the Three Mile Water River, also in South Antrim. It's immensely disappointing such occurrences are still happening, particularly when they take place in the catchment area of Lough Neagh. It destroys wildlife, damages natural habitats and threatens our environment as a whole. This incident has impacted salmon, which were already endangered locally.
"In Alliance's five-point plan for Lough Neagh, we called for increased fines and penalties for polluters. It is the only way polluters will learn and stop acts which risk our environment and its rich biodiversity."
Police have recovered a suspected firearm at the River Bush, close to the bridge at the Seneril Road, Castlecat shortly after 11:15am on Sunday 19th May.
It is understood that the suspected firearm was reported to police by a member of the public.
Inspector Ferriby said: "Officers attended and the suspected firearm was recovered and taken away for further forensic examinations.
"Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to their investigation, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 684 19/05/24. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Farm Families Health Checks Programme Welcomes 25,000th Client
The Farm Families Health Checks Programme, which offers on-the-spot health checks to rural communities through a mobile unit attending marts and community-based events, has marked the 25,000th client to avail of the service at this year's Balmoral Show.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) partners with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop and co-fund the programme, and it has been successfully delivered by the Northern Trust since March 2012 to help improve the health and social wellbeing of farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: "The Farm Families Health Checks Programme has proven to be an invaluable service for rural communities, as evidence has shown that the farming community can be particularly susceptible to poor health and wellbeing. Hazards associated with farm work include accidents, stress and mental health problems, and musculoskeletal disorders, so by having an easily-accessible service which can be located in these communities and at markets means people can get health and wellbeing support on the ground. Partnership working is at the forefront of the service which has contributed to the success of the programme."
The health assessment provided by the programme includes blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes and heart attack risk assessments, BMI measurement, and blood sugar testing if required. Support and signposting will also be offered around maintaining good mental health and on mental health conditions. In addition, individual lifestyle advice is given on a range of health issues, and onward referral completed to local support services as required, including GPs, Rural Support, and dieticians.
There are more than 25,000 farms throughout Northern Ireland, with more than 30,000 farmers registered as working on these farms, and an additional 11,000 registered agricultural workers.
John Blair 'Deeply Concerned' Over Four Mile Burn Fish Kill
The Alliance Party's environment spokesperson, John Blair, has said he is "deeply concerned" after hundreds of salmon and trout are believed to have been killed in a pollution incident on a Co Antrim river.
The fish kill was reported in the Four Mile Burn, which is a tributary of Six Mile Water. It is believed the incident happened above the village of Parkgate.
South Antrim MLA Mr Blair said it was time fines for polluters were increased.
"It is a deeply concerning incident and could have a major impact on local fish populations," he said.
"It comes just days after I reported an incident of suspected pollution in the Three Mile Water River, also in South Antrim. It's immensely disappointing such occurrences are still happening, particularly when they take place in the catchment area of Lough Neagh. It destroys wildlife, damages natural habitats and threatens our environment as a whole. This incident has impacted salmon, which were already endangered locally.
"In Alliance's five-point plan for Lough Neagh, we called for increased fines and penalties for polluters. It is the only way polluters will learn and stop acts which risk our environment and its rich biodiversity."
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DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
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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.
