Health Minister Robin Swann has thanked staff who have worked tirelessly to deliver the Northern Ireland vaccination programme.

The school crossing patroller on Milnbank Road near Milnbank Gardens recently retired.

Tayside Contracts, who provide the service for the City Council, has not replaced the patroller, saying the crossing does not meet its criteria for allowing a crossing, in terms of pupils using it and vehicle movements.

I am very unhappy about this decision becuase the crossing is at a crucial location as vehicles come down the hill at City Road towards the site and I feel strongly that a crossing patroller is needed here.

I have therefore put in a formal objection to the removal of the patroller at this location.

First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have congratulated Tyrone on winning the All-Ireland following their victory over Mayo.

I have recently received a number of complaints about the pathway that runs from around half way up Tait’s Lane eastwards to Peddie Street – it is really needing a tidy and new planting.

I took this up with our local council environment manager who has responded helpfully as follows :

“The path is overgrown with weeds, this is manly due to our recent staffing issues and there are similar issues in other areas of the city.    We are currently putting together a list of them and are putting together a hit squad to deal with all these areas in one fell swoop.   This should be done within the next couple of weeks.

The path is relatively clear of litter but there is a considerable amount trapped at the sides in the weeds. It looks like it has been like that for some time so I have instructed the supervisor to remind the person on this area that he has to keep the whole path clear and not just the part that folk usually walk on.

The shrub beds are probably past redemption now and will likely require replanting. This would be something we would do in the Autumn, however I thought the whole area was looking tired and could do with a refresh. I have asked our projects team if they would consider doing this over the winter.”

The Jabbathon vaccine promotion starts on Monday 13 September, with the first in an extensive series of vaccination clinics for students.