Health Minster Robin Swann, has announced a 12 month extension to the term of a Non-Executive Director of the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT).

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today confirmed further amendments to the Driving Licence Regulations to further extend the validity of theory test pass certificates for learner drivers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Further to my recent post with the good news that the roadway of Glamis Drive is to be resurfaced next week, the city Council has updated adjacent residents as follows :

“Glamis Drive/Invergowrie Drive (60 Invergowrie Drive to Glamis Road) – Carriageway Resurfacing

I wish to notify you that work is programmed to commence at the above location on Monday 9 November 2020,lasting for approximately 8 days.   The main contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

The works will be carried out in 2 phases to minimise disruption and maintain safe vehicular access where possible.

In the interests of public safety, road closures will be implemented, with traffic restrictions as follows :

• during Phase 1 Glamis Drive will be closed from 60 Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road; and

• during Phase 2 Glamis Drive will be closed from Hillside Road to Glamis Road.

Traffic will be diverted via Glamis Road, Perth Road, Invergowrie Drive and reverse for the full duration of the works, while no on-street parking will be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on.

Access for residents will be maintained where possible, although we ask for vehicular traffic movements to be kept to a minimum. Vehicular access will be maintained to the residents of Glamis Drive from Glamis Road during Phase 1 and from Invergowrie Drive during Phase 2 of the works.

During Phase 1 some residents from Glamis Drive, Invergowrie Drive and Glamis Gardens may experience some unavoidable delays.

Please accept my apologies for any disruption these essential works may cause. I am sure that you will understand that major road maintenance work is unavoidable and necessitates a degree of inconvenience to road users.”

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots and Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert Huey have urged all poultry and pet bird keepers to take action now to reduce the risk of birds contracting Avian Influenza over winter.

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has met with community groups in Glenanne and Bessbrook to discuss their plans to improve the local area.