Tag Archive for Fermanagh News & Sport

Fermanagh MLA criticises housing provision

September 4, 2009 Fermanagh News & Sport No comments
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott has hit out at Department of Social Development officials after learning that a review of housing provision in rural areas in Fermanagh has not resulted in the necessary work needed being undertaken.

In a statement, Mr Elliott said: “A survey studying the need for improved Rural Housing provision was carried out by Rural Community Network following discussions with Housing Executive. It was focused on a number of areas in Fermanagh including Newtownbutler, Rosslea, Belleek, Boa, Belcoo, Garrison, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin, Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen. However, despite the fact that a significant amount of improvements were highlighted as needing addressed, the vast majority of work applied for has been rejected by Housing Executive due to economic difficulties.”

“I am not blaming the Housing Executive for the economic hardship they are facing – it is a much bigger problem which is having an impact on all departments across Northern Ireland – but I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that the survey was carried out and not acted upon, in at least some manner. Those rural areas which were surveyed are in dire need of work, so surely some funding should be focused on addressing that need. If this is not going to be the case then you really have to ask why RCN was commissioned to carry out the survey which looks like having been a waste of time and money. Furthermore, it also means people will question the weight given to rural funding priorities by the Housing Executive and indeed the Department for Social Development in general.”

“It is not too late for the Housing Executive to take the necessary action highlighted by the survey. However, if they do not act and address the real need that exists then the problems that already exist will only get worse and end up costing more in the long term.

Fermanagh families with deaf children

August 26, 2009 Fermanagh News & Sport No comments
National Deaf Children’s Society

National Deaf Children’s Society

 
Local Fermanagh families with deaf children who are in P5 and P6 are invited to a free of charge information weekend organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) at Share Holiday Village, Lisnaskea,from 11 September to 13 September 2009. 
 
The weekend- led by experienced NDCS staff- will bring together families with deaf children from across Co. Fermanagh, giving them the opportunity to learn about the support available to them locally and to meet other families in a supportive and confidential environment.
 
Sessions for the parents will include a series of discussions and workshops on family communication, understanding deafness and parenting goals.
 
Deaf children will get involved in a range of interactive workshops helping them to overcome their communication problems or any concerns they may have about starting secondary school or meeting new people.
 
At the end of the weekend, the families will get together to participate in a fun activity at one of the Share Centre’s sports facilities.
 
Wendy Gallagher, NDCS events organiser, explains:
“The weekend gives parents and their deaf children the opportunity to discuss issues such as communication, education and emotional well-being. Most importantly, the weekend brings families together so they can talk, share experiences and understand they are not alone.

“Parents who have opportunities to seek reassurance, meet other families and discuss their concerns are more likely to develop warm family relationships which in turn lead to higher levels of confidence and self esteem among their deaf children.”
 
This weekend takes place at the Share Holiday Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 0EQ, from 11 September to 13 September 2009. 
Parents should book their place online on www.ndcs.org.uk/whats_on or contact  Wendy Gallagher on 028 9332 4010 or email: events@ndcs.org.uk

New Heating Grants for Fermanagh dwellers

August 11, 2009 Fermanagh News & Sport No comments
GALLAGHER – HATE ATTACKS IN MOYGASHEL MUST STOP SDLP

GALLAGHER – HATE ATTACKS IN MOYGASHEL MUST STOP SDLP

SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher has described the new Warm Home Scheme opened in Enniskillen as a valuable asset for people here.

As well as providing local jobs the public can benefit from a range of grant assisted energy efficiency and heating measures and obtain benefit advice in relation to all their benefit entitlements.

Mr Gallagher was speaking after meeting the staff of the Bryson Charitable Group who are delivering the scheme on behalf of the Department for Social Development from Fermanagh House in Enniskillen.

Mr Gallagher said “I had been making representations to the Minister, Margaret Ritchie for a local office for this scheme to be based in the constituency. Now that it is here it means local people can easily contact and meet up with the staff and take steps to make their homes more energy efficient. The scheme provides help for both homeowners and tenants renting Private accommodation.

Measures include Cavity Wall Insulation, Loft Insulation, Hot Water Cylinder Jackets and Energy advice and Benefit Entitlement Checks. Those eligible for assistance must be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Income Support, Income Related Employment Support Allowance, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Housing benefit, Rates Rebate.

All who apply will have a full benefit entitlement check carried out by trained staff – something that those who have to rely on benefits often find extremely useful. Fermanagh and South Tyrone still has the worst levels of unfitness anywhere in these Islands.

There are many householders here who can benefit under this scheme. I urge everyone who is interested in improving home heating and cutting fuel costs to contact my office 028 66 342848 or Warm Homes Scheme at Fermanagh House 0800 9880559.

Child has leg broken – knocked off her bike in collision

August 3, 2009 Fermanagh News & Sport No comments
PSNI Fermanagh police report

PSNI Fermanagh police report


POLICE in Enniskillen are appealing for information after a 13-year-old girl sustained a broken right leg after she was knocked from her bicycle by a car. 
The incident happened at traffic lights at the entrance to the Tesco store at Derrychara Road at about 5pm on Sunday. 
The car, which was being driven by a man, drove on into the car park.
 Anyone who saw the incident and can help identify the driver is asked to contact police.  The number to call is 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

Power washer stolen

POLICE are appealing for information after a power washer was stolen from a shed at Lakeview, Lisnaskea.  As well as the JCB power washer, three children’s fishing roads and a quantity of lead were stolen. 
The theft took place between 1.30am and 8.30am on Saturday.
The number to call is 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
 
 
Cash Registers taken 

TWO cash registers and a quantity of cigarettes have been stolen from a shop at Mullyneeny, Derrylin. 
The premises were broken into on Thursday night (30th).  The tills were recovered by police about three miles away at Aghalane Road. Police are appealing for information.  The number to call is 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  
 
 
 Sum of money stolen
 A SUM of money has been stolen from a house at Cleenish Park. Enniskillen.  A door was forced open to gain entry on Sunday night/Monday morning July 26/27.  Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
 
Heartless thieves 
A COLLECTION cylinder for charity donations has been stolen from Killyfoyle Lough, Rosslea.  The blue cylinder was chained to a life belt post, and the theft was discovered on July 24.  Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.