Detectives are appealing for witnesses following two burglaries in Derry yesterday, Friday 12th January 2018.

It was reported that sometime between midday and 6.25pm a house in the Riverside Park area of the city was entered and a number of items of jewellery were taken.

It was reported that sometime between 4.35pm and 5.30pm a house in the College Glen area of the city was entered nothing has been reported to have been stolen.

Detectives are investigating a possible link between these two burglaries and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Strand Road on 101 quoting reference 1033 or 1104 of 12/01/2018. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

The MP for West Tyrone, Barry McElduff, has announced his resignation in the wake of the controversy over the 'Kingsmill' video controversy.

He said he took the decision 'because of the Twitter video which caused so much controversy last week'.

Mr McElduff said: "It is with great sadness that, after more than 30 years as an active Sinn Fein member and public representative, I am tendering my resignation for West Tyrone."

He also offered his 'profound apology' to the families of those murdered in the Kingsmill massacre.

"The deep and unnecessary hurt this video caused the families of Kingsmill is my greatest regret."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Residents living in the Newbuildings have left a stern message close to the community centre in the area following problems with persistent dog fouling.

The message, 'Lift your dog sh*te', was painted on the ground beside the building.

The DUP councillor David Ramsey said that the messsage was borne out of a feeling of 'pure frustration' among the community.

"The issue with irresponsible dog owners has lead to deep anger in the community," he said.

"I would ask those walking their dogs to please treat the area with respect and clean up after their pets."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry restaurant is set to shut after staff at the establishment were told of the plans earlier this evening.

Rafter's on the Northland Road (pictured above) is now set close down.

However, it is understood that the bar and off-licence section of the Rafter's complex at the site are to remain open.

It is also understood that customers who purchased vouchers for the restaurant will be able to use them in the bar, the adjoining off-licence or The Wolf Bar and Grill at Queen's Quay.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

MOORE, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) - January 15th 2018 peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital Mary Elizabeth (Betty), 131 Barnault Road Limavady. Much loved wife of Robin, loving mother of Janine, Julie and Diane devoted granny of Rhianna, Lauren, Casey, Lucy and Jack. Dear sister in law of Peter, Adeline also a dear Auntie. Funeral service In Ballykelly Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 1pm followed by internment in adjoining church yard. Family flowers only please donations if desired to and cheques payable to WHSCT Renal unit Altnagelvin Hospital C/O Brown's funeral directors Limavady 25 Church street Limavady. Will be very sadly missed by her entire family circle. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Scott (née Creggan), Pat - January 15, 2018, (peacefully) at Antrim Hospital, Annie Patricia (Pat), dearly loved wife of Raymond, 18 Sersons Road, Magherafelt, much loved sister of Margaret and the late Kathleen (Quinn) and beloved daughter of the late Tommy and Annie-Marie. House strictly private. Family and friends welcome in Garvin’s Funeral Home, 15 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6BP on Wednesday evening, January 17 from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Funeral service in First Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt, Thursday, January 18 at 1.30pm, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke payable to Garvin’s Funeral Service (Donations A/c). Lovingly remembered by her husband, sister and many friends.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

There is anger in the Creggan area of Derry  after a number of grit boxes have been stolen or damaged beyond repair.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell said: "In the midst of the last very cold spell in December Apex Housing Association provided a number of grit boxes and grit for Ballymagowan and Magowan Park. The Triax Neighbourhood Management Team who work at the allotment site in that area took on the task of making sure that the boxes were replenished and the area gritted.

"However over the last number of weeks two grit boxes have been stolen and a third damaged.  I find this shocking especially when people are fearful of the coming cold spell and the implications for road safety. And the likes of Ambulances and essential services getting in and out of the area.

"These boxes are a lifeline for people being able to grit in and around their homes to prevent accidents .The last thing anyone wants to discover is that the boxes have been stolen or damaged.

"There is anger in the local community about these latest incidents.

"I am appealing to people to leave the boxes alone, they serve a very important purpose in the community and should not be used for people’s selfish gains."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack has urged people to take a moment this week to check their passports are up to date and in a safe place.

Cusack said: "At this time of year, to combat the Winter blues, our thoughts often turn to planning and booking Spring or Summer holidays. Last year at Mark H Durkan's constituency office we had numerous cases of people who had booked their holidays or weekend breaks without the knowledge that their passport was either soon to be out of date or lost, putting their holiday in jeopardy.

"This is extremely stressful for anyone travelling, as late applications , despite the express service, do not guarantee to arrive before date of travel, especially during peak periods. We have already been informed by the Irish Passport Office that as of this week they are currently processing 20,000 applications and this is far from their busiest time. If applying for a first time British passport this may require scheduling and attending an interview before approval.

"The mantra 'look before you book' should give the peace of mind you need, it will also give you time to locate any lost or misplaced passports. I would also urge that parents check their children's passports as they can often be overlooked too.

"Holidays are such an exciting and well deserved time to relax, so avoid any unnecessary stress or last minute panic and check today. If any constituent finds they need to make an application or renewal and don't want to do that online , I am happy to assist and will be available to validate their forms."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A new wireless broadband provider based in the North West, Beacon Broadband is creating 12 jobs in Derry to help it increase its export sales and position itself for future growth in the Republic of Ireland market.

Beacon Broadband delivers high speed wireless broadband to homes and businesses.

Des Gartland, Invest Northern Ireland’s North West Regional Manager welcomed the expansion during a visit to the company’s premises: “Beacon Broadband was established in 2016 to exploit a gap in the wireless broadband market created as a result of the increased popularity in media streaming. These new jobs are great news for the local area and our support is ensuring the company has the resources in place to win new business in its target markets.

“Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete and grow in export markets is a priority for Invest NI. We are confident that this is only the beginning for Beacon Broadband and we look forward to building on our relationship with the company in the coming years.”

Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £48,000 towards the creation of the new jobs. Roles to be created include installers, sales support staff, an office manager and a technical engineer.

Managing Director of Beacon Broadband, Brian McCourt said: “Our company ethos is built on providing strong customer service backed by the provision of guaranteed service speeds and uptime. Using the latest technology, we offer speeds that rival fibre broadband in areas that have little or no broadband access. This is making us a very attractive proposition to many consumers across both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

“Invest NI assistance is helping us grow our business by recruiting additional employees to help increase our sales in export markets. We are delighted with the support we have received which will help us to secure new sales, particularly in the ROI market.”

Pictured are Brian McCourt, Beacon Broadband, and Des Gartland, Invest NI.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Sinn Féin Councillor Michael Cooper has welcomed the news that a section of the Racecourse Road outside St Patrick's Primary school, Ardnashee School and the Playtrail is to be resurfaced, subject to funding.

Councillor Cooper said: “The surface along this part of the Racecourse Road has been in a terrible state for some time.

"I have been lobbying the Department of Infrastructure for several years to have this section of roadway resurfaced. It’s always very busy with traffic at peak times of the day with the local St Patricks Primary school, Ardnashee School and the Playtrail as well as being the main arterial link to the Buncrana Road.

"As the resurfacing of the Racecourse Road would cause significant disruption to traffic, it’s anticipated that any work would be carried out later in the year during the holiday period when the schools are off."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

BoyleSports have cut the price of Tyrone legend Peter Canavan standing as an MP in the West Tyrone constituency.

A number of punters have been keen to back the former GAA star to turn his hand to politics as speculation mounts as to who will stand in the by-election triggered by Barry McElduff’s resignation on Monday morning.

McElduff resigned as MP for West Tyrone following controversy over his Tweet which depicted a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre in County Armagh.

Canavan was McElduff’s proposer in the Northern Ireland Assembley Election last March and has denied in the past that he would be interested in standing for public office. However, bet requests after McElduff’s resignation have seen the former All-Ireland winning captain backed into 5/2 from 5/1 to stand in the constituency seat which Sinn Féin have held since 2001.

Lawrence Lyons, Spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Peter Canavan is a legend in these parts and would no doubt make widespread appeal to voters in what has been a Sinn Féin stronghold for many years.”

He added: “We would still be surprised to see Canavan put his name on the ballot paper but with a flurry of bet requests since Monday and the fact that he was a proposer for the outgoing MP in the last Assembly Election, we feel the need to be cautious.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A new report has revealed that that there the number of local children being placed on the Child Protection Register has increased by almost 50 per cent over the last six months.

The figures were included in the Western Trust Corporate Parenting Report, which showed the number of children on the Child Protection Register has increased within the last six months by 45 per cent, with 421 local children currently on the register.

The figure stood at 359 at March 31, 2017, which means that another 62 children have been placed on the register since then.

The report also showed that that there are presently 610 children/young people were being ‘looked after’ by the Trust - the highest figure ever recorded by the Trust.

This represents an increase of over 50 per cent since March 2011.

There are also currently 5,052 ‘children in need’ on the Trust's social work caseloads.

The report was presented by Kieran Downey, Western Trust Director of Women and Children’s Services at the January 2018 Trust Board meeting.

He said: “The Western Trust ensures that every day the needs of children and young people in our care are attended to whether the child is in foster care or residential care.

“Despite our best efforts the number of children for which we are now taking parental responsibility for, is at an all-time high. There are many reasons for this including: family illness, family breakdown and problems at home, or a situation where their welfare is threatened.”

Kieran Downey concluded: “The Trust takes very seriously its responsibility as a corporate parent and makes every effort to ensure we do the best we can for the most vulnerable children living in the Western Trust area.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

There have been calls for gritting services to be extended to an area outside a primary school in the Waterside area after concerns were raised over safety by both parents and staff.

The SDLP councillor for the area, Martin Reilly said: “Parents of children at Chapel Road Primary School have been in touch and I’ve also spoken to the School staff about concerns at the lack of gritting within Knockdara Park serving the School entrance.

"As things stand, parents fear using the steep hill up through Knockdara Park and double park along Chapel Road which leads to problems with other motorists having to pause and then try to ‘hill start’ again - which has an impact on the busy Chapel Road.

"On occasions, vehicles that do try and enter Knockdara Park slip back down the hill onto Chapel Road itself raising safety concerns for all road users in this area.”

Councillor Reilly continued: “Parents of children with special needs face additional difficulties dropping them off at an alternative location. I’ve written to DfI Roads asking them to look again at the decision not to include Knockdara Park in the gritting route so as to improve safety for all those using this School area.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

ULSTER champions Slaughtneil head into the All-Ireland series on three fronts, with a new man at the top table.

Sean McGuigan stepped down from his role as the club's Chairman at Sunday's AGM and is replaced by Seamus McEldowney.

McEldowney, a former long-serving club official himself, was part of the club's 2004 championship winning management team under John Brennan.

McGuigan, then vice-chairman, took over as chairman in the 2014 season, with the passing of Chairman Bernard Kearney.

Elsewhere on the committee, secretary Oliver McCusker and treasurer Denise McGuigan have also stepped away after lengthy spells, with the secretary position yet to be filled.  Kate McAllister took over from Colette McGrath as chairperson of the camogie committee.

Slaughtneil face into a busy six week spell, with All-Ireland semi-finals in camogie, hurling and football.

CAMOGIE
Sunday, January 28
Slaughtneil v Thomastown - Inniskeen

HURLING
Saturday, February 10
Slaughtneil v Na Piarsiagh - Parnell Park

FOOTBALL
Saturday, February 24
Slaughtneil v Nemo Rangers - Portlaoise

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SEFFEN (née Kane), Sadie - January 15th 2018 (suddenly) at Antrim Area Hospital, Sadie, 95 Main Street, Tobermore, Wife of the late Tommy, devoted Mother of Margaret and dearly loved Sister of Norma and the late Betty and Thomasina. House strictly private. All welcome at D. Watters Funeral Home, Tobermore on Thursday evening (Jan 18th) from 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Funeral Service in the Funeral Home on Friday (Jan 19th) at 1.00pm, followed by burial in Kilcronaghan Parish Churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to NI Chest, Heart and Stroke, payable to D. Watters (Donations A/c), 55 Main Street, Tobermore Magherafelt BT45 5PP. Lovingly remembered by her Daughter, Sister and the entire Family Circle. "At home with the Lord"

QUIGLEY, William Leslie - January 16th 2018. Peacefully after a short illness at Altnagelvin Hospital, William Leslie, 4 Robertson Crescent, Limavady. Much loved husband of Evelyn loving father of Graham & Trevor, loving grandfather of Jake, dear brother of John, Bertie, Rita. Funeral leaving his late home on Thursday at 1.15pm for service in Bovevagh parish church at 2pm followed by interment in adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only please, donations if desired and cheques payable to Bovevagh Parish Church Building Fund C/O Browns Funeral Directors, 25 Church Street, Limavady. Will be very sadly missed by his entire family circle. Safe In The Arms Of Jesus.

BORELAND, James - 15th January 2018 (suddenly) at Fairways Residential Home, Portrush, James, dearly beloved son of the late John and Mary and much loved brother of Pearl, Melody, Mona, John, Gerald, Kathleen and Julie. Service in Murdock's Funeral Home, 2a Windsor Avenue, Coleraine on Friday at 11.00am followed by interment in Ballywillan Cemetery. Deeply regretted by his loving family and entire family circle.

MCKENDRY, Margaret (née Campbell) - 16th January 2018 (peacefully, after a long illness) at her home, 44 Ardbeg Drive, Coleraine, Margaret, dearly loved wife of Willie, much loved mother of Elizabeth, Wilma, Noel, William, Colin, Anneli and Kerry-Anne, a dear mother-in-law and a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Funeral from her home on Friday at 12.00noon to Macosquin Presbyterian Church Burying Ground, Englishtown. Deeply regretted by her loving family and entire family circle.

NEVIN (née Ussher), Meta - 16th January 2018 (peacefully, surrounded by her family) at her home, 89 Newmills Road, Coleraine, Meta, dearly loved wife of Ronnie, much loved mother of Richard and Julie, dear mother-in-law of William and devoted grandmother of Tiegan, Tom and Callie. Service in her home on Thursday at 12.00 noon followed by interment in Portstewart Cemetery. House private. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired for Marie Curie Nursing Service c/o Mrs Mona Murdock, 31 Bushmills Road, Coleraine. Deeply regretted by her loving family and entire family circle.

MITCHELL, Thelma - 12th January 2018 (peacefully) at Bohill Care Home, Thelma (formerly of Kenvarra Park, Coleraine), dearly loved mother of Vivienne. Service in Murdock's Funeral Home, 2a Windsor Avenue, Coleraine on Friday at 2.00pm followed by interment in Coleraine Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired for Bohill Care Home c/o Mrs Mona Murdock, 31 Bushmills Road, Coleraine. Lovingly remembered by her daughter Vivienne.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

by Gareth Cross

gareth@derrynews.net

A key Derry greenway project is unable to proceed due to the political impasse at Stormont, it emerged this weekend.

Work cannot begin on council's Clooney Greenway project as the Department for Communities cannot provide funding due to 'budget uncertainties'.

Plans for the Clooney Greenway were first unveiled in February 2010 as part of a major re-development project which included the construction of the new Foyle College and Ebrington Primary School (pictured) at a former army base on the Clooney Road.

The proposal also included a 1.75 mile landscaped pedestrian and cycle route to the rear of the school site, linking Kilfennan Valley Park, St Columb's Park, and the Peace Bridge at a cost of £1,564,800 (plus VAT).

In November it was revealed that a funding application and business case had been lodged by Derry City and Strabane’s District Council with the Department for Communities (DfC) for £302,023.

The funding issues came to light at a meeting of council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee in the Guildhall last week.

Council Chief Executive John Kelpie told councillors that the Department of Communities could not commit the funding for the project as they were not sure on their budget due to the lack of a Stormont Executive.

However, Mr Kelpie did say that talks with the department were continuing in the hopes or progressing the project.

Speaking to the Derry News yesterday, local DUP councillor David Ramsey said that the delaying of the project would have a direct impact on pupils at Ebrington Primary School.

"It's an absolute nightmare, we currently have a double decker bus that takes over 70 Ebrington pupils to school and the funding for that will run out in June," Alderman Ramsey said.

"The situation is down to Stormont, it's affecting children and their access to education, it's crazy.

"We saw a glimmer of hope the other night with the positive comments between John O'Dowd and Edwin Poots, maybe things will improve and they will get back to business for the good of everybody."

Assembly

Alderman Ramsey said that if an Assembly was in place work on the project could begin shortly.

"If the Assembly was up and running work on this project would begin in March at the latest and could be completed for September when the school's go back," he said.

"The kids would then be able to walk to school and we wouldn't need the bus. It's all part of the health and well-being strategy.

"It should be sorted, but for now we're looking at the options available to us.

 A DfC spokesperson confirmed to The Derry News that they were unable to provide funding for the project at this time.

“The Greenway was originally a component of the Department’s Clooney Masterplan, which included plans to relocate Foyle College and Ebrington schools to former Ministry of Defence lands," the spokesperson said.

"Whilst the Department would wish to be in a position to secure funding for this important project, unfortunately due to budget uncertainties, the Department is not currently in a position to confirm the availability of capital funding at this time.

"The Department will be reviewing capital priorities for 2018/19 in the coming months in the context of whatever final capital allocations the Department receives from the Budget exercise.”

Priority

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said that Council has been working closely with a range of stakeholders to progress plans for the Clooney Greenway.

"Full planning permission has been secured and land transfers are progressing well. A business case and funding application has been submitted to the DfC which is currently being appraised," the spokesperson said.

"In recent correspondence the Department reaffirmed its commitment to the delivery of this key capital development, however stressed that any funding decisions are contingent on having an Executive in place.

"Council will continue to prioritise the project and work towards achieving the successful completion of what will be a valuable addition to the infrastructure of the Waterside in terms of promoting healthier lifestyles and active travel."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack is encouraging those seeking work to attend a BT training recruitment day on Thursday 18th January at Foyle Jobs & Benefits Asylum Road from 2pm-3pm.

Cllr Cusack said: "This programme, which is a BT scheme and carried out at the BT buildings in Queens Quay, Derry lasts 3 weeks and is aimed to help people into work.

"I have been informed that after finishing a BT work placement programme, each person gets a minimum of 12 weeks support from a BT coach to help them find work.

"This scheme is described as a great opportunity for young people to build their confidence, motivation as well as on the job skills. I would recommend anyone interested to make sure they go along on the 18th to find out more detailed information from BT representatives."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A 21-year-old Derry man responsible for a hit-and-run incident on the Abercorn Road which left the victim (pictured) with ‘life-changing and permanent’ injuries, was jailed at the city’s Crown Court yesterday.

Jamie Mullan, of Sherrif’s Road, pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, failing to report an accident where an injury occurred, and using a motor vehicle without insurance on November 8, 2015.

He was sentenced to two and a half years in custody, half of which will be spent in custody and the other half on license in the community.

The defendant was first arraigned on May 23, 2017, when he entered pleas of not guilty, but when rearraigned on November 20 he admitted the charges mentioned above and two other charges were left on the books.

Imposing his sentence, Judge Babington was satisfied there were aggravating features in the case, namely that the defendant drove without insurance and swerved ‘on at least two occasions’.  He said there was ‘no reason that the car could not have been driven straight or stopped’.

As well as the two and a half years sentence, Mullan was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to attend alcohol/drug counselling as part of his license conditions.

For full story see tomorrow's Derry News.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

The race is on to try and ensure that the new look Brandywell will be completed in time for the new season.

Good progress has been made on the Brandywell Regeneration Project over the past number of weeks - although some of the final works are weather dependent.

The Airtricity League Premier Division kicks-off on Friday, February 16th with Derry away to newly promoted Waterford United.

Their first home game is set for Friday, February 23rd, against Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell.

According to Derry City and Strabane Council, progress on the new the 3G pitch with the laying of the carpet is "advanced although the final installation of the rubber crumb and sand dressing will complete as soon as weather permits."

A council statement added: "A short dry spell of weather will be welcomed by all involved in this project as every effort is being made to get the stadium and dog track into operation as quickly as possible.

"Meanwhile the internal completion of the new stand sees the facility take shape with the fit out of changing rooms and meeting rooms largely complete, although it is expected that the corporate facilities completion will complete at a later timescale when the fire safety glazing is installed.

"The installation of seats commences this week and there is a strong push from the contractors to complete finishing works and the additional works approved by Council for the Southend stand are also ongoing."

The Brandywell Regeneration Project consists of a new 955 seater stand incorporating new changing rooms, media facilities, meeting spaces, safety control centre, along with standing accommodation for 270 spectators that will bring the existing capacity of the ground to approximately 3,700.

In addition to the stand, the project includes a synthetic turf pitch, a standalone dog track, the refurbishment of the south-end stand and additional car parking as well as substantial improvement works across the Stadium, including the replacement of the boundary walls to the wider Brandywell site.

The Council confirmed that "staff are planning for the opening of the facility that will see it being used for a wide range of sports including greyhound dog racing and competitive FAI League of Ireland premier games by Derry City FC."

SEE TODAY'S DERRY NEWS FOR MORE.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

MCGUIGAN (née O’Hara), Nuala - (Maghera) 17th January 2018. Nuala R.I.P. beloved wife of the late Jim and loving mother of Cathal, Colm, Mary Joe, Frances and Katie. Funeral from her home 1 Crawsfordsburn Drive on Saturday 20th January at 10.15am for 11.00am Requiem Mass in Church of St. Patrick Glen. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Deeply regretted by her sons, daughters, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and extended family circle. Family time from 10.00pm to 10.00am.

HIPPSLEY, Tom - 16th January 2018 beloved husband of Harriet, loving father of Les, Susanne, Thomas and Maria, dear grandfather of Sean, Sarah, Amy, Ciara, David, Ellie, Maria and Tom and great grandfather of Ruby and brother of Patricia, Sandra, Paul and the late Les. Funeral from his home, 10 Jacqueline Way on Friday at 9.25 am for 10 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Columba’s Church, Longtower. Interment afterwards in the city cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to Friends of Altnagelvin (Ward 3) Altnagelvin Hospital, Trust Headquarters, Glenshane Rd, BT47 6SB. Sacred Heart of Jesus Have Mercy on His Soul.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Police are advising of treacherous driving conditions on the Dunhill Road between Coleraine and Limavady due to snow and ice.

Officers would advise motorists to avoid the area and to seek an alternative route.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.