Outlook 2014 by Cookstown District Council

Spring 2014

Cookstown District Council Newsletter

keeping you up to date with

Cookstown news, events and information inside this issue: • £480,000 Investment secured for Tullaghoge Fort

• Paving the way to angling access for all at Lough Fea

• Your Brown Bin Caddy recycling information

• Dereliction Fund gives Cookstown properties a facelift

• District Events for 2014

Engaging/Communicating/Informing

Welcome to OUTLOOK

contents:

Welcome from the Chief Executive Adrian McCreesh

Welcome from the Chief Executive

Welcome from the Chairman Pearse McAleer 02 Pumping Investment into Davagh Access for all at Lough Fea Cookstown Villages Looking Good

Welcome to our 2014 issue of Outlook, the Council’s annual magazine. The magazine gives you information and advice on issues that we think are important to you, as well as letting you know about new services that we have developed for the residents of the District. The Council plays a significant part in the life of the district, being a significant employer in its own right, thereby making a direct contribution to the local economy, as well as working with its partners to provide investment and enterprise. With the help and support of our key delivery partners, the Council continues to perform as a highly efficient local authority continually delivering its services to ratepayers for less cost. You may be aware that Council is making preparations for the establishment of the new Mid Ulster Council in 2015 and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome on board the recently appointed Mid Ulster Council Chief Executive, Mr Anthony Tohill. All of us look forward to working with Mr Tohill to develop the new organisation and ensure that there is seamless delivery of services. Until the changeover, we in Cookstown District Council will continue to do everything we can to deliver our services to you to provide a strong and positive legacy for the District. I hope you find this edition interesting and if you’d like more information about any particular item in this magazine or about the Council in general I would encourage you to look at our web site www.cookstown.gov.uk or contact the Council by telephone or letter and I will ensure that your correspondence is dealt with by the appropriate person. Please take time to read this edition of Outlook and do contact us if you have any queries no matter how big or small. We look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome from the Chairman Pearse McAleer My year as Council Chairman in 2013/14 has been an extremely busy and fruitful year for Cookstown District Council. In these extremely tough fiscal times, we continue to lead through prudent and careful management in the delivery of services and providing facilities to meet the needs and expectations of local people. It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of the District as Chairman of Cookstown District Council and throughout my term I have met many of the people involved in the various programmes, initiatives and projects, covering a great variety of subjects that

Outlook Magazine is produced annually by Cookstown District Council and delivered to local households. No article or photograph can be reproduced without the consent of the editor. ©Cookstown District Council. Outlook is available in alternative formats such as large print and audio. Please contact Council if you wish to receive a copy in an alternative format. Contact details for all our Departments are on the back page of the magazine. Cover image courtesy of NITB ©.

02 03 03 04 - 05

Looking Great £480,000 Tullaghoge Fort Investment Recycling Information Local Government Reform

06 07 08 - 09

Health and Wellbeing

Landlord Registration Scheme

Food Hygiene Ratings

Award for Pomeroy

Shop Improvement Scheme

Dog Licensing Online

Book Leisure Centre Classes Online

Dereliction Intervention

Superstars Arts Project

Whats On & Events

Council Contacts

back page

the Council has been and will continue to be involved in until the new Mid Ulster Council is vested. As we move through 2014/15 and the end of my term as Council Chairman, we will further build and develop key facilities throughout our District. We will endeavour to continue ensuring that opportunities are presented which will contribute to rebalancing and maintaining the economic and social wellbeing of the whole community, boosting jobs and growth. Local government is currently undergoing enormous change and we stand on the cusp of a new Mid Ulster Council as the planned pace of reform accelerates throughout 2014. Cookstown District Council intends to continue to embrace the positive opportunities for the Cookstown District that arise from reform, and to be at the forefront of local government, community leadership and service delivery throughout the entire change process. I look forward to meeting many more people involved in programmes, initiatives and projects in my remaining term of office.

out & about

Pumping Investment into Davagh In a move to build on the success of Davagh Forest Trails, Cookstown District Council has now opened a purpose-built skills park and pump track which is set to further enhance this ﬂagship mountain biking venue. Speaking at the official launch of the new skills park, Cookstown District Council’s Chairman Cllr Pearse McAleer, explained “We couldn’t be happier with how the trails have been received since they were officially opened by Minister O’Neill earlier this year. Davagh Forest is a great resource for the local population and we are also seeing an increase in tourism expenditure in the area as a result of this new trail system.” Pump tracks are a popular addition to mountain bike trail centres and have already been hugely successful in similar trail centres in Castlewellan and Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown. However Chris Armstrong from MountainBikeNI.com believes that it is the new skills park that will shine as a unique selling point for the Davagh Forest Trails. Mr Armstrong explains, “Skills parks appeal to mountain bikers of all abilities, young and old. Best located at the beginning of trail centres, such as Davagh Forest, these short circular trails are designed to incorporate challenges that will be found out on the main trails. Each option is graded according to its difficulty so that mountain bikers can attempt all the various features in a safe and controlled environment before heading out on the trails. Cookstown District Council should be congratulated for again showing such initiative and enthusiasm for developing such a fantastic mountain bike venue here at Davagh Forest.” The Davagh Forest Trails were made possible with funding from the Rural Development Programme through the South Western Action for Rural Development (SWARD) fund and Cookstown District Council with support from the Forest Service of Northern Ireland and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland.

pump track and skills area now open

Paving the way to angling access for all at Lough Fea If you’ve been at Lough Fea over the past few months, you might have noticed some changes after new angling amenities were officially opened in June by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill. Set in wild mountain scenery, Lough Fea is one of the many delightful lakes dotted throughout the Sperrins region. Covering 180 acres this natural beauty spot is an anglers dream.

fishing boats and a new concrete slipway. At the launch Minister O’Neill said: “To date over £7million has been spent on dozens of projects across the north through the ‘Encouragement of Tourism Activities’ measure of the Rural Development Programme which was designed to encourage the use of natural resources to attract visitors and create new employment opportunities through the sustainable development of the rural economy.”

The project was led by the Council through important and close engagement with those that use the Lough, such as the Angling Club, and statutory bodies, such as NI Water. The new amenities were made possible If you are interested in trying your hand at with a £75,000 investment from the NI Rural fishing Lough Fea, remember that in order Development Programme, and match funding to fish on any of the waters in the District it from the Council. is essential to have a rod licence. For club waters a permit will also be required which Work resulted in three stands that terminate can be obtained from the specific club. at the water’s edge, one of which was constructed with a concrete path with Fishing licences are available to purchase gradients to allow disabled access; a at Cookstown Tourist Information Centre, ﬂoating jetty and gang wayallowing Burn Road, or telephone 028 8676 9949 disabled access to fishing boats on the (option 2) for further details. Lough; as well as a secure store to house

www.cookstown.gov.uk

The new jetty at Lough Fea.

out & about

Cookstown Villages Looking Good Looking Great Cookstown District Council has secured almost £300,000 of funding from South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD), the local delivery agency for the Rural Development Programme, Axis 3 monies. This grant has been approved under SWARD’s Measure 3.5 (Village Renewal) and it will enable Cookstown District Council to carry out significant enhancement works in Coagh, Moneymore, Pomeroy, Rock, Stewartstown, Loughshore and Dunamore. The benefits to our rural communities of this grant money will be further increased by match funding contributed by Cookstown District Council. Schemes undertaken will reﬂect needs identified by local people, as laid out in the village plans, and will include painting of selected community/commercial/ private buildings, streetscape provision, refurbishment, environmental works, signage and play parks. Cookstown District Council believes that these works will greatly enhance the appearance of our villages and impress visitors, giving local people greater pride in their own areas. Adrian McCreesh, Chief Executive (Acting) of Cookstown District Council said, “The SWARD programmes have proved to be a huge success in providing a wide range of support for all of our rural people, be it through farm diversification, business support, tourism, access to basic services, village renewal, and culture and heritage. In particular, the village renewal projects across the Council cluster area have provided what local people have identified in the village action plans. That is what is intended by the LEADER methodology - local people deciding what is most needed in their own areas and then effectively addressing those needs.” He continued, “Cookstown Council was delighted to match fund the financial support from SWARD to implement village renewal projects across the Council area.”

Minister Michelle O’Neill commended Cookstown District’s Council’s Village Renewal Scheme, “My Department has committed over £10.5 million to rural village renewal and development projects, including supporting this very important initative in Cookstown.”

out & about

In total over 160 properties including 26 community buildings benefited from the paint scheme. Two play parks were refurbished, 3 fences constructed, 1 wall built, 3 landscape enhancements carried out and one community building refurbished, as well as other smaller works carried out. Some work will continue in Pomeroy, Stewartstown and Dunamore into the Spring to bring this phase to a close. Cllr Pearse McAleer, Chairman of Cookstown District Council also welcomed the work carried out through SWARD’s village renewal schemes. He said: “All the village renewal projects were agreed after much consultation and they have been widely commended by the local community. Conor Corr, Chair of the SWARD Local Action Group (LAG) said: “The SWARD Local Action Group has been successful in achieving its goals and objectives in providing a better quality of life for people living in rural areas. Chair of SWARD’s Joint Council Committee (JCC), Cllr. Trevor Wilson said, “As Chair of the Joint Council Committee for South West Action for Rural Development I am delighted to see at first hand the huge impact made by SWARD’s delivery of DARD’s Axis 3 Rural Development Programme.

future funding: Cookstown District Council will be consulting again in the coming weeks with the local rural community to update their village plans in preparation for any funding that may become available.

‘This project was part funded by South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD), local delivery agent for Axis 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’.

www.cookstown.gov.uk

out & about

£480,000 Investment Secured for Tullaghoge Fort Cookstown District Council, working in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has secured almost £½ million of funding from the Department of Environment ensuring that one of the country’s most important heritage assets will be secured and preserved for future generations of visitors to this regal site in the heart of the Cookstown District. Minister Mark H. Durkan made the announcement of funding for Tullaghoge Fort as part of a £4 million investment package for the enhancement of major historic sites across Northern Ireland. The investment in Tullaghoge Fort will ensure that the site will finally have the enhanced visitor access, adequate car parking facilities and the appropriate interpretive information that Cookstown District Council has been lobbying for in excess of 10 years. The first phase of the re-development work commenced on-site in January 2014 with archaeological testing being undertaken by the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork. The testing will help inform the best location for the new visitor access, the new carpark and the interpretive area for the site. Environment Minister Durkan said, “This is a really exciting project at one of Northern Ireland’s most important monuments that will result in a better understanding of the site and increase public awareness of this historic jewel in the Tyrone countryside. We need to create much better facilities for visitors so it is important to get the car park and visitor facilities up and running as soon as we can. This marks an important step forward in that process. We are also attempting to uncover new information about Tullaghoge Fort and its surrounding landscape to better understand how the Fort was used in the past”. Tony McCance, Cookstown Council’s Head of Arts & Cultural Services, welcomed the Ministers’ statement, “Minister Durkan’s announcement on the investment of £480,000 by his Department for Tullaghoge Fort is a considerable milestone in the development of the site. Over the last decade Council officials have worked closely with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Department of Environment to ensure that the much needed development of Tullaghoge Fort comes to fruition. The Ministers’ comments which have been quickly followed by the archaeological testing on-site is a clear indication that both the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Cookstown District Council remain focused and committed to the development of this heritage asset in the heart of Mid-Ulster”.

The first phase of the re-development work commenced on-site in January 2014 with archaeological testing being undertaken by the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork.

recycling information

What can I put in my Caddy? Your Kitchen Caddy is a way of collecting your food scraps. You can put all your plate scrapings and food scraps into your Kitchen Caddy, whether raw or cooked, including:

Plastic bags Packaging including plastics Cardboard, food trays etc Kitchen foil and cling film Bottles, cans and jars

‘Caddy’on recycling for Cookstown

The best thing that can happen to food is that it makes it to our plates and is enjoyed. Avoiding throwing out food that could have been eaten will save you money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However some food waste is inevitable. Egg shells, chicken bones, banana skins and used tea bags are never going to be on the menu. Most of our food waste ends up in landfill sites where it rots and releases methane, a damaging greenhouse gas. This means that the more food waste which can be recycled or composted, the better for our environment. There is a solution as Cookstown District Council has distributed kitchen caddies to all households in receipt of a brown bin collection. The Council are currently extending the coverage of brown bins across the district during 2014 and hope that this service will be provided to all householders by the end of the year (subject to funding).

Householders will be supplied with one roll of compostable bags. These are available from most large supermarkets. Bags should be labelled COMPOSTABLE and not biodegradable. Please look for composting standard EN13432 on the packaging – this ensures the bag degrades within the composting process.

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Better Bins for Cookstown After months of hard work reviewing bin collection routes across the District, collection days for some property owners have changed as part of a project launched by Cookstown District Council to make improvements in bin collection services in the District and so contribute to a cleaner and greener environment for future generations. Since June 2013 refuse collection routes have been monitored to calculate, optimise and balance both recycling and refuse collection routes for the seven vehicles covering urban and rural locations throughout the District. A key objective of the project was to reduce mileage by optimising existing routes, and also to introduce additional routes for the collection of brown bins for garden and food waste for all residents. If you have any queries with regard to your blue or brown bin, or for general information regarding your bin collection service, please contact the Operational Services Department on 028 8676 2205 or email opservices@cookstown.gov.uk.

Bin Collection Calendar: Check your bin collection calendar on our website www.cookstown.gov.uk just enter your address and postcode!

local government reform

Local Government Reform How will Local Government Reform be delivered? What

new resp The Mid Ulster Statutory TransitionwiCommittee the local delivery body ll my coun onsibilitieis cil have? s A number of function s NI Executi brought Why are lo of charged with managing change are currentl as part of the Department ve departm whichabout cal council y delivered ents will be by s changing carried ou t by councils To create ? Environment (DoE) Reform of Public Administration Agenda. Legislation . stroand nger, more councils fo effective local r you. Councils’ associated Regulations set by statute have made provision for the establishment new respo nsibilities their existi and powe ng function rs, co s, will give of a Statutory Transition Committee within each of the 11 new Council areas, them some mbined with to shape your area and comm powerful tools unity. currently known as clusters. Amongst Reform Local Planning Functions

Urban Regenerat ion

others, the se include:

Off Street Parking

will help co uncils

The Committee will undertake a range of initatives and associated tasks between now and the local elections scheduled for 22 May 2014, after which the Shadow Find out mo re Council will continue the transition and convergence process. The core activities of the Transition Committee include: Community Developm ent

• • • • • • •

Local Economic Developm ent

Councils will also be req This will be uired to lea done in par d a commu tne nit order to col rship with other pub y planning proces s. lectively add lic ser vice More detail providers ress local in problems. on counci ls’ additio nal functio www.nidir ns ect.gov.u k/newcou is available at ncils

Be more cre ativ in delivering e ser vices.

Be more flex and respon ible sive local needs. to

Bring pow er closer to you.

Web: ww w.n idirect.gov.u k/newcou ncils Phone: 02 8 90 823 333 dreform@ doeni.gov. uk

LOCAL GOV

ERNMEN

T A5 FLYE

R.indd 1-3

and your co rvices for you mmunity

Make cos t savings, benefitting the ratepayer.

Email: lgp

Gathering information onWillexisting services and service delivery arrangements I see a ch Local coun ange to m cil elec rates? to seamlessly adopt its full range to ensure the new Mid Ulster Council is yable 22 MAY 2 tions 014 of powers by April 2015. Preparing a draft corporate and business plan for agreement of the Mid Ulster Council Preparing a draft budget for the agreement of the new Mid Ulster Council Arranging the first meeting of the new Mid Ulster Council Appointing a chief executive for the Mid Ulster Council Publishing and delivering a Transition Committee corporate and business plan Agreeing a budget for the Committee with the Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt Council’s When set ting the 20 15/16 rat district rat es, we will es to 11 move from However, the NI Exe . As a result, everyo having 26 cutive has ne’s rate different rates relief liab committed scheme. Thi up to £30m ility will change. excessive s will help illion increases ratepayer as a result s who would for a transitional More info of the otherwise cre rmation will ation of the face 1 April 20 be made new , larg available 15. Red er councils. by DOE and will enable ucing the number of councils to councils and councils ahead of make sav ings, benefit new ways of workin g ting the rat epayer.

LOCAL CO ARE CHANUNCILS GING This will im prove se

Elections to the new European local counci Parliam ls are tak ing place to vote, how entary election on on the sam 22 May. To to e day as find out mo station has take par t in these re about reg the ele changed, istering visit ww w.e ctions and to check oni.org.uk if your pol ling or call 08 00 4320 712 This docum ent may be available ma de in alterna Department tive forma and other of the Env ts lan Local Gover ironment, request. Ple guages upon nment Pol ase contac icy Divisio Causeway discuss you t us to n, Exchange, PLACE r requireme 1–7 Bedfo Str eet, Belfas nts; rd t, BT2 7EG FSC or call 02 890 8233 LOGO 33.

The Committee intends to enable a smooth transition to a Shadow Council in May 2014. The 22nd May elections will be a truly important milestone for local government as the election of new members will establish the foundations of the 11 new Councils as they prepare to replace the current 26. Once elected the members will complete the task of setting up the new Council. The new Council will assume responsibility for the delivery of services on the 1st April 2015.

These will be str create vibran ong, dynamic council s that t, sustainable healthy, prosperous, safe and communitie s all citizens at their core. with the needs of

06/03/2014

14:36

Available for download on our website at www.cookstown.gov.uk

Who are the Statutory Transition Committee? The existing Councils provide the membership for the Transition Committee with five Councillors drawn from each. Committee Members, with the support of the current Chief Executives, provide the strategic direction to deliver its programme of activities. Cookstown Representatives Cllr Sean Clarke, Cllr Pearse McAleer, Cllr Wilbert Buchannon, Cllr Tony Quinn, Cllr Trevor Wilson (Vice-Chairman).

Members of the Statutory Transition Committee

Whilst the Transition Committee is the decision making body made up of elected representatives from the existing Councils it is supported by a Transition Management Team and a series of Transition Working Groups, where council officers and elected representatives work together to achieve a Mid Ulster solution. The Transition Working Groups have been set a series of tasks, all of which are assisting the Committee to deliver its core activities.

Dungannon Representatives Cllr Roger Burton, Cllr Jim Cavanagh, Cllr Walter Cuddy, Cllr Sean McGuigan, Cllr Padraig Quinn. Magherafelt Representatives Cllr Kathleen McEldowney, Cllr Brian Mc Guigan, Cllr Paul McLean, Cllr Sean McPeake (Chairman), Cllr Patricia Smith.

local government reform

LOCAL COUNCILS ARE CHANGING This will improve services for you and your community When is it happening? From 1 April 2015 the 26 councils will be replaced by 11 new councils

To prepare, the new councils will be elected on

They will operate in shadow form until

22 MAY 2014 22 May 2014 122 May 2014 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS Held to elect new councils.

1 APRIL 2015

May 2014 to March 2015

SHADOW PERIOD New councils make preparations to take over on 1 April 2015. Business as usual for the current councils.

1 April 2015

NEW COUNCILS TAKE OVER 11 new councils replace the current 26 councils.

For further information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/newcouncils

www.cookstown.gov.uk

health & well being

Be safe Be aware

A recent health audit in the area has highlighted that three in ten people (31%) wait longer than 12 hours before calling for help with a heart attack. Less than one in ten people in the Cookstown area (6%) call for medical help within an hour of experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack and less than half of those admitted to Coronary Care (43%) called 999. As part of a recent ‘Bee Safe’ event local school children were provided with the key messages of the Heart Attack Awareness Campaign in an attempt to: •

Raise awareness of heart attack signs and symptoms. Urge people to phone 999 immediately if they experience these symptoms or see these signs in other people. Break down the barriers to dialing 999.

• •

‘Think quick and act fast....’ Hearty Lives Cookstown is urging local people to think quickly and act fast by calling 999 if they have any of the following symptoms: • • • • • •

Pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn’t go away Pain spreading to the left or right arm, neck or jaw Feeling sick or being sick Short of breath Sweating although the skin may feel cold to the touch Reduced level of consciousness or unconsciousness

more information: For more information on Hearty Lives Cookstown contact the Environmental Health Department, Cookstown District Council on 028 8676 2205.

Lethal Trap Hanging By Our Windows Cookstown District Council urges the public to make their homes safe from the potential risk of injury and death to young children posed by blind cords. Thousands of homes in Northern Ireland may contain a potentially lethal trap for children, especially those under three years of age. They can become entangled in the loop created by a blind or curtain cord and are often unable to call out for help and lack the strength to get the cord away from their neck. RoSPA states that the majority of home accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in the bedroom and occur in children between the ages of 16 and 36 months. It takes just 20 seconds for a toddler to die from strangulation if they get tangled in a blind cord. Toddlers and small children are naturally inquisitive and enjoy climbing, but their heads weigh proportionately more than their bodies and their muscle control and windpipes have not yet fully developed. This means that they are not able to free themselves if they become entangled and can suffocate far more quickly than an adult. For more information or to avail of your FREE Home Safety Check please contact the Community Projects Officer at Cookstown District Council on 028 8676 2205

business information

Celebrating 3 Years of Hygiene Ratings in Cookstown Are you a Landlord? If you are a private landlord letting residential properties then new regulations mean that from 25th February this year you must register immediately prior to the letting of a new tenancy, or where there is an existing tenancy, within 12 months. The Landlord Registration Scheme will collect and maintain up to date and accurate information on landlords and their properties. Registration will last for a period of 3 years at the end of which there is a requirement to re-register.

Cookstown District Council in partnership with the Food Standards Agency operates the food hygiene rating scheme across the District. In June 2014, the scheme will have been in place in Cookstown for 3 years.

What information must be provided? As a landlord, you must provide the following information: • • •

Your full name The name, address and contact number of any agent acting on your behalf For each dwelling house let, or to be let: 1. 2. 3.

• • •

Correspondence address which must be in Northern Ireland (if different from above) Your date of birth As a landlord who is registered under the House in Multiple Occupation Registration Scheme: 1. 2.

•

The address including the post code The year the house was built The name and contact details of all joint owners

The House in Multiple Occupation registration certificate number The address of each House in Multiple Occupation

Where the landlord is a company, the company registration number

You must then sign the declaration and pay the appropriate fee.

What happens if a landlord fails to register or provides false information for registration? If you do not register or you provide false information you will be committing an offence. If found guilty, you can be prosecuted by your local Council and may be issued with a fixed penalty of up to £500 or be fined up to £2,500.

How can I register? You can register using the online form at www.nidirect. gov.uk/landlord, by contacting the advice line on 0300 200 7821, or by completing a paper registration form available from your local Council / Rates Offices.

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Helping you choose where to eat out or shop for food, the system gives you information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels, and other places you eat out. Supermarkets and other food shops as well as crèches, school kitchens and nursing homes are also included. Each business is given a rating between 0 (when urgent improvement is necessary) to 5 (where standards are very good) when it is inspected by an Environmental Health Officer from the Council. You will have seen the distinctive green and black stickers on doors and windows of local food establishments who proudly display their rating. Since 2011, Cookstown District Council’s Department of Environmental Health and Building Control has rated premises across these categories and has noted improvements in Hygiene standards across the District. The scheme has been well received by businesses who are keen to improve their standards and by members of the public who are actively using the scheme to choose where to eat out or shop for food. A mobile app is available for download to your smartphone or tablet device, so that you can check Food Hygiene ratings when you are out and about! Visit www.food. gov.uk for more details. The Department of Environmental Health and Building Control continues to inspect and rate premises in accordance with the scheme and works to improve food hygiene standards across the District. For further information on the scheme, please visit www.cookstown.gov.uk or check business ratings at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

out & about community

Spruce Up Leads to Award for Pomeroy Pomeroy was one of the District’s villages that has recently benefitted from the SWARD (South West Action for Rural Development) Village Renewal programme and the project is already paying dividends as the recent NIAC (Northern Ireland Amenity Council) Best Kept Town/Village Award given to Pomeroy shows. The Award, given for Most Improved, is the first of its kind that Pomeroy has won. It is testament to the partnership and community participation which the judges particularly commended. Doreen Muskett MBE, Chairman of NIAC commented, “Pomeroy is a very deserving recipient of the 2013 Best Kept Awards. The Awards were established to reward communities that among other things maintain and enhance their surroundings to protect our diverse natural and built heritage.” Chairman of Cookstown District Council, Cllr. Pearse McAleer said, “It is a great achievement for Pomeroy to be publicly recognised as an area which has made significant improvements to the local environment and townscape.

Shop Front Improvements Following the successful delivery of Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme Phase 1, Cookstown District Council secured grant aid of £150,000 from the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development’s Revitalisation Programme to deliver Cookstown Revitalisation Scheme:- Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme Phases 2 & 3. Property owners within the scheme boundary were afforded the opportunity to avail of grant aid up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at £10,000 per property, to improve and enhance the front facade of their premises. The scheme aims to visibly enhance the town centre and attract more investment and footfall to Cookstown. Under Cookstown Revitalisation Scheme:- Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme, works will be completed on a total of 22 properties by March 2014. Through the delivery of Phases 2 & 3 it is estimated that in the region of £170,000 private sector investment will be leveraged into Cookstown Town Centre.

Winning Most Improved Town speaks volumes for the pride that each and every one of us have in our local District. I believe that through the efforts of the people of Pomeroy, our local partners, SWARD, Cookstown District Council and our dedicated employees these awards help to improve the natural and built heritage of Pomeroy through all of the community working together.” Cllr Trevor Wilson Chair of SWARD Joint Council Committee said, “I want to congratulate the people of Pomeroy who were involved in getting this prestigious award. The village looks really well. I’m particularly pleased because the paint scheme funded by DARD through SWARD played a part in making the village look its best. I want to also pay tribute to Council staff for their hard work.” Always high up on the results table Cookstown was again successful in the Awards this year, named Runner Up in the Medium Town category. Impressive results on completed properties at CFC Interiors, Church Street and 66-70 James Street, Cookstown.

online services

apply for your dog licence online Save time, do it online with fast secure online payments! Keeping a dog without a licence is an offence and you may recieve an £80 ﬁxed penalty or a ﬁne of up to £1000.

Its quick and easy... All dogs must have a valid licence and wear a dog licence tag. This means that both the dog, and its owner, are registered with us. It is against the law not to have a licence for your dog. If you own a dog, you must make sure it wears the dog licence which the Council gives you. You must also make sure it wears an identity tag, with your name, address and contact telephone number, to help us trace you if the dog goes missing. You can find out how much a licence costs from the table below: I am over 65 and this is the first/only dog I keep

FREE

I am over 65 and have already claimed a free licence for one dog

£5.00

I am in receipt of one of the following benefits: (Income Support or Housing benefit)

£5.00

The dog is sterilised

£5.00

None of the above

£12.50

licensee onlin today

Book Leisure Centre Classes & Courses Online 24hrs a day - 7 days a week www.cookstown.gov.uk

Please visit our website to view a list of classes, courses and activities which are available to book online.

Microchipping It is a condition for receipt of a dog licence, that the dog in question has been fitted with a microchip by a recognised Veterinary Surgeon. You should contact your vet to arrange to have your dog(s) microchipped prior to the renewal date of the licence.

REMEMBER: NO MICROCHIP NO LICENCE more information: For more information please contact Cookstown District Council on 028 8676 2205 or email: info@cookstown.gov.uk

www.cookstown.gov.uk

online payment services: The booking system is provided for Cookstown Leisure Centre members only. You must register online to use the service and will require the following details to complete the process: • •

An active email address that you check on a regular basis Your Membership Card Number

out & about

Derelict Properties in Cookstown District get Facelift In July 2013, Cookstown District Council was awarded £120,000 under the Dereliction Intervention Fund by the Department of the Environment. The funds were assigned to enhance the environment, remove dereliction and in turn boost tourism and local trade. Council identified a number of buildings/sites which were either derelict or in a poor state of repair throughout the Cookstown District. The identified buildings/ sites were located in the commercial centre of Cookstown town, surrounding villages and hamlets, and were highlighted in the recently published Cookstown Town Centre Masterplan and individual Village Plans. Through the completion of works, a ‘facelift’ has been provided to a total of thirty five buildings/sites to ensure they are more aesthetically pleasing.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan recently strolled down Minister’s Walk, Moneymore to see how some of the dereliction funding that Cookstown District Council received was used to improve the appearance of derelict properties in the District. Also pictured are Cllr Robert Kelly, Vice Chairman, & Mr Adrian McCreesh, Chief Executive (Acting), Cookstown District Council.

54 James Street, Cookstown - one of the thirty five properties completed under the Dereliction Intervention Fund.

Superstars take over Rydell High School! Preparations are currently in full swing for an exciting production of Grease the Musical by the Superstars Club, due to take place at the Burnavon, Cookstown on Saturday 31st May. Under the direction of Pearse McCloskey, a self-employed musical theatre facilitator for disabled/non-disabled children and adults, members of Superstars are getting together every Wednesday for rehearsals – and boy, are they enjoying things! Superstars was founded in 2005 by the family of a teenager with Down’s Syndrome and Autism, with the aim of filling the massive gap which exists in provision when young people with learning difficulties leave special school.

Cast of ‘Grease the Musical’

A meaningful step along the way was the formation of Superstars Theatre Group in October 2013. With the support of Cookstown District Council, members are now being given the opportunity to meet and train in a professional theatre environment. The young people’s enthusiasm for music and dance is palpable, and as they practice for Grease, their weekly transformation into the T Birds and Pink Ladies is something very special indeed!!

Tickets priced at £10 (£8 concession) for this unique Superstars production of Grease on Saturday 31st May 2014 are currently on sale from the Burnavon Box Office, by telephone on 028 8676 9949 or www.burnavon.com.

events 2014

What’s on in the District April

It’s an Easter Arts Eggs-Travaganza Sat 12 April, 11am – 3pm, The Burnavon, FREE Admission Cookstown 100 Road Race Fri 25 & Sat 26 April Contact Cookstown Visitor Information Centre Tel: 028 8676 9949 Easter Scheme, Cookstown Leisure Centre Tues 22 – Fri 25 April

May

World Culture Day Sat 17 May, 11am – 3pm, The Burnavon, FREE Admission Cookstown Street League May to July 2014 at MUSA and Fairhill

New in 2014

Continental Market is coming to Cookstown

June

Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicle Rally Sat 7 June - For further information contact Springhill House, Moneymore Tel: 028 8674 8210 ‘Run for the Hills’ 10k Obstacle Race - BST Sat 21 June at Pomeroy Forest Annual Family Fun-day Sat 28 June, MUSA at 1pm, FREE admission Tennis Camp, Fairhill Pavillion Mon 30 June - Fri 4 July

July

Coyles Cottage Irish Night Fri 4 July - contact Coyles Cottage Tel: 028 8673 7564 Cookstown Leisure Centre Summer Scheme Mon 21 July – Fri 15 Aug Summer Sports Programme Contact MUSA 028 8676 7135 for details

August

Mid Ulster Pipe Band Championships Sat 2 August at Mid Ulster Sports Arena, contact Cookstown Visitor Information CentreTel: 028 8676 9949 Lough Neagh Triathlon Sat 16 August, Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan Festival of Lights Sat 23rd August, Ballyronan Marina

Date for diary:

9th to 11th May 2014

Cookstown Retail Week is back for 2014

From Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th June Cookstown Retail Week aims to support local independent retailers and enhance footfall to Cookstown Town Centre. Why not visit Cookstown during Retail Week and pick up a special offer or stop by on Saturday 28th June and enjoy the array of street entertainment!

Summer Sports Programme Contact MUSA 028 8676 7135 for details

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Council Contacts:

Services Based at Council Offices Operational Services Technical Refuse Collection/Disposal Waste Management Civic Amenity Sites/Recycling Centres Street Cleansing Minor Works Grounds and Building Maintenance Public Cemeteries & Amenities Email: opservices@cookstown.gov.uk

Building Control Services Examination & Approval of Building Plans Entertainment Licences Street Naming and Numbering Property Certificates-Dangerous Buildings Energy Performance Certificates Email: buildingcontrol@cookstown.gov.uk

Registration of Births, Still Births, Deaths, Marriages & Civil Partnerships Monday: no appointment necessary Tues - Fri: appointment necessary Office Hours: 9.30am - 12.30pm & 2.30pm - 4.30pm Email: registration@cookstown.gov.uk

Environmental Health Services

Corporate Services

Moneymore Recreation Centre

Finance and Personnel Dog Licences Cemetery/General Enquiries Information Technology Email: finance@cookstown.gov.uk

Moneyhaw Road, Moneymore, BT45 7XJ Tel: 028 8674 7974 Email: moneymore.recreation@cookstown. gov.uk

District Policing Partnership Email: districtpolicing@cookstown.gov.uk Development Services Economic Development Town Centre Regeneration Email: econdev@cookstown.gov.uk

Fairhill Road, Cookstown (April to Sept. only) Enquires to Cookstown Leisure Centre Telephone: 028 8676 3853 Email: leisure@cookstown.gov.uk Ballyronan Marina

Council Run Facilities Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre and Tourist Information Centre Arts, Culture and Tourism Irish Language Development Town Twinning Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN Telephone: 028 8676 9949 Burnavon email: burnavon@cookstown.gov.uk Tourism email: tic@cookstown.gov.uk Burnavon online booking: www.burnavon.com www.facebook.com/theburnavontheatre www.twitter.com/burnavontheatre

Ballyronan (April to Sept. only) Ballyronan Marina Office Tel: (028) 7941 8143 Email: ballyronan@cookstown.gov.uk Caravan & Camping Bookings (Marina Centre) Tel: (028) 7941 8399 Moneymore Recreation Centre (Mooring/Events Enquiries) Tel: (028) 8674 7974 Landfill Site Magheraglass, Cookstown Tel: 028 8675 1153 Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Telephone: 028 8675 1153 Cemetery Westland Road, Cookstown Telephone: 028 8676 6087

Mid Ulster Sports Arena

Food Control Health & Safety Pollution Control Consumer Safety Health & Well-being / Partnership Programmes Public Health / Housing / Private Tenancies Dog Warden Services Registrations and Permits Petroleum Licences Street Trader Licences Litter Control Email: envhealth@cookstown.gov.uk

Fairhill Bowling Pavilion & Tennis Court

Tullywiggan Road, Cookstown, BT80 8SD Telephone: 028 8676 7135 Email: musa@cookstown.gov.uk www.midulstersportsarena.com www.facebook.com/midulstersportsarena Cookstown Leisure Centre Fountain Road, Cookstown, BT80 8QF Telephone: 028 8676 3853 Email: leisure@cookstown.gov.uk www.facebook.com/cookstownleisurecentre

Council Community Servcies Community Services PCSP Rural Development - SWARD Good Relations Peace III Gortalowry House, Cookstown Tel: 028 8676 4714 Email: community.services@cookstown. gov.uk

Other useful contacts: Cookstown Library: Housing Executive: Northern Ireland Water: DRD Roads Service: Street Lighting Faults: Police Service of Northern Ireland: Citizens Advice Bureau: Social Security Agency: Land & Property Services: CWSAN Migrant Worker Support Project:

028 8676 3702 03448 920 920 08457 440088 0300 2007892 0300 2007892

Council District Council Council Offices Burn Road Cookstown BT80 8DT

0845 600 8000 028 8676 6126 0800 022 4250 0300 200 7801

Tel: 028 8676 2205 Fax: 028 8676 4360 Email: info@cookstown.gov.uk

028 8773 8845

www.facebook.com/visitcookstown www.twitter.com/visit_cookstown