Outlook 2013

2013

Cookstown District Council Newsletter

the rocky road to success! fantastic new MBT facilities in Davagh Forest

REstore trade locally; shops in Cookstown are ‘looking good, looking great’

Ballyronan Marina! exciting new developments!

New Council boundaries; what does it mean for you?

Engaging/Communicating/Informing

WELCOME TO OUTLOOK

contents:

Welcome from the Chief Executive Adrian McCreesh Welcome to our issue of Outlook 2013, 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.

Council has managed to keep any increase to rates at an absolute minimum through sound financial management. Indeed, a prudent use of capital resources has enabled Council to fund a range of exciting capital investments throughout the District over the next two years.

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.

Councillor Tony Quinn

Councillor Pearse McAleer

Chairman 2012/13

Chairman 2013/14

My year as Council Chairman in 2012/13 has been a 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 the Council has been, and will continue to be involved in.

Outlook is our way of communicating with you, our citizens, on just a small selection of these programmes and informing you of up and coming initiatives and events which we think will be of interest. This edition gives you an overview of some of the projects which we have been involved in over the past year. I hope you enjoy reading it.

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.

02

Welcome from the Chief Executive 02 Chairman Tony Quinn 02 Chairman Pearse McAleer 02 International gathering at Tullaghoge 03 Factory Girls Archive 03 Notice anything different in your village?

04 Work completed at Ballyronan Marina…

05 Pumping investment into Davagh Forest 05 Cookstown ‘Sweeps Up’ 06 Cookstown Council awarded NI Disability Best Practice Employer 06 Cookstown Fuel Stamp Scheme 06 Changes in our Registration Services 07 Where are you really eating out?

07 New Mid-Ulster Council 08 Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme 10 Council’s Tendering Programme 12 £1Million Business Support Package 13 Need to talk?

14 What’s on in Cookstown 15 Meet your Councillors 15 Council Contacts back page

As we move through 2013/14 and my term as Council Chairman, we will further build and develop key facilities throughout our District.

Such investment will cement Cookstown District Council’s position as being one of the most prudent but progressive and innovative Council’s within Northern Ireland, delivering on behalf of our citizens. 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 2013.

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 As part of the International Gathering of the O’Neill Clans 2013 and in conjunction with the Cookstown Tourist Information “Hidden Heritage” Programme Cookstown District Council hosted a special event at the Burnavon Theatre and Tullaghoge Fort on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th May. Guests of Honour included Environment Minister Alex Attwood MLA, and Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA. The Environment Minister used the opportunity to announce a draft feasibility study by his Department that plans for greater public access to Tullaghoge Fort. Minister Attwood said: “This report presents achievable, sustainable options for the future public enjoyment of Tullaghoge. As part of the next steps my officials, in partnership with Cookstown District Council, will be opening these options to the public to seek their input and to move the Tullaghoge Project forward. “Our built and natural heritages are key assets for the future of our society and economy moving forward. The Tullaghoge project, like other heritage initiatives I have progressed such as Dunluce Castle and St Patrick and Christian Heritage, has the potential to make a real, positive difference to both our local communities and our wider society.”

International gathering at Tullaghoge

Council Chairman (2012-13) Cllr Tony Quinn said, “This is a momentous day for everyone who has worked towards the delivery of the Tullaghoge Fort project and for the people of the District. The Ministers commitment provides both Cookstown District Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency clear direction moving forward for the Development of Tullaghoge Fort, and that is greatly welcomed”.

Over the two days in excess of 400 people descended upon Tullaghoge Fort, the ancestral and royal centre of power of the Clans of O’Neill, where visitors were treated to a specially commissioned drama presentation created and performed by actors from the CRAIC Theatre, Coalisland.

Something to share?

Contact Mary Crooks at the Burnavon, Cookstown on 028 8676 9949 option 4 to find out more. This project is being delivered by the Arts and Cultural Programme of Cookstown District Council.

Factory Girls Archive: the Daintifyt and Fishers re-visited There can be little argument that in their heyday Daintifyt and Fishers were the heartbeat of the working lives of many people in the Cookstown district, and we all know someone who worked in one of these factories. So they have a very important place in our local history and heritage, and we believe that times spent there should be remembered and preserved.

In 2008 as part of the Arts and Cultural Development Programme of Cookstown District Council the ‘Daintifyt Revisited’ project, led by artist Lesley Yendell, took a snapshot of what life was like in Daintifyt.

www.cookstown.gov.uk

An exhibition in Summer 2008 staged in the old factory premises brought together memorabilia, video footage of interviews alongside artwork and a sculptural installation created in response to what Lesley had seen and heard during her research.

Recently we renewed contact with our friends from Daintifyt and commenced work on sourcing former employees of Fishers Hat factory. The photos, artefacts and memories came forward in abundance, convincing us that we had hit on something that really was of genuine interest to the community.

Story by Arts and Culture Officer: Mary Crooks

In May of this year, a short get-together of previous employees from both factories, invited along to see what we had gathered so far, prompted a huge response. Without exception everyone who turned up relished the opportunity to meet up with old friends, to talk and remember times gone by.

So we hope to continue delving into factory life by continuing to gather memorabilia, photos, artefacts and stories, working towards a larger scale exhibition and reunion within the next year.

If you have anything you think may be of interest to add to our archive, we would love to hear from you. It doesn’t matter how insignificant or otherwise you believe your contribution might be - we want to hear from all of you.

03

out & about

Notice anything different in your village?

Cookstown District Council believe that these works will greatly enhance the appearance of our villages and impress visitors, giving local people greater pride in their own areas.

Cookstown District Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration plan in its rural areas.

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, Ardboe 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.

Village Renewal: “a lick of paint makes Moneymore really stand out”

04

out & about

Work completed at Ballyronan Marina & Caravan Park

Ballyronan Marina & Caravan Park is sited within the village of Ballyronan on the shores of Lough Neagh, approximately 12 miles from Cookstown.

The Marina facility is open seven days per week, April - September.

To complement the facilities there is also a special Woodland Nature Trail ‘Ballyronan Wood’ which through specific pathways, viewpoints and information signage highlights the natural beauty of the area, and is accessible all year round.

changing areas, shower, changing rooms and toilets for those with disabilities. The site also incorporates free Wi-Fi, female toilets & baby change area, as well as a unisex disabled toilet, kitchen area and laundry room with new washer and dryer.

The local Development Association in conjunction with the Council runs a new Community Centre, which includes a function hall, offices, café, retail/work units, public toilets and changing rooms.

The Jetty extension also has been completed and the Marina now boasts an additional 15 new berths all with water and electric points. The additional 15 new berths at Ballyronan Marina bring the total number of boat berths to 88.

In April 2012, the extension work was completed at the Marina.

First to happen was the extension and renovation of the Caravan Amenity Block/Office. The park now has state of the art facilities on hand, which now include: new male and female shower and

For all Caravan/Camping bookings please contact the Marina Centre on 028 7941 8399. For all Mooring enquires please contact Moneymore Recreation Centre on 028 8674 7974.

Pumping investment into Davagh Forest Trails

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.

from front page…

2013 saw the official opening of the Davagh Forest Trails powered by Chain Reaction Cycles. Already attracting thousands of mountain bikers and walkers each month, Cookstown District Council are now working on an accompanying mountain bike skills park and pump track.

Located at the official trailhead, off the Davagh Road, these new facilities are expected to further boost numbers of mountain bike visitors to Davagh Forest and add an extra dimension to this unique recreational hub in the Sperrins.

Pump tracks are a popular addition to mountain bike trail centres and have already been hugely successful in similar trail centres in Northern Ireland, but it’s the new skills area/pump track that will shine as a unique selling point for Davagh Forest Trails which is due to be launched in October 2013.

Skills parks appeal to mountain bikers of all abilities, young and old. Best located at the start of trails, such as Davagh Forest,

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Coupled with the new pump track, bike wash and changing facilities this addition to the trailhead is sure to further raise Davagh Forest’s profile as a flagship mountain biking location.

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.

info: For more information on the Davagh Forest Trails including detailed route descriptions, interactive mapping, information on bike hire, coaching, guiding and mountain bike friendly places to eat, drink and stay in the local area, visit www.MountainBikeNI.com

05

awards

Cookstown ‘Sweeps Up’ Top Award for Best Kept Large Town 2013 Cookstown District Council continues to place the revitalisation of Cookstown Town Centre as one of its top priorities in the development of the environmental, economic and social fabric of the local economy.

Through a concerted partnership approach the achievements attained have contributed to the recent accolade awarded to Cookstown, Ireland’s Best Kept Large Town 2013.

This follows the success in 2012 when Cookstown won the North’s Best Kept Medium Town for excellence in environmental work, including litter and graffiti control projects, planting schemes, floral displays and recycling initiatives. In the All Ireland competition Cookstown held off stiff competition from Buncrana, Co Donegal and Cobh, Co Cork to attain the prestigious and coveted title for 2013.

Cookstown Council awarded NI Disability Best Practice Employer

Cookstown Fuel Stamp Scheme reaches £1 Million Sales

Against stiff competition, Cookstown District Council has been awarded the Irish News Workplace and Employment Award for Northern Ireland Disability Best Practice Employer at a glittering awards ceremony held in the Titanic building. Accepting the award on behalf of the Council were a delegation that included Dominic McCanny, Equality Manager, who said, “We are delighted to have worked with Cookstown Disability Forum to ensure that as a Council, we continue to meet the needs of staff and enable people with disabilities to have access to quality work placements.”

The judges were impressed with not only how the Council supports employees with disabilities, but also how activities throughout all Departments raise awareness of disability among all employees. They praised the Council’s ABLE project, which through outreach work, undertaken with disability organisations in the community, encourages work experience, training and work placement opportunities in District wide organisations.

Cookstown District Council is delighted to announce that on Wednesday 5th June 2013, a celebration event was held marking the milestone of having sold over £1million of fuel stamps throughout the Cookstown District. In October 2008 the fuel stamp scheme was launched by the Cookstown Warmer Homes Group as a new initiative, in conjunction with our partners St. Vincent de Paul and the local community.

Louise Liggett from Cookstown District Council explains how the scheme works. “It’s quite simple really. The customer purchases the £5 fuel stamp or stamps, at their convenience, from any of the participating retail outlets throughout the Cookstown district and places it onto a Fuel Stamp Savings Card. Their saved stamps can then be used as payment, or part payment, for home heating fuel from a large number of participating oil suppliers.”

Cookstown District Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the participating retail outlets and oil suppliers for their commitment and continued contribution, and we look forward to progressing this scheme to achieve our aim of combating fuel poverty in the Cookstown District.

If you would like more information on the Scheme, or would like to know where to get your Cards and Stamps, please go to www.cookstown.gov.uk or contact Council Offices on 028 8676 2205.

06

council matters

Changes in our Registration Services From 1st June 2013 the Registration Office for Births, Still Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships will be operating an appointments system on certain days.

Monday’s - no appointment necessary; public can drop in Tuesday’s to Friday’s - appointments are required Office Hours: 9.30am - 12.30pm, and 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

To make an appointment phone 028 8676 2205 or email registration@cookstown.gov.uk

Useful Information Births

Births may be registered in any District Registration office in Northern Ireland. Babies born in Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the birth.

Still Births

There is no legal requirement to register a still-birth. But, many parents see this as an opportunity to have a formal record of their still-born child. A still-birth may be registered within one year of the date of the still-birth.

Deaths A death may be registered in any District Registration Office in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a death should be registered within five days. This is with the exception of deaths which have been referred to the coroner.

There is no cost for registering a death. The only cost will be for copies of the death certificates if required.

Marriages

Civil Partnerships

Since 2005, it has been possible to enter into a civil partnership in Northern Ireland. By law, each party to a proposed civil partnership registration is required to complete a civil partnership notice form.

Both parties must submit their completed civil partnership notice forms, relevant documents, declarations and fees to the Registrar of the district where the civil partnership registration is to take place.

Forms must be completed for all events listed above and can be obtained from any District Registration Office or downloaded from our website: www.cookstown.gov.uk

Looking for Past Records?

- Births and Deaths registered after 1997 up to present day can be obtained from any District Registration Office -

Births and Deaths registered before 1997 can only be obtained from the General Register Office, Oxford House, Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4HL Tel: 0300 200 7890

- Marriages registered from 1 April 2004 up to present day can be obtained from any District Registration Office -

Marriages registered before 1 April 2004 can only be obtained from the General Register Office, Oxford House, Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4HL Tel: 0300 200 7890

- Civil Partnership records can be obtained from any District Registration Office

By law, each party to a proposed marriage is required to complete a marriage notice form. Both parties must submit their completed marriage notice forms, relevant documents, declarations and fees to the Registrar of Marriages in the district where the marriage is to take place, approximately 8 weeks before date of wedding. Details of the notice will be placed on public display at the Registrar’s office.

Where are you really eating out?

These days we’re all more conscious of what we’re eating and making the right choices, but how can you do the same when you eat out? You can’t tell the hygiene of an eatery by the food, interior design or even the cost. There’s no need to guess anymore, as Cookstown District Council’s Environmental Health Department, in partnership with the Food Standards Agency, is operating a simple food hygiene-rating scheme. Think of it as a way to see inside the restaurant kitchens and get some ‘behind the scenes’ information.

Go to food.gov.uk/ratings and check out your local food outlet now! * Display is voluntary, so some restaurants may choose not to show their rating

Each business is inspected by a food safety officer from Cookstown District Council and given a hygiene rating between 0 and 5. The top rating of 5 means a business has ‘very good’ hygiene standards and every outlet should be able to reach this.

These ratings are now available for you to search and check on the FSA website and app, and look out for the distinctive green and black sticker in the window of your favourite restaurants.*

www.cookstown.gov.uk

07

council matters

New Mid-Ulster Council - what does it mean for me?

The reform of local government will see the reduction of 26 councils to 11 and Cookstown, Magherafelt and Dungannon Councils will come together to make one Mid-Ulster Council. The process will be completed by April 2015. In the meantime, it is business as usual for the Councils, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make an effective and efficient transfer.

Why is the number of Councils reducing from 26 to 11?

The new councils will be stronger, more efficient and will deliver more effective services. They will be citizen focused, responding to the needs, aspirations and concerns of their communities. In partnership with others, they will guide the future development of their areas in greater ways than before.

What will the main difference be?

Ultimately, there will not be a great deal of difference for the average rate payer. A package of transferring functions was agreed by the Executive in April 2013.

Will my rates go up?

The Regional Transition Committee, chaired by the DOE Minister, has established a Finance Working Group, comprising of senior local and central government officers.

It is examining the financial implications of rates and legacy debt convergence, developing plans and procedures for minimising any negative impact of change, and ensuring that those affected are treated as fairly and equitably as possible.

The Executive’s £47.8million package to help support the implementation of the local government reform programme includes a commitment of an estimated £30million for a rates relief scheme following the creation of the 11 new councils in April 2015. This will protect those whose rates bills may have experienced a significant increase as a result of merging councils.

Please note:

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of the Chief Executive of Land & Property Services under Delegated Authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, Crown Copyright and database right [2012]

08

council matters

What will happen next?

Autumn 2013

The Executive will now put through the legislation that allows the process to move forward. One of the first things to happen in the early autumn are pilot programmes, which will begin in the 11 new councils, focusing on planning to begin with. These will be ‘test’ exercises designed to iron out problems, build practical working arrangements and bolster relationships between councillors and staff, many of who will begin working together for the first time.

Statutory Transition Committees will prepare for the new Councils and undertake key planning tasks such as developing Corporate Business Plans and appointing staff.

June 2014

Powers agreed by the Executive to transfer to local councils in April 2015 are: Planning • Local development plan functions • Development control and enforcement Roads • Off street parking (except Park and Ride)

Urban regeneration and community development

Subject to agreement from the Secretary for State for Northern Ireland, elections will take place to the 11 new councils, including Mid-Ulster. These will decide which councillors will sit on the new councils.

• Functions associated with physical development (e.g. environmental improvement schemes)

June 2014 to March 2015 Shadow councils will begin operating. These are ‘councils in waiting’ with the power to make key decisions, like appointing senior staff, setting rates and approving business and financial plans for the new councils.

• Some community development programmes for the voluntary and community sectors

• Area based regeneration (such as Neighbourhood Renewal)

Housing

April 2015 New councils, including Mid-Ulster Council, will open for business, complete with all responsibilities and functions.

• Registration of houses in multiple occupation

There is much work to be done however before these milestones can be met, and Cookstown District Council and our neighbouring councils are already involved in shaping how the new Mid-Ulster District Council will look and operate. Our work includes:

Local Economic Development (transfer from Invest NI)

•

communicating with our staff, residents, local businesses, the local community and voluntary sector and visitors to the local area about the changes that will take place over the next 18 months

• Housing unfitness responsibilities, including repair and demolition notices • Start a Business Programme and Enterprise Shows • Youth Entrepreneurship (such as Prince’s Trust and Shell Livewire) • Social Entrepreneurship • Investing for Women

• making sure we’re ready to deliver new services that may come our way, once the transfer of functions is confirmed

• Neighbourhood Renewal funding relating to enterprises initiatives

• working out the impact on rates

Local Tourism

•

• Small scale tourism accommodation development

continuing to deliver existing services, particularly frontline services like bin collections and street cleansing, and looking for ways to enhance what we currently offer, as we grow to take in extra residents and businesses

• working out what staff we will need to help us deliver those services • establishing whether we need any additional facilities to cater for our new residents.

• Providing business support including business

start- up advice along with training and delivery of customer care schemes

• Providing advice to developers on tourism policies and related issues Some elements of the delivery of the EU Rural Development Programme • Authority to Spot List to enable Councils to add a building to the statutory list on a temporary basis, subject to ratification by the DOE • Authority to draw up local lists of buildings that are of architectural and/or historic interest • Local water recreational facilities • Local sports (greater involvement of local government in local sports decisions)

www.cookstown.gov.uk

09

town centre development

Cookstown Shop Improvement Schemes Cookstown Shop Improvement Schemes Phase 1 - Cookstown District Council, in conjunction with Cookstown Town Centre Forum launched the Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme in July 2011. 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 façade of their premises. The scheme aims to visibly enhance the town centre and attract more investment and footfall to Cookstown. Phase 1 of the Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme is now complete, with a total of seven properties completing improvement works, which have resulted in significant visual improvements to individual business premises and the overall townscape. Works completed have ranged from painting schemes to extensive shop front improvements, which have included the preservation of traditional architectural features. Through the delivery of Phase 1, £109,800 of private sector investment has been leveraged into Cookstown Town Centre.

Phases 2 & 3 - Further funding has been secured from the Department for Social Development, under the Revitalisation Scheme, to deliver Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme Phases 2 & 3.

A total of 24 property owners have been awarded grant aid under Phases 2 & 3. Proposed improvement works range from painting to extensive refurbishment of the properties front façade. Works have commenced on a number of properties, with completion date of January 2014. Regeneration initiatives such as the Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme contribute to the enhancement of Cookstown’s townscape and ensure its ‘Looking Good, Looking Great’.

before after

after

before

McConnells Footwear: completed under Phase 1 of the Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme

10

MacMahon Butchers: one of the properties completed under Phase 1 of the Cookstown Shop Improvement Scheme

town centre development Cookstown Retail Week - Monday 24 - Saturday 29 June 2013 The FIRST retail week was held in Cookstown town centre from Monday 24 June-Saturday 29 June 2013. Cookstown Retail Week was spearheaded by Cookstown District Council, and jointly supported by Cookstown Town Centre Forum and Cookstown Chamber of Commerce. Cookstown Retail Week aimed to support local independent retailers, and provided an opportunity for local retailers to showcase Cookstown’s unique retail assets.

During Cookstown Retail Week special offers were available in participating shops, which enticed the avid shopper to browse and avail of offers! In conjunction with Cookstown Retail Week the new Cookstown branded jute shopping bags were launched.

Through funding secured from the Department for Social Development and with the introduction of the 5p bag levy in April 2013, a quantity of branded jute shopping bags were commissioned. The environmentally friendly jute shopping bags are branded with the strapline, ‘Cookstown Looking Good, Looking Great’ and were free to shoppers during Retail Week.

On Saturday 29 June 2013, the main retail core of Cookstown town centre came ‘alive’, with an array of street entertainment from 12 noon-4pm.

Cookstown Town Centre benefits from £106,000 DSD Funding In January 2013, Cookstown District Council, in partnership with Cookstown Town Centre Forum secured £106,000 from the Department for Social Development, to deliver a number of projects to revitalise Cookstown town centre. Cookstown town centre is the heart of the local community and it is vital that its vibrancy is maintained in these challenging economic times.

For more information contact Mary McCullagh, Town Strategy Manager, Cookstown District Council, tel: 028 867 62205 or email mary.mccullagh@cookstown.gov.uk The projects delivered were: Cookstown Wi-Fi Project

Launching the branded jute shopping bags during Cookstown Retail Week are (L-R) Ms Mary McCullagh, Town Strategy Manager, Ms Joan McDonald, Department for Social Development, Chairman of Cookstown District Council Cllr Pearse McAleer, and Chairman of Cookstown Town Centre Forum Cllr John McNamee.

Shutter Art A pilot shutter art project was completed on five vacant shop units within the town centre. The abstract vinyl images have provided the opportunity for vacant shop units to be transformed and ensure the townscape remains aesthetically pleasing when the shutters are down.

Window Displays A pilot window display project was completed on two vacant properties within the town centre. The pilot project provided the opportunity for a window graphic to be placed on the shop windows of two vacant shop units to ensure a welcoming high street is maintained, which is attractive to shoppers.

Cookstown has become the first town in Mid Ulster to become a Wi-Fi hotspot. The scheme is ‘live’ and provides ‘on the go’ access to the internet in the main retail centre of Cookstown for a free time limited period of up to one hour. Following usage of the free time limited period of up to one hour, the payment plan for further use within the town centre Wi-Fi network is a daily fee of £2, weekly fee of £8 or a 30 day fee of £15.

Street Dressing Forty four new branded street banners have been installed throughout Cookstown town centre ensuring the Retail Capital of Mid Ulster is ‘Looking Good, Looking Great’. Three new branded banners have also been installed on the decorative lighting columns at the front of the Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre.

For all you surfers:

Cookstown has become the first town in Mid Ulster to become a Wi-Fi hotspot. The scheme is ‘live’ and provides ‘on the go’ access to the internet in the main retail centre of Cookstown for a free time limited period of up to one hour.

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Forty four new branded street banners have been installed throughout Cookstown town centre ensuring the Retail Capital of Mid Ulster is ‘Looking Good, Looking Great’

11

business support

Council’s Tendering Programme provides a £15 million boost to Local Business Sector This year Cookstown District Council celebrated the outstanding success of its award-winning Multi-Sectoral Tendering Programme. The Programme was delivered over a two-year period and provided bespoke tendering support to 80 local businesses. It was developed after the Council was contacted at the height of the recession by a number of local businesses asking for support to prepare tender bids. As a result, Council devised this unique pilot programme to provide ‘hands on’ tendering support to local businesses to assist them win new work.

Local businesses enjoying tendering success...

The Programme assisted Ardboe Contracts to gain entry to the Education Board’s Select List which resulted in a Contract for the supply of bespoke furniture valued at £400,000.

A recent independent review of the Programme has revealed the initiative boosted the District’s economy by a staggering £15 million, which included the following successes: • • • •

•

£12.5 million new contracts won 43 new jobs created valued at £2million 965 jobs sustained £354,000 of additional support accessed by participating businesses 20 businesses referred to Invest NI for further support

Council designed the Programme to assist local businesses to identify opportunities for new work in the public and private sectors. Global Education (NI) Ltd were appointed to deliver the bespoke tendering support and worked alongside companies to prepare and submit professional tender bids, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

With support from the Programme Metro CCTV won tenders to the value of £30,000 for the provision of CCTV Systems and Security.

As a result of these measures, the Programme secured new contracts valued at £12.5 million, contributed to the creation of 43 new jobs worth an estimated £2million and assisted businesses to access additional financial support of £354,000.

This project was funded by Cookstown District Council and the European Regional Development Fund through the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland (2007-2013).

Very ambitious targets were put in place at the outset of the programme. These targets have now been surpassed many times over. To achieve a return of £15 million on an investment of £125,000 is an outstanding result and one which was recognised at the NILGA Awards by winning the Best European Funded Project in NI in 2012.

To hear first hand how the Programme assisted some local businesses, log on to the short YouTube video on http://www.youtube.com/VisitCookstown

info:

For information on any of the Programmes featured on these pages please contact Fiona McKeown, Head of Development Services, Cookstown District Council, tel: 028 8676 2205.

12

business support

Enterprise Minister unlocks Council’s new £1 Million Business Support Package

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster MLA, helps Councillor Tony Quinn, former Chairman of Cookstown District Council to unlock £1 million of investment in Council’s new suite of business development programmes. Also pictured (L-R) are Shirley McIntyre (Senior Project Officer, Cookstown District Council), Ethna McNamee (Invest NI), Mary Gormley (Invest NI), Adrian McCreesh, Chief Executive (Cookstown District Council) and Fiona McKeown (Head of Development Services, Cookstown District Council).

On 24 April 2013 Enterprise Minister, Mrs Arlene Foster MLA, formally launched Cookstown District Council’s new suite of five business development programmes designed to deliver a comprehensive package of tailored support to businesses across the Cookstown District over the next two years. Funded by Cookstown District Council and Invest NI, these projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland and are focused on positioning local businesses towards increased growth.

These five new Programmes encompass a broad range of interventions, all providing one-to-one bespoke business support and will be available to 225 local businesses, making

this Cookstown District Council’s largest ever programme of business support.

Extending a warm welcome to Minister Foster MLA, Councillor Tony Quinn, former Chairman of Cookstown District Council explained Council’s aspirations for the new Programmes, “In these difficult trading times Council believes it is essential that our SMEs receive targeted support to stimulate their growth potential. Over the next two years these Programmes will provide a significant economic stimulus for our local business community, which are the lifeblood of our District’s economy. I would like to thank Minister Foster’s Department and Invest NI for working with Council to deliver these initiatives and I would very much encourage local businesses to contact Council to discuss what these Programmes can specifically offer them”.

The ‘Business Elevate Programme’ will deliver assistance across key business areas such as new product and process development, sales, marketing and developing quality systems.

The ‘Fastrack to Finance Programme’ will help businesses assess the viability of new business concepts and help them access finance to progress this.

The ‘Tender Programme’ will build on the success of Council’s previous award winning Multi-Sectoral Tendering Programme, to help businesses identify tender opportunities and develop professional tender bids to secure new work.

The ‘Resource Efficiency Programme’ will assist businesses to identify and implement resource efficiencies and achieve cost savings.

A sub-regional ‘South West Export Programme’, developed by Cookstown, Dungannon & South Tyrone, Magherafelt, Fermanagh and Omagh Councils, will assist 21 first time export businesses in the Cookstown District, and 105 businesses across the region, to break into new markets in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. www.cookstown.gov.uk

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health & well- being NHSCT Bereaved by Suicide Support Project

Need to talk?

Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support Services in Mid Ulster Area Support services are invaluable to anyone who is concerned about a loved one or friend, those thinking about suicide or anyone who has been touched and affected by suicide. People do not always remember that services are there and they are useful in a crisis.

Lifeline - Free 24 hour Suicide Prevention Helpline If you or anyone you know is in distress phone Lifeline - 0800 808 8000 Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and help, in confidence.

Suicide Prevention Community Development Project for Magherafelt and Cookstown This community focused project is delivered by CWSAN (Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network), funded by the Public Health Agency (Northern Area Health and Social Well-Being Improvement Team) and aims to promote mental health, raise suicide awareness, reduce stigma, signpost local communities and increase community involvement in promoting mental health, suicide prevention, bereavement support and self harm initiatives.

Contact Denise Doherty, Tel: 028 79634865/07540969623 Email: cwsanmidulster@btconnect.com Young Men’s Health Project (for ages 16-25 years) This initiative focuses upon building resilience and coping skills with young men aged 16-25 years old. This project is funded by the Public Health Agency in the Northern Area, through Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and managed by the N.E.E.L.B. Youth Service.

Through joint working with those involved within the Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention partnership in the Northern Locality, the workers are seeking to establish effective working with statutory, voluntary/community organisations working with young men.

Group work programmes lasting 6 - 8 weeks are delivered focusing on the health and emotional needs of young men.

If you are working with a group of young men and would like further information contact: Paula Healy Tel: 028 7035 1599/07706 911720, Email: Paula.Healy@neelb.org.uk

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When someone close dies by suicide, those left behind have to deal with an overwhelming range of practical and emotional issues.

The NHSCT Bereaved by Suicide Support Project was developed through the ‘Northern Area Promoting Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Steering Group’ and funded by the Public Health Agency to provide one to one counselling for families and friends as well as bereavement support groups.

If you would like more information about a support group in your area, or to be referred to the individual counselling service, please contact: Danielle Gallagher, Bereavement Support Worker. Tel: 028 2563 6607 Email: danielle.gallagher@northerntrust.hscni.net

Children and Young People Bereaved by Suicide Support Project (for under 18s) The project is being delivered by Barnardos and will work with individual children and young people, with groups and on residentials. It will include family and peer support, training those working with children and young people bereaved by suicide and provide support and advice to parents and carers.

For further information contact: Michelle Scullion, Tel: 07796 148549 Email: michelle.scullion@barnardos.org.uk These services can be availed of by any person and are available free of charge through the Public Health Agency in the Northern Area.

If you have URGENT SUPPORT needs, you should contact your GP, or Dalriada Urgent Care on 028 25663500 out of hours service or LIFELINE Freephone 24/7 helpline - 0808 808 8000

lifestyle & local representatives

What’s on in Cookstown October

Halloween at Mid Ulster Sports Arena Wed 30th October 7pm - 8pm free admission

December continued

Christmas Food Fair Sat 21st December 11am to 5pm

November

Winter Craft Fair at the Burnavon Sat 23rd & Sun 24th November free admission Christmas Lights Big Switch On Thurs 28th November Cookstown Main Street, from 7pm free admission

December

Santa’s Magical Grotto at the Burnavon, Cookstown Friday 6th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Sat 7th, 14th, 21st Dec: 10am - 6pm Sun 8th and 15th Dec: 2pm - 6pm Mon 9th - Fri 13th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Mon 16th - Fri 20th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Contact theatre Box Office on 028 8676 9949 for details Ticket price: £6 per child

Fireworks always a big attraction: Halloween at Mid Ulster Sports Arena

Meet your Councillors COOKSTOWN CENTRAL AREA:

Cllr. Ian McCrea (DUP) Tel: 07773 846281

Cllr. Ciarán McElhone Cllr. John McNamee (SF) (SF) Tel: 07816 818319 Tel: 07974 179498

Cllr. Tony Quinn (SDLP) Tel: 07841 103004

Cllr. Samuel Glasgow Cllr. Maureen Lees (UUP) (DUP) Tel: 028 8676 2860 Tel: 07974 179521

Cllr. Cáthal Mallaghan Cllr. James McGarvey (SF) (SDLP) Tel: 07919 332566 Tel: 07974 179383

Cllr. Trevor Wilson (UUP) Tel: 07974 179497

DRUM MANOR AREA:

Cllr. Sean Clarke (SF) Tel: 07841 103007 BALLINDERRY AREA:

Cllr. Robert Kelly (UUP) Vice-Chair Tel: 07862 295763

Cllr. Deirdre Mayo (SDLP) Tel: 07763 145965

www.cookstown.gov.uk

Cllr. Pearse McAleer Cllr. Samuel McCartney Cllr. Christine McFlynn Cllr. Michael McIvor (SF) Chair 2013/14 (DUP) (SDLP) (SF) Tel: 07974 179424 Tel: 07841 103006 Tel: 07889 362968 Tel: 07976 822709

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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 and Approval of Building Plans Petroleum Licenses Entertainment Licenses Street Naming and Numbering Property Certificates-Dangerous Buildings Energy Performance Certificates Email: buildingcontrol@cookstown.gov.uk Registration of Births, Still Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships Monday: no appointment necessary Tues - Fri: appointment necessary Office Hours: 9.30am - 12.30pm, and 2.30pm - 4.30pm Email: registration@cookstown.gov.uk Environmental Health Services Food Control Health & Safety Pollution Control Consumer Safety Public Health Complaints Dog Warden Services Registrations and Permits Street Trader Licenses Litter Control Email: envhealth@cookstown.gov.uk Corporate Services Finance and Personnel Dog Licenses Cemetery/General Enquiries Information Technology Email: finance@cookstown.gov.uk

Development Services Economic Development Town Centre Regeneration Email: econdev@cookstown.gov.uk

Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan (April to Sept. only) Ballyronan Marina Office Tel: (028) 79 418143 Email: ballyronan@cookstown.gov.uk Caravan & Camping Bookings (Marina Centre) Tel: (028) 79 418399 Council Run Facilities Moneymore Recreation Centre (Mooring/Events Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre and Tourist Enquiries) Tel: (028) 8674 7974 Information Centre Arts, Culture and Tourism Landfill Site Irish Language Development Magheraglass, Cookstown Town Twinning Tel: 028 8675 1153 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN Opening Hours: Telephone: 028 8676 9949 Burnavon email: burnavon@cookstown.gov.uk Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Tourism email: tic@cookstown.gov.uk Burnavon online booking: www.burnavon.com Telephone: 028 8675 1153 www.facebook.com/theburnavontheatre Cemetery www.twitter.com/burnavontheatre Westland Road, Cookstown Telephone: 028 8676 6087 Mid Ulster Sports Arena Tullywiggan Road, Cookstown, BT80 8SD Council Community Servcies Telephone: 028 8676 7135 Community Services Email: musa@cookstown.gov.uk Community Safety www.midulstersportsarena.com Rural Development www.facebook.com/midulstersportsarena Good Relations Gortalowry House, Cookstown Cookstown Leisure Centre Tel: 028 8676 4714 Fountain Road, Cookstown, BT80 8QF Email: community.services@cookstown.gov.uk Telephone: 028 8676 3853 Email: leisure@cookstown.gov.uk www.facebook.com/cookstownleisurecentre

Moneymore Recreation Centre Moneyhaw Road, Moneymore, BT45 7XJ Tel: 028 8674 7974 Email: moneymore.recreation@cookstown.gov.uk www.facebook.com/pages/MoneymoreRecreation-Centre/225808884108385 Fairhill Bowling Pavilion and Tennis Court Fairhill Road, Cookstown (April to Sept. only) Enquires to Cookstown Leisure Centre Telephone: 028 8676 3853 Email: leisure@cookstown.gov.uk

District Policing Partnership Email: districtpolicing@cookstown.gov.uk

Other useful contacts: Cookstown Library: Housing Executive: Northern Ireland Water: DRD Roads Service: Street Lighting Faults: Ulsterbus (Cookstown): 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 028 8676 6440 0845 600 8000 028 8676 6126 028 8676 8000 0300 200 7801 028 8773 8845

Council District Council Council Offices Burn Road Cookstown BT80 8DT Tel: 028 8676 2205 Fax: 028 8676 4360 Email: info@cookstown.gov.uk www.facebook.com/visitcookstown www.twitter.com/visit_cookstown