Both proposals were ratified tonight (1 October) at a meeting of full council at Belfast City Hall.

Cllr Maghie has said: “After a number of years of campaigning, and thanks to the hard work of Cllr Long in particular, we are delighted to see it officially ratified that virtually everyone in Lisnasharragh, as well as more homes in Ormiston, will be able to recycle glass at home thanks to this expansion.

“It sees another one of our ‘100 Goals for Belfast City Council’ achieved, and is a great opportunity for residents and the planet as we work to decrease our carbon footprint.

Cllr Nelson: “After trying for many years to explore the possibility of extending Sunday trading hours in Belfast, we’re glad to see progress on this with the ratification of the decision to develop plans for a pilot scheme, with options for the inclusion of car-free Sundays.

“This is about providing choice for shoppers, while maintaining protections for workers’ rights. We’re delighted the majority of councillors have supported our proposal and we believe it is a positive step in our efforts to support the city centre, while collecting evidence and impact to inform any future decisions on Sunday opening hours.

“Alliance is committed to working for the people of Belfast, and we’re glad to see such positive steps forward in both these proposals being ratified.”

ENDS//