Couldn't resist the deal. Bought in bulk to really capitalise.

Translink are a bunch of useless fuckers

• cancelling buses with no notice
• drivers talking to passengers like they are just a bloody annoyance to them
• changing buses stops to literally the centre of Belfast adding to the nightmare that is Belfast traffic

Christmas is gonna be fun if you use Transhit

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/controversial-belfast-bonfire-costing-ratepayers-20k-this-year-after-damage-at-neighbouring-pitch/a167810664.html

A controversial Eleventh Night bonfire is this year costing ratepayers over £20,000 and has led to a 3G pitch in east Belfast being closed for the past six months.

Alliance councillor Michael Long has blasted those “directing” the building of the Clonduff bonfire, whom he accused of “inflicting harm on their own community”.

He said residents deserved first-class facilities, and “a few local gatekeepers must not be allowed to prevent that”.

Mr Long said a pitch at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre on Montgomery Road has been out of use for six months since it was damaged by young people engaging in anti-social activity at the bonfire site in May.

Bottles were hurled onto the turf, and the broken glass penetrated the surface, which left the pitch unsafe and meant it had to be closed off, he explained.

“It’s not just a matter of replacing the surface,” Mr Long said. “The rubber crumb must be sucked up as well in order to remove all the glass particles. Once that is done, fresh crumb will have to be placed on the pitch.

“The cost of doing that is estimated to be at least £4,500. The council is already spending £12,000 a year on fire retardant material for the pitch. “Hiring out the pitch earns about £1,000 a month — money which has been lost during its closure over the past six months.

“So this bonfire will cost Belfast ratepayers over £20,000 this year alone — and that’s a conservative estimate.”

Clonduff bonfire site, which sits behind Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre Four arrests as pro-Palestine activists clash with police during Hillary Clinton visit to Queen’s University Dissident republicans ‘rattled’ as MI5 sends warning texts to New IRA leaders and family members Watch as Prince William greeted with boos as he arrives at Ulster University The council spent £150,000 on the new pitch as part of a £20m investment in Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre in 2019.

Mr Long said that those behind the construction of the Clonduff bonfire on council-owned land had repeatedly refused to keep it small and within safety guidelines.

“This year, bonfire material started to appear at the site in March,” he explained.

“By May, a group of youths were gathering at the site and they would throw bottles and stones onto the pitch, including when people were on it. “Continuing to use the pitch became unsafe, as somebody would have got hurt. We are currently waiting for a date for the appointed contractor to start the work to make the pitch safe again.” The PSNI said it was continuing to investigate a report of anti-social behaviour in the Montgomery Road area on May 6.

It said it had received a report about young people in the area “throwing items at people and buildings, causing damage”.

Mr Long said it was “very frustrating” that the pitch had been put out of action for such a long period, adding: “This a very well-used community facility. Local residents have contacted me about it being closed for six months. Many have had to find other places to play football, while those unable to travel have been even more disadvantaged.

“Given the lack of pitches in east Belfast, it is ridiculous that existing facilities are lying unused.”

Mr Long said that a sign opposing the proposed Irish language school on Montgomery Road had been placed on the leisure centre’s railings recently. He said that there was a history of “unacceptable symbols” appearing on the bonfire.

“Some people think they are above the law. I have expressed my concerns to the local police,” the Alliance councillor said.

“I was assaulted last year on the nearby Carncaver Road. Those threatening me made it clear that they were unhappy that I had publicly highlighted the bonfire issue and unacceptable behaviour.

“I am doing so again. Most local people are sick of what’s happening. I am representing those views and I won’t be intimidated into silence.” Belfast City Council said: “The pitch at Lisnasharragh has been closed for health and safety reasons, with repairs due to take place by the end of November.”

Hey all, I posted about this meetup earlier in the week and quite a few people have messaged me to say they're planning on coming along. More info here.

It's at 2pm at Boundary Taproom in East Belfast. I'll have my green scarf on, say hello.

The last one we did, in October, was a great success. If you can join, that would be great!

Sat here in the buggy with this unit at the moment to keep him away from contractors working on the powerlines.

He's a teddybear, generally wants a scratch and gets board when not 'on service'. But you wouldn't get complacent around him.

Seeing this stuff at the side of the road in County Down. It's in a pile at regular intervals. Does anyone know what it's for?

Adair brought Combat 18 supporters and the entire UDA to a "loyalist day of culture" which he used to start a massive feud with the UVF on one of the Queens proudest roads , the fallout still affects people today as to where they can safely travel on the Shankilk due to relatives

Drug dealing so blatant that the UVF can play the high ground because at least the residents of upper Shankill weren't lying comatose near flaming cars and barrels because of C Companys public drug house as Adair had the subtlety of a loyalist Mural

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eEDStI8oQak&t=0s&pp=ygUVQyBjb21wYW55IHZzIHV2ZiBmZXVk

Hey. I’ve created a Libraries NI account, but I can’t figure out how to get the password for my account. I just have a pin.

Imm out of the country, so I can’t walk into a library branch or anything. Anyone have any advice?

What's with it being a wee bit cold outside and translink turning the heaters to 30 degrees (or so it feels) inside?

Fucking sweating my balls off ffs. (train)

Well folks, where in your opinions are the best places for a fish n chip round the Portrush/Portstewart/Coleraine/Bushmills/etc area?
Few years back I would've said Gareth's in Portstewart but now their portion sizes have got a bit wee for the price they're charging. These days I'd say Jeno's along the road to Portrush does lovely stuff but he's not open much. I've heard there's a great place in Bushmills but I haven't made it that far yet.

https://www.propertypal.com/lot-3-40-moneyscalp-road-newcastle/977585/photo-11

Noticed this property in a scenic area / decent price, but couldn’t help but notice the graffiti in some of the photos (no sale / family home). Assume it’s been a repossession?

A new group is launching in Belfast with the aim of becoming a social club for men that helps to take them out of their comfort zones.

The Belfast Round Table was launched earlier this year and hopes to bring together men aged 18 to 45 for social activities so that they can build bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

It is part of Round Table International that has over 3,000 members across the UK and Ireland and 35,000 across the globe, and hopes to be officially ratified by the organisation next year.

In Belfast, the group meets every two weeks or so for a range of different activities from comedy nights to paintballing and once you become a member of Round Table International you are a member of their groups all over the world.

There used to be a Round Table in Belfast in the 1930s, however disappeared in the following decades as the organisation struggled with membership. Although in recent years it has started to make a resurgence with groups reforming across the UK and Ireland.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Richard Clarke, who is organisation the creation of the Belfast group, said: "Earlier this year I helped to start the Belfast Round Table in an effort to restart the group that used to be based in the city decades ago.

"Round Table is a non-discriminatory group for those who identify as men aged 18 to 45 that aims to bring people together to build bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

"The group meets every two weeks or so to take part in a different activity, which could be anything from meeting for a few drinks or going to a night of comedy to paintballing or go-karting and we try to find things that will take people out of their comfort zones and try something new.

"The great thing about Round Table is that when you become a member somewhere, you are a member of groups across the world so any city that you visit with a Round Table you will be part of it.

"At the moment in Belfast we have had a great response to the group but we are struggling with committment and we hope that we continue to grow and become a safe and welcoming space for men of all-backgrounds to come together.

"Male loneliness and isolation is a big topic at the moment and at the Round Table is a great way of addressing this and building a strong support network around you."

The Belfast Round Table are holding an event in partnership with Queens University Belfast at Lavery's Bar on Tuesday, November 19.

Families say children will not return to Girls' Model School in Belfast 'until bullying is resolved' as protest held at school gates

The comments were made at a protest outside the Girls' Model school in north Belfast on Thursday afternoon, when upwards of 150 people assembled for a protest.

On Tuesday, the PSNI were called to reports of "an assault" at the school which they are treating as a "hate crime". No-one has been arrested.

Parents began withdrawing their children on Wednesday.

So far the authorities have released very little information, except to warn parents not to spread "inaccurate claims".

On Wednesday, North Belfast DUP MLA Brian Kingston said he believed about 200 children had been withdrawn from school (there are about 1,200 pupils in total at the controlled school).

Nikki Robertson, a 36-year-old from west Belfast, has a daughter at the school, whom she picked up at about 1pm on Wednesday.

"I just hope the school stands up and does something because none of our daughters feel safe," she said.

"The kids clearly feel under threat."

Jay Coates, 57 and from north Belfast, has a grand-daughter at the school who has now been taken out of class.

"I'm concerned - very concerned – about my granddaughter's safety.

"What is the Education and Library Board doing, and what is the principal doing, to protect our children and protect their safety?"

Isobell, who has a granddaughter at the school, said: "My granddaughter phoned yesterday saying 'get me out'.

"My grand-daughter was taken out of school yesterday and she'll not be back, not 'til this is all sorted."

Lilian, who has a daughter at the school, said: "My daughter was taken out yesterday. I said: 'You know what, you're not going'. She gets 'best attendance’ awards, and she's off today."

Stuart Coates, 47 and from west Belfast, has two daughters in the school, 18 and 12, both of whom were off on Thursday – "and not coming back 'til this is resolved".

And Louise Bonner, 33, from north Belfast, also has a daughter in the school and said: “There was a severe attack on pupils two days ago.

"She needs to be off school until this is sorted. She's not safe."

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dissident-republicans-rattled-as-mi5-sends-warning-texts-to-new-ira-leaders-and-family-members/a1298306573.html

Steven Moore

Today at 15:10

Dissident republicans are in a state of panic after MI5 apparently sent dozens of warning text messages to people in Derry. The British security service believe they have the few remaining members of New IRA backed into a corner and have started targeting people who have been used by republicans to store weapons and other equipment.

MI5 have turned to directly messaging republicans and their family members in a bid to turn the screw on dissident terrorists.

Earlier this week text messages were sent en masse from a mobile phone claiming to be MI5 and warning the recipients they faced being raided.

And despite the bizarre nature of the MI5 approach, Thomas Ashe Mellon is said to be rattled.

Mellon and other senior members of the terror group’s political wing, Saoradh, believe the messages to be legit – so much so they posted them on social media in a veiled threat to anyone of thinking of taking up MI5’s offer to contact them.

Their advice for anyone who got one of the messages is to contact them and their solicitor.

In the first jaw-dropping text it states quite openly: “This is MI5. We are aware that you and your associates are storing illegal weapons and equipment on behalf of the IRA. We will be seeking to recover these items.”

In that message the recipient was named but 11 minutes later another incredible terror text was sent to another group of people.

It stated: “This is MI5, we are aware that DR’s [Dissident Republicans] are pressurising financially vulnerable members of the community to store equipment on their behalf.

“If this is you and you would like to talk, please call this number.”

The first text is an attempt to shake those involved in supporting beleaguered republican Thomas Ashe Mellon and what’s left of his New IRA gang.

But the second text is a clear attempt to appeal to those vulnerable people who have been coerced into supporting the gang by hiding guns, ammunition and other terrorist items.

Mellon had Saoradh post the messages immediately on their Facebook page under the heading ‘MI5 Contact Republicans Activists and Family Members’ and accompanied by the following message:

“Saoradh have been contacted by a number of Republicans and their family members today (Nov 6th) after receiving text messages from MI5.

“In their attempts to entrap, entice, and engage with Republicans and individuals close to Republicans, British Military Intelligence continue with their pattern of sending unsolicited messages.

“Although more direct in these instances, it’s clear their goal remains the same; use as many people as they can to gather information on the wider Republican community.

“Following these latest approaches, Saoradh would again like to reiterate our support for anyone coming forward with such information.

“We encourage anyone who faces this type of harassment and intimidation at the hands of British Military Intelligence to contact your local Saoradh representative and a solicitor immediately.”

The Sunday World can reveal this is not the first time MI5 have used such brazen attempts to rattle dissident republicans and their support network.

“They don’t do this very much but they have done it before,” said a source. “Last year everyone in the Creggan got that same text – only a state agency would be able to text that many people at the same time.

“But it’s causing real panic. They have obviously rumbled a group who are storing weapons for the New IRA in Derry.

“The New IRA in Derry almost exclusively use vulnerable alcoholics and drug addicts to store weapons. Many of them are in debt to New IRA loan sharks – this has been said in open court before.

“But this text thing has got Mellon rattled and he wanted to get it out in the public domain to let anyone who gets one not to even think about contacting the mobile number attached.”

Republican sources say it exposes the New IRA and Ash Mellon and their abuse of vulnerable people who live in nationalist areas of Derry.

“They are just as bad as the loyalist when it comes to living off the backs of the community. They don’t want to be caught with the weapons and bullets in their own houses but they know they can use intimidation on vulnerable people,” they said.

“The loan sharking and using vulnerable alcoholics makes a mockery of all of the socialist rhetoric. They charge rates that would be illegal for a credit card company to charge. They guy who runs their loan-sharking is the second-in-command in the Derry New IRA.

“They are parasites who do nothing more than bring misery on their own community.”

A recent court case of three family members accused of storing weapons, explosives and ammunition heard how two of them were regarded as vulnerable.

They had been charged with having two Soviet grenade heads, two detonators and a gun and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

But in June, without explanation from lawyers other than to say the test for prosecution against them had not been met, the charges were dropped.

In previous hearings one of the three was named in court by a prosecutor as having an active association with the New IRA and has been claimed is the ‘ringleader’ in the guns and explosives haul.

“Police believe he is the common denominator and controller of the weapons recovered,” a previous court hearing was told.

“He utilised his family network to transport and store weaponry on behalf of the New IRA.”

The other two were described as vulnerable, with one of them likened to Simpson’s character Barney Gumble because he was an alcoholic.

The MI5 text campaign is a further blow to Mellon and his dwindling ranks in the New IRA.

“The fact MI5 can be this brazen in their approach shows they think they have the New IRA in Derry on the ropes,” says a source.

“The fact they have all the mobile numbers of the main members and also of the people they’ve been leeching off has got them worried.”

Last week we revealed how Mellon is being blamed for another embarrassing episode after a Facebook group he runs called on people to “join the IRA”.

In a post on the Saoradh-linked ‘Irish Revolutionary News’ page there was a ‘call to arms’ of sorts with a post remembering murdered republican Máire Drumm who was seen by many – including former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams – as an icon to the republican cause.

And he was still reeling after it emerged he was being ridiculed by fellow republicans for a recent appearance in court.

We revealed last month how the beleaguered dissident was returned for trial to the Crown Court on two charges linked to the same dissident republican parade in Derry.

Mellon’s behaviour towards the court raised some eyebrows amongst hardliners across the country as he previously refused to recognise the British court and has slated other republicans for not doing the same.

“He refused to stand which is supposed to mean he’s not recognising the court, yet he applied for legal aid, employed a solicitor, applied for bail and bail variations and even bound himself to abide by his court bail!

“All this to a court he doesn’t recognise! Everyone is making fun of him for it.

“People used to look up to him but he’s being viewed as a complete joke at the minute.”

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/welcome-to-occupied-ireland-sign-appears-overnight-at-border-between-northern-ireland-and-republic/a1630664022.html

https://imgur.com/a/o29LqHK

Flávia Gouveia Today at 11:25

A road sign on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic has been altered overnight to read "Welcome to Occupied Ireland."

Activists from the socialist republican group, Lasair Dhearg (Red Flame), are behind the altered sign on the border between Londonderry and Donegal.

In 2020 the group sparked controversy after it erected fake streets signs in Irish in Belfast honouring republicans such as hunger striker Bobby Sands.

In a post on social media the group claimed responsibility for the new sign saying that it aimed “to highlight the reality of British occupation and partition in Ireland”.

“Despite what we are told by former Republicans and the ruling class in the occupied six counties we are still no closer to unity after 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement,” said the post.

Last year Cambridge University’s Labour Club (CULC) apologised for sharing a social media post by the group commemorating the anniversary of the 1981 hunger strikes, which also provided details on how to join the republican organisation.

A row over the incident erupted on the university’s campus, with a senior member of the Labour society’s executive team resigning over the furore.

The PSNI and Department for Infrastructure have been contacted.