The likelihood of encountering rats and mice around your home increases significantly in the warmer weather.
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer and Rebecca Koncienzcy
03:23, 29 Jun 2026
As the warmer months approach, the likelihood of encountering rats and mice near your home rises considerably. Spring was the start of a crucial breeding period for these rodents, leaving them hungry, seeking refuge and reproducing at an alarming rate — making our homes ideal nesting spots.
Not preparing for this and overlooking the early indicators can quickly result in a full-scale rodent infestation across your property. Apart from the potentially significant expense of pest control, there’s also the genuine threat of contracting diseases.
Thankfully, there may be a straightforward and affordable solution to ward them off, reports the Express.
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Glen Peskett, DIY specialist from Saxton Blades, proposes that one everyday kitchen ingredient can repel rats from your property all year round: garlic.
He said: “Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare.
“Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented.
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“These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home.”
The solution is remarkably budget-friendly, with a four-pack available for just 87p at Asda, working out at roughly 22p per bulb.
How to use garlic to keep rats and mice away
Place garlic cloves at entry points throughout your property where rodents are most likely to enter.
These creatures are typically drawn to locations such as basements, garages, kitchens and lofts, so make sure you position them close to any gaps and doorways around the exterior of your home.
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Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar can likewise be extremely effective in deterring unwanted pests from entering your property.
Having said that, repellents on their own aren’t the complete answer. Tackling other problems, such as decluttering, can remove potential hiding places that rats might use to build their nests.
Food waste is another significant draw for rats, so ensure your bins are tightly closed, dispose of rubbish regularly, and clean up any spills immediately.
Lastly, inspect your property carefully for any openings, especially beneath doors or around vents, and seal them up – even the tiniest of holes can provide rats and mice with enough space to get through.
Organisers have said more attractions will be announced ahead of the event.
Smithills Garden Party 2024. Picture Henry Lisowski
While entry is free, some activities will carry a charge.
Guests are being encouraged to travel to the event by foot or public transport to help reduce parking pressures around the historic site.
The annual Garden Party has become a popular fixture in Bolton’s summer events calendar, attracting families from across the borough.
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Smithills Hall, which dates back more than 800 years, is one of Bolton’s most significant historic buildings and sits within extensive grounds on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.
Last year’s event attracted hundreds of visitors who enjoyed food stalls, ice cream, games, and interactive storytelling in the estate’s grounds.
Ofsted said parents and carers hold ‘mixed views’ of the school
Teachers at a school near Cambridgeshire have been warned by Ofsted that all areas assessed “needs attention”. Staff at Sutton Bridge Westmere Community Primary School on Anne Road, near the Cambridgeshire border, have been praised by inspectors for being “well trained” and teaching a “consistent programme”.
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The report, published on Tuesday, June 23, said progress varies across the curriculum. It added: “Pupils do not always remember key knowledge from previous learning. This limits how well they build knowledge over time and affects their readiness for their next steps.”
Pupils’ achievement is “uneven”, although it improved in 2025, according to Ofsted. Many pupils do not have secure reading, writing, or mathematics skills, the report said.
The school received a ‘needs attention’ rating in all seven areas assessed by the education watchdog. This includes: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Executive Headteacher Karyn Herd said: “ We are pleased that Ofsted recognised the caring, inclusive environment that defines Westmere. The report reflects many areas we were already working hard to strengthen, and we are encouraged that inspectors saw clear evidence of improvement.
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“Our staff, pupils and families are committed to moving forward together, and we are confident that the positive changes underway will continue to accelerate.”
Part of the report from the inspection on March 10 said: “Parents and carers hold mixed views. Some praise the school, but others worry about safeguarding, behaviour, the provision for pupils with SEND and communication. Leaders continue to strengthen the quality of provision in response.”
Inspectors praised leaders and governors who “care deeply about the school’s inclusive values” and show “a strong commitment to helping children with complex needs”. The education watchdog said leaders and governors understand the school’s strengths and the areas that should be prioritised, including behaviour, attendance and the quality of the curriculum.
Behaviour in the school was found to show a “mixed picture” where suspension rates remain high. The report said “most pupils behave well in lessons and around school”.
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A spokesperson for Sutton Bridge Westmere Community Primary School said: “The report highlights the school’s inclusive ethos, strong pastoral care and the dedication of staff who ‘take pride in welcoming pupils with the most complex needs’. Inspectors also noted improvements already taking shape, particularly in early years, curriculum structure and behaviour support.”
A new ‘pathway’ class, which provides bespoke support, meets pupils’ needs and has recently helped to reduce suspensions, according to Ofsted. The school has also reportedly introduced a new early years curriculum, strengthened phonics teaching and improved curriculum sequencing. Inspectors acknowledged that these developments are beginning to have a positive impact.
A spokesperson for the school added: “While the report identifies areas that ‘need attention’, this new Ofsted category is not the same as the previous ‘requires improvement’ judgement. It recognises that leaders understand the school’s priorities and are already taking effective steps to address them.
“The school will continue to work closely with families, governors and external partners to build on recent progress and ensure every child receives a high‑quality, consistent education.”
Mary Berry’s salad is a perfect summer lunch or dinner option during warmer weather – and it takes less than 10 minutes to make
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Journalist and Rebecca Koncienzcy
02:11, 29 Jun 2026
Sweltering weather frequently discourages many from spending time in the kitchen making hot meals. Deciding what to prepare during hot weather can prove difficult, but thankfully, Mary Berry provides a perfect summer recipe.
The renowned TV chef has countless recipes to her name, though one especially well-suited to warmer months is her chicken, avocado and bacon salad. It serves perfectly as a summer lunch or evening meal choice.
Her recipe, featured on BBC Food, serves six people and takes under 10 minutes of cooking time, helping to reduce time spent in hot kitchens. The description notes: “Mary Berry’s yoghurt and tarragon dressing takes this chicken, bacon and avocado salad to another level.”
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Mary’s recipe has received favourable feedback from those who’ve already tried it. Furthermore, it contains no eggs or nuts and is appropriate during pregnancy.
Mary Berry’s chicken, avocado and bacon salad
Ingredients
Yoghurt and tarragon dressing
300ml natural yoghurt
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Half lemon, juice only
One tbsp chopped tarragon leaves
Two small spring onions, finely sliced
One tbsp Dijon mustard
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One tsp caster sugar
Two tsp white wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad
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One cooked chicken, skin removed and meat sliced into pieces
Six rashes smoked streaky bacon
Two Little Gem, leaves separated
50g rocket
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Two small avocados, sliced
25g pumpkin seeds, toasted
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Method
Make the yoghurt and tarragon dressing by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir the cooked chicken into the dressing and make sure it’s completely coated. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for two hours, or overnight.
Grill the bacon or cook it in a pan until it turns crisp and golden-brown. Set aside on kitchen paper.
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Once cooled, cut into small pieces. On a large serving dish, arrange two or three lettuce leaves together to create a cup shape.
Add a layer of rocket leaves. Continue until you have six lettuce cups positioned in a circular formation resembling a wreath.
Distribute the chicken mixture over the top. Add the avocado on top of the chicken.
Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper prior to serving.
Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the royal family to complete the Three Peaks (Picture: @Kensington Royal)
Smiling through the buckets of rain, the Princess of Wales defied the odds to prove she was ‘strong enough’ to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.
In a secret endurance test, just 17 months after announcing she was in remission from cancer, Kate took on the ‘personal’ expedition to raise money for a charity supporting others living with the disease.
The future queen climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours, starting on Saturday evening.
She carried out the challenge solo, supported en route by Mountain Rescue, and was greeted at the end by the Prince of Wales and her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton.
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Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the royal family to complete the Three Peaks.
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The Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital (Picture: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
The royal family celebrated the undertaking, with the monarchy’s official social media account posting: ‘Congratulations to The Princess of Wales.’
Kate revealed she had taken on the trek, not only as a physical endeavour but ‘to give something back’ and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness.
In a video released on Sunday, the princess said she had met some ‘incredible people’ living with and beyond cancer, adding: ‘I know personally how difficult that journey is.’
The princess, who was recorded speaking before she started the walk, said: ‘Lots of people have asked me why I’m doing this challenge, and partly, it’s personal.
‘I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills.
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‘But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country.’
Kate also released a picture smiling broadly at the misty summit of Ben Nevis wearing a drenched cagoule and trekking poles on her back.
The princess could be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The princess wrote: ‘I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.
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‘The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.
‘Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare.’
Sharing her own experience of cancer, she spoke of how she personally understood that the illness can affect every aspect of someone’s life.
The princess added: ‘Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no-one wants to hear.
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‘What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
‘Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally.’
Catherine, Princess of Wales, was looking miles away from her glamorous Ascot appearance (Picture: 2026 Samir Hussein)
Kate trekked for 23 miles, with a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet, and a driving distance of 462 miles between locations.
She was previously treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has launched a specially designed fundraising page for people across the nation to donate.
Money raised will be used to help more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care.
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The princess, who has long campaigned over the importance of spending time outdoors, wrote: “In the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward.
‘It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.
‘Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no-one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.
‘Please know you are not alone.’
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Kate, who signed her personal message with a “C”, also wrote of the benefit of holistic therapies.
Money raised will also support research into how holistic care can best work alongside clinical cancer treatments to help patients, with the goal of creating a blueprint for change, so the supportive care becomes a standard part of cancer treatment nationally.
Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, and she announced she was in remission 17 months ago in January 2025.
The physical challenge marks the latest milestone for the princess, who has gradually returned to royal duties, and last month restarted her international travel with a working trip to Italy.
Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was a late inclusion in England’s squad for the World Cup in the United States.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel again in England’s final World Cup group game against Panama. Tuchel introduced Jordan Henderson in the 84th minute, but Mainoo was an unused substitute.
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Henderson was a controversial inclusion in England’s squad for the tournament. The 36-year-old returned to the Premier League when he signed for Brentford last year after playing for Ajax and Al-Ettifaq.
Mainoo worked hard to get into the England squad, so will be disappointed not to have played a single minute so far. The Stockport-born midfielder is one of three outfield players in the squad (along with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney) not to have been given a single minute.
Mainoo did not start a Premier League game this season for United until Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. Michael Carrick immediately reinstated him to the team, and his sparkling form in the second half of the campaign earned him a place in England’s squad for the World Cup.
Reflecting on the first half of his season, Mainoo told England reporters in the USA: “I mean, obviously there were difficult times.
“But I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has.”
When asked if he had Carrick to partly thank for his World Cup call-up, he said: “Definitely, and I told him that I was very grateful. Because if he hadn’t put me on the pitch, then I wouldn’t have been here so, I’m always grateful to him for that.”
Henderson was important for Brentford last season, but anyone who watched him and Mainoo in the Premier League should agree that it was strange to see him get onto the pitch over the United talent against Panama.
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The former Liverpool midfielder has been picked for the leadership he can offer, and is said to be very close to Jude Bellingham. However, he is the past for England, and Mainoo will be a big part of the future.
Tuchel insisted Mainoo had a role to play at the World Cup when he sat down for his first press conference of the tournament.
“The squad has a significant number of players that will compete for starting minutes and starting places, [which] also gives us the chance to rotate on a high level and a significant number of players who carry the [sporting] responsibility on the highest level,” he said.
“We have a huge chunk of youthfulness in the squad. We have six players who have won titles with the under-21s. We have Kobbie, who is still young and has won his titles [and] we have Nico O’Reilly on top, who is young and already won his medals.”
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Mainoo has watched the action from the bench, while O’Reilly has started two games and made an appearance from the bench in the other.
The irony is that Mainoo has a skillset that would have been hugely beneficial to England in their games against Panama and Ghana, particularly the latter fixture, in which they struggled to unlock a low block.
It was bizarre to see Henderson get into the pitch over Mainoo. Perhaps Tuchel will redeem himself by introducing him from the bench in the knockout rounds.
Video: Israel destroys Hezbollah underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon
Israel destroys Hezbollah underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon
Namita Singh29 June 2026 04:52
Iran and US agree to halt attacks and renew talks, US official says
Iran and the United States agreed to halt recent hostilities in the Gulf and renew talks regarding their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said on Sunday, raising hopes of saving an interim peace deal that was under pressure from days of tit-for-tat strikes.
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“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the Mou. Both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely,” the official said, referring to the 14-point memorandum of understanding that was agreed on 17 June under which the strait would be re-opened for traffic.
A cargo ship is pictured off coast of the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in Sharjah Emirate, along the Gulf of Oman on 28 June 2026 (AFP/Getty)
Axios, which first reported the cessation of hostilities, citing a senior US official, said talks would resume on Tuesday in Qatar.
A return to diplomacy would follow several days of strikes and counterstrikes since an Iranian projectile hit a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, with both the US and Iran accusing the other of breaking an interim ceasefire that was agreed to on 17 June.
Iran launched missiles and drones at US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain early on Sunday, shortly after president Donald Trump threatened that the Islamic Republic would cease to exist if it did not honor the agreement to end the war.
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Namita Singh29 June 2026 04:26
Israel moves to formally recognise Armenian WWI deaths as genocide
Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved a proposal on Sunday to designate violence against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during First World War as genocide.
The step, which still needs approval in parliament, reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey. Turkey has fiercely lobbied to prevent countries from officially recognising the mass deaths of Armenians around 1915 as a genocide, even as Armenians have pushed for it.
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Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks around the time of World War I, an event widely viewed by scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey denies that the deaths constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.
For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on.
“Despite the extensive and unambiguous historical documentation, the Armenian Genocide remains to this day the subject of an institutionalised campaign of denial and minimisation, including a manipulative rewriting of history, mainly by the Turkish government,” said Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar, who brought the decision to the government.
Turkey called Israel’s move a “politically motivated” step meant to distract from the country’s own actions against Palestinians.
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Namita Singh29 June 2026 04:15
RECAP: Interim ceasefire under strain as US and Iran exchange fire over Strait of Hormuz
The interim peace deal between the US and Iran is under strain after both sides traded blows as tensions escalate over shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US bombarded Iranian military sites for the second day in row on Sunday in response to drone attacks on cargo ships in the region.
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26 June: Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely cargo ship was hit by a drone in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump called the incident a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement before the US hit back, striking targets in Iran’s Sirik region.
27 June: A Panama-flagged MT Kiku cargo ship was also struck in the Strait. Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday evening to warn that Iran would “no longer exist” if Tehran kept breaking the ceasefire. US Central Command confirmed it had launched fresh strikes on Iranian military sites “in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping”.
28 June: Iran on Sunday said its naval and aerospace forces carried out a joint missile and drone operation targeting US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, and warned further violations would receive a “crushing response”. Gulf allies condemned the attacks in the region, but Iran’s foreign minister warned that any challenge to Iranian oversight of the strait will “increase tensions”.
Amy-Clare Martin29 June 2026 04:00
What has Iran’s foreign minister said?
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said bringing maritime traffic back to pre-war levels in the Strait of Hormuz lies solely with Tehran, and warned that any challenge over the strait will “increase tensions”.
The comments were made in a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad on Sunday, as the pair discussed the latest attacks as well as the all-important issue of the strait, according to Reuters.
Araghchi also reiterated his previous position that the memorandum of understanding signed with the US mandates that Israel withdraw from Lebanon and end its strikes there.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart (AFP/Getty)
Amy-Clare Martin29 June 2026 03:00
By numbers: Impact of Iran-US war on fuel prices at the pump
The four month conflict has sent fuel prices rocketing as countries reliant on Brent crude faced shortages of fuel.
In the UK, diesel prices shot up to £1.92, an increase of nearly 50 pence compared to pre-war, while unleaded petrol rose by 27 pence to around £1.59. These were the highest prices since highest since the late 2022, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent unleaded prices up to £1.91 and diesel up to £1.99.
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Amy-Clare Martin29 June 2026 02:00
Trump promises farmers they will get to sell crops to ‘lovely country of Iran’ after war
President Donald Trump has promised American farmers they will soon be able to sell their crops to the “lovely country of Iran” now that he has signed a memorandum of understanding to end his war.
Amy-Clare Martin29 June 2026 01:00
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In detail: How Iran-US war hit global oil prices
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has had a direct impact on global oil prices. With Brent crude – the global benchmark – rocketing to a peak of $114 per barrel in early May, a seismic shift was felt across the world.
Prices have largely recovered since a temporary truce came into place between Washington and Tehran, with prices now sitting at around $77 per barrel – $6 higher than the day before the war, but nearly $19 higher than a year-low of $59 in early January.
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Amy-Clare Martin29 June 2026 00:00
ICYMI: Iran hit out at ‘unfair’ and ‘unsportsmanlike treatment’ as they exit World Cup
Iran’s football team fired a parting shot at what they called the “unfair and unsportsmanlike” treatment they have received as they left the World Cup.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, in which Iran had a goal disallowed after a lengthy VAR check, was not enough for them to reach the knockout stages, ending a fraught tournament amid their nation’s conflict with the US.
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The team had been due to be based in Arizona but switched to Tijuana, Mexico, and have faced a number of travel restrictions for their matches in the United States.
In a statement as they headed home, the Iranian federation (FFIRI) thanked the media for covering their situation.
“Thank you for your professionalism, your support and for covering not only our team’s sporting journey but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation experienced during our stay,” the statement said.
Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle (Getty)
Amy-Clare Martin28 June 2026 23:00
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Full story: Iran attacks Bahrain and Kuwait following US strikes
Iran‘s Revolutionary Guard launched drone and missile attacks on Sunday targeting Bahrain and Kuwait in response to U.S. airstrikes that hit the Islamic Republic, and threatened a “complete halt” to negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.
The two brick-and-mortar Hip locations in Manchester and Leeds will shut but the brand will continue trading online – this after JD Sports closed 24 stores across the UK earlier this year
Two stores owned by a popular sport-fashion retail chain are set to close on high streets this week.
The Manchester Hip branch on Thomas Street will close down on June 28 and the Leeds branch on Yorkshire city’s Vicar Lane will follow suit at the end of the month, according to Drapers.
Despite its departure from the high street, Hip is set to continue to trade online via its website.
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JD Sports was forced to closed 24 UK stores earlier this year due to financial uncertainty, but still operates 4,000 stores worldwide.
JD Sports has decided to scale back the operation and will cut underperforming stores to place more focus on more popular locations.
Last month, The Mirror reported that JD Sports will shut 175 Hibbett stores in the US in the following three years to focus on more profitable locations.
The British retailer took on the Hibbett brand in 2024 for $1.1 billion as part of its expansion in the US.
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Over the past two years the sporting outlet has faced tough competition, including from Dick’s Sporting Goods, which bought Foot Locker for $2.5 billion.
The company has also recently reported a drop in annual earnings.
The brand explained that it had concerns that tensions in the Middle East could mean higher costs and decreased customer interest.
It said that there had been no “direct exposure” – just “heightened uncertainty”.
The business shared plans to cut down on bricks-and-mortar sites in order to have “fewer, bigger and better” shops.
JD Sports told Manchester Evening News in May: “Over time, the potential future impacts of heightened uncertainty may contribute to direct cost pressures, including energy and fuel costs across our store and logistics networks, respectively, as well as potential indirect impacts on pricing and consumer demand should input cost inflation emerge.”
Last week, Belfast Live reported that the Independence Day concert, which was due to take place at Belfast City Hall, had been cancelled due to a failure to secure a headline act
21:28, 28 Jun 2026
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The Department for Communities is scrambling to claw back up to £10,000 paid to the Ulster Scots Agency as an advance for their USA250 concert that had been scheduled to take place on 4th July at Belfast City Hall.
The USA250 concert, intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, was completely abandoned last week after organisers admitted they failed to secure headline acts.
Back in January, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced a £30,000 public funding package for the event, promising a line-up of “high-profile acts” with US artists joining via video link.
Following a week of silence, the Department for Communities has now admitted that a £10,000 advance of taxpayer cash was paid out before the event collapsed.
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The department also conceded that a portion of that public money has already been spent on “preparation” for the non-existent gig and cannot be recovered.
A spokesperson for the Department for Communities told Belfast Live : “Around £10,000 was allocated as an advance. We are engaging with the Ulster Scots Agency on the return of funding not expended on preparation for the event.”
The admission comes after a week of stonewalling from the department, which initially sought to distance itself from the fiasco.
Following Belfast Live’s initial coverage of the concert’s collapse last week, departmental officials contacted this publication requesting that reference to the Department for Communities be removed from the article.
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Officials claimed the Ulster Scots Agency was solely responsible for the cancellation, despite Minister Lyons having personally fronted the original funding announcement.
Sinn Féin Communities spokesperson and chair of Stormont’s Communities Committee, Colm Gildernew MLA said that the Minister needs to ensure that all of the £30,000 that was allocated to the event is returned to the public purse.
“The Communities Minister has a track record of wasting public funds on his own pet projects,” he said.
“He wasted £5,500 on research on JD Vance’s genealogy in a failed attempt to prove an Ulster Scot’s connection.
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“Not to mention spending over £60,000 in his department’s involvement in a legal challenge to Belfast City Council’s draft Irish Language Strategy.
“Now it’s confirmed that a concert to celebrate American Independence, which he has allocated £30,000 to the Ulster Scots Agency to organise, is not going to happen.
“The Minister needs to ensure that all of the £30,000 is returned to the public purse.
“He also needs to start putting his attention and limited departmental resources into issues that are priorities, such as building more homes and tackling poverty and disadvantage.”
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When the cancellation was confirmed, a spokesperson for the Ulster Scots Agency stated that the event would not proceed due to “a number of factors, including availability of potential headline acts.”
Defending the wider programme, the DfC spokesperson added: “There is a wide range of other US-NI250 projects being delivered across the summer. More information is available at www.usa-ni250.co.uk ”
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