Cllr Liz McGowan

24/10/2026

STORM BOELO UPDATE: The Foyle Bridge in Derry has now been closed while a weather warning for strong winds has been upgraded to amber for the north west

• Amber Wind Warning (Met Office): In effect from Saturday, October 23, at 9:00 PM through Sunday, October 24, at 9:00 PM. Widespread gusts of 60–70 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph in exposed coastal and high ground areas.
• Yellow Wind & Rain Warnings (Met Office): Additional yellow wind and rain alerts span across the weekend into Monday, October 25, at 12:00 PM, bringing heavy and blustery downpours alongside ongoing strong gusts.
Please be careful if travelling and look out for vulnerable neighbours.

11/10/2026

Advice NI is extremely concerned about amendments to the Holiday Hunger Bill tabled at the last possible moment by the Education Minister. The proposed changes put the implementation timetable in the control of the Minister and the Department. As a result, parents and children would have no guarantees about when, if ever, payments might begin.

In response, we and others are calling on all political parties and all MLAs to reject the amendments tabled by the Education Minister and support the Bill as it currently stands. Read our joint press release at https://www.adviceni.net/about/news/families-distraught-holiday-hunger-bill-jeopardy.

05/10/2026

Some info regarding the £63 electricity support scheme.

05/10/2026

Be The Change’ Conference 2026 at Guildhall
‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’

Dove House have confirmed their ‘Be The Change’ Conference in Derry’s Guildhall for Wednesday, October 21 which will highlight the need to find a solution to violence against women and girls.

It's hoped that the Conference will create a safe and inspiring space to raise awareness, share experiences, challenge harmful attitudes and explore how society can take proactive action to create safer, more respectful communities for women and
girls.

The Change’ aims to empower young people to be part of the solution and I encourage everyone to play a role in creating lasting change through participation in the conference.’

All speakers will highlight the work they are doing in tackling violence against women and girls, explain some of the issues they have encountered and clarify their ‘end goal’ in the work they do in various areas of the community.

Special thanks to Derry City & Strabane District Council and executive office for funding the conference .

29/09/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Winter Fuel Payment texts are circulating.

These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm details, or act urgently.

Don't respond, click links, or share personal information.

You can forward suspicious texts to 7726 and check them using Ask Silver.

🔗 friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver

28/09/2026

28/09/2026

26/09/2026

Utterly heartbreaking and shameful that we are getting dragged back to the dark days of 30 years. Shame on anyone who thinks this is the way forward.