inform-residents-newsletter-summer-2017 (3)

13 In brief The dangers associated with blind cords to young children, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 36 months, cannot be over emphasised. Three deaths in the last 3 years in Northern Ireland have been attributed to blind cords. A video highlighting the dangers and recommending to parents, relatives and carers the steps they can take at home to reduce injuries and deaths, has been produced by the Public Health Agency (PHA), in association with local councils in Northern Ireland. To view the video visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/blind-cord-safety These simple steps can be taken by parents, relatives and carers, around the home: • Examine every blind. If they have a looped control chain or cord and do not have a safety device fitted, then you can easily install one of the safety devices available • Ensure that all operating blind cords and chains are kept out of children’s reach • Ensure cots, beds and any furniture are kept away from windows and blinds – remember children love to climb • When buying a new blind, always look for one that does not contain cords, has concealed cords or has an in-built safety device and that complies with the 2014 European Standards. For further advice on blind cord safety, or to obtain free blind cord safety devices, contact the Council’s Home Assessment Officer using the contact details on page 2. The Council recently held its annual Employee Recognition Awards which recognise and celebrate the dedication and contribution of our employees in the delivery of high quality, value for money services. On the evening of the awards, presentations were made to employees who had reached the milestone of 20, 30 or 40 years’ service, to those that had retired in the past year and to those that had achieved academic success. For the second year the Council awarded the Innovation Award, which is presented to an employee or a team for their commendable contribution to the performance of the Council. This year the award was given to the Community Planning and Performance team in recognition of its successful management of a complex programme of work leading to the development of the first Community Plan for the district making the Fermanagh and Omagh district the first of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland to have an agreed Plan in place (see page 10). New community centre for Enniskillen’s West End Construction of the West End Community Centre is progressing well with the Centre expected to open this summer. Once complete, the purpose built facility, which is located on what was an under-utilised community green in the area, will replace the temporary facility on the Sligo Road. The modern community centre will allow for the numerous activities currently operating in the temporary facility to be relocated to the new venue for the whole community to enjoy. It will also provide meeting space for community groups in the area. The project was made possible with funding of almost £357,000 from the Department for Communities and over £108,000 from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Recognising our employees It takes only seconds for a toddler to lose their life on a blind cord – make your home safe! Artist’s impression of the newWest End Community Centre Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Councillor Mary Garrity and Councillor Bert Wilson presenting the Innovation Award to the Community Planning and Performance team