SDLP East Derry constituency worker Roisin Loftus has promised to make tackling litter problems in rural areas a top priority as she replaces John Dallat as the party's councillor for Coleraine Borough.

Mr Dallat resigned from Coleraine Borough Council to focus on his Assembly work as Deputy Speaker and SDLP Environment Spokesperson.

Ms Loftus comments: "My ten years of experience in John Dallat’s constituency office have given me a great insight into the work of a public representative and have motivated me to take on this role of public service.

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"Over the past decade I have dealt with many constituency problems and have obtained a great deal of satisfaction working with people who contact the SDLP offices in Kilrea and Limavady.

"As a councillor I want to see what can be done to create new partnerships within our community to deal with local problems including litter and fly-tipping."

She continued: "I live in the countryside and it is soul-destroying to see so much litter thrown from passing vehicles. The environment belongs to everyone and it has to be protected.

"Over the next few weeks I will be out and about to introduce myself to local ratepayers, to listen to their views and to take forward John Dallat's plans for improvements in the Kilrea, Garvagh, Ringsend, Macosquin and Castlerock areas."

(NS/BMcC)