Cllr Gary McKeown beside a newly installed alleygate

I also know there are residents in other streets across Botanic who want gates, and I put through requests for them, but there wasn't enough funding to cover it which is disappointing, but they'll be kept on the shortlist if any further money becomes available.

Great to see the alleygates going in around Ballynafeigh. It's been a while coming, but I'm glad that after requesting these on behalf of residents, they're finally being installed. I know some residents have concerns about them, but I hope that it works out ok and they provide extra security.

Hate graffiti in South Belfast

Wall after hate graffiti was removed

Disgusted at the hate graffiti that appeared on a wall in South Belfast, but massive thanks to council staff who were out removing it within minutes of me reporting it through. Intolerance has no place in our city.

Smashed bus shelter with glass strewn across the pavement.

Really disappointing to see that this bus shelter on the Ormeau Road has been smashed. I've been in contact with Translink to request its repair, but take it easy in the meantime if you're in the area, especially if you're walking a dog as there's a lot of glass on the pavement.

The bumps are the obstacle, as it were.

DfI need to sign off the traffic control measures. I've been on to the housing association regularly about it – it's crazy how long it's taking.

SDLP activists ahead of delivering a newsletter

We're out today delivering our community newsletter. If you see us, say hello! 👋🏻

Cllr Gary McKeown beside work taking place on the Ormeau Road to replace ornate streetlamps.

I'm delighted that we've been able to get the ornate street lamps on the Ormeau Road saved. It's ridiculous that work had started to rip them out in the first place, so this is a victory for common sense.

Concerned about the security alert on Empire Street, and my thoughts are with those who have been evacuated. I'm sure it's very worrying for everyone affected. An emergency support centre has been set up for residents at the Olympia Leisure Centre. Drivers should avoid the area.

Cllr Gary McKeown beside work to remove ornate lamp posts on the Ormeau Road

I'm in disbelief that the DfI plans to rip out the ornate street lamps on the lower Ormeau Road – the ones that carry the hanging baskets during the summer – to replace them with "unpainted galvanised columns". These complement the character of the area but are being scrapped with zero consultation.

Graphic with Cllr Gary McKeown outside Olympia Leisure Centre highlighting the introduction of discounted memberships for single parent families.

I was shocked to discover that only two-parent families are eligible to access discounted membership for council leisure facilities, meaning single parent families can't. This is wrong, so I'm glad that my proposal to create discounted single parent family memberships was passed tonight.

A swastika written on a bus stop sign in Belfast city centre.

Swastikas scrawled across a bus stop in the city centre. I've it reported to Translink for removal. Racism has no place in Belfast.

Cllr Gary McKeown beside the Christmas tree in Belfast City Hall

I got agreement for the charity fundraising box to be installed at the Christmas tree in Belfast City Hall again this year, with money being raised for @medicalaidpal.bsky.social given the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as NI Children's Hospice locally. Please donate if you're calling in 🎄