Other News In Brief

Fourth Financial Services Academy Launched In NI

The fourth FinTrU Financial Services Academy has been launched in Northern Ireland.

Twenty graduates will undertake an intensive six week training programme delivered by Belfast Met and Ulster University. The training will have a strong focus on investment opportunities and financial compliance. On completion of the course the graduates will be interviewed for a position with FinTrU.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said: "I am pleased to launch the fourth FinTrU Financial Services Academy. There has been a 100% employment rate for the three previous FinTrU academies. All 20 graduates from the first cohort of graduates now have the opportunity to be promoted from analysts to associates in October 2016, following a clear career path through the company – highlighting how Academies such as this are providing opportunities for our talented young people to progress up the skills ladder."

Falling Water Levels Detected At Reservoir In Lisburn

Falling water levels have been detected at Leathemstown Reservoir in Lisburn, according to NI Water.

However, the firm confirmed it will not effect customers water supplies but an inspection will have to be carried out.

The reservoir has been out of service since 2007 and will need to be nearly empty before staff can attempt to enter the tower to carry out the inspection.

Stewart Walsh, NI Water, said: "While this will have no impact on customers’ water supply and the reservoir is not presently leased for fishing, members of the public may have concerns regarding fish stocks. We are working with our colleagues in NIEA and Inland Fisheries to attempt to remove fish and release them to a local watercourse."

BCC And Other Agencies Slammed Over Ignoring Plans To Keep Bonfire Under Control

The Alliance Party has hit out at the Belfast City Council (BCC) and other agencies over allegedly ignoring an agreed protocol which has resulted in a planned bonfire close to the Comber Greenway in east Belfast allowed to grow out of control.

Last year homes in the Chobham Street had to be boarded up, while the Council has already removed equipment from a play park to protect it from severe heat damage - a move Councillor Armitage says could have been avoided.

Councillor David Armitage said: "After the severe danger this Bonfire caused last year, it was agreed that action would be taken to prevent this happening again, but unfortunately these plans have been ignored.

"It was agreed pallets would be taken away where appropriate, allowing this Bonfire to continue but without the serious threat to the safety of residents.

"Over the past few weeks I've continued to report excess pallets being dumped, with Belfast City Council and a number of other agencies effectively passing the buck when it came to taking responsibility for removing them.

"We are now left in the same situation as last year - approaching bonfire night with the views of residents being ignored, despite the work I have put in over the past few weeks to represent their interests."

(CD/MH)