Other News In Brief

SDLP Describes Drink Driving Statistics As 'Shocking'

SDLP Policing Board member Daniel McCrossan MLA said he is shocked by early statistics from the PSNI which revealed that 72 people have been caught drink driving in the first week of the annual Christmas campaign.

Mr McCrossan said: "It is a tragic fact that road deaths and injuries increase in the run up to Christmas. As families prepare to spend the festive period together, too many are devastated by the loss of a loved one. It’s incumbent on us all to do all we can to tackle this scourge.

"I was shocked to learn from the PSNI that in the first week of their Christmas campaign alone, they've caught 72 people drink driving. There is absolutely no excuse for getting behind the wheel while drunk. Those who do recklessly put their own life and the lives of all those they encounter on the road at risk. It just isn't worth it.

"It's particularly worrying that the numbers caught are so high before the annual Christmas parties have really started. I would appeal to everyone to exercise care, look after their own well being and the well being of friends and colleagues - don't get behind the wheel and don’t let others get behind the wheel of they’ve been drinking."

Contractors To Begin Work On £125,000 Road Project In Hillsborough

Contractors are to begin work on a £125,000 road improvement project in Hillsborough, Co Down.

The work on the Moira Road is to start on Monday, 05 December, and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2017.

The scheme involves extensive reconstruction and resurfacing of a 1.7 km section of road between Kilwarlin Road and A1 Hillsborough Road.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This significant local investment will improve the strength and surface quality of this important rural route between Moira and Hillsborough. It will also help to resolve ongoing maintenance issues associated with the road.

"The improvement will deliver benefits for the local community and visitors to the Lisburn area for many years to come."

The works will stop on 22 December over the Christmas period and will recommence on Monday 5 January.

Diversions will be put in place.

BBC Accused Of Failing Its Duties

Leader of the DUP at Westminster, Rt Hon Nigel Dodds MP, today raised in the House of Commons the oversight by BBC Sport Personality of the Year to recognise Northern Ireland's sporting heroes in this year's shortlist.

Mr Dodds raised the issue with the Leader of the House, David Lidington MP, calling for a debate on the openness and transparency of the BBC.

Mr Dodds said: "Once again the BBC has exemplified its London-centric, anti- regional approach with its nominations for Sports Personality of the year, with all but two of the nominees from England.

"This in spite of the fact that Carl Frampton from my constituency is widely recognised at the boxer of the year, becoming Northern Ireland’s first double-weight world champion, unifying a world title and defeating a three-weight world champion.

"This decision, and exclusion of other sportsmen and sportswomen from across Northern Ireland has caused outrage across our communities and has lead to ever growing concern with the BBC."

(CD)