09 June 2009

Other NI News In Brief

Car Forced Off The Road In Hit-And-Run Incident

A car has been rammed off the road in a hit and run collision involving a suspected stolen vehicle in Co.Down. Two women in their 20's were traveling in a Toyota on the Comber Road, Newtownards, on Monday night, when a Ford Puma with a man and woman inside forced their car off the road. The women were taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The Ford was later found burnt out in the Scrabo estate.

NI Soldier Injured In Afghanistan Blast

A young soldier from Portavogie injured in an explosion in Afghanistan has been flown to hospital in England to recover. Corporal Colin Thompson, 22, known as "Thomper", was injured in an explosion on Thursday in which another soldier died. Corporal Thompson currently a member of 2 Rifles, based in Ballykinler, is a former member of the Royal Irish Regiment. MLA Jim Shannon said his thoughts were with the family.

IFA President Angry At Venue Change

IFA president Raymond Kennedy has called for compensation for NI supporters after the Polish FA switched the venue of the World Cup qualifier. Hundreds of fans who have made arrangements to stay in Berlin - which is near the orginal venue in Szczecin - will have to take a 12 hour train journey or a six hour car journey from the capital to reach the new venue in Chorzow. Polish FA officials told the IFA on Monday that they had taken the decision to change the venue because promised ground improvements had not taken place in Szczecin. "Our fans now have to make alternative travel arrangements and it is not acceptable," said Mr Kennedy.

New Survey Highlights Confusion Between 'Use By Date' and 'Best Before' Dates

A survey has revealed 41% of Northern Ireland's over 60s put their health at risk by not checking the 'use by' date on food labels. The survey released today by safefood and the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI) marks the start of National Food Safety Week which runs from 15th to 21st June 2009. As the number of cases of Listeria has increased recently within this age group, the aim of this year's National Food Safety Week is to remind people about good food hygiene and the correct methods for storing and handling food at home.The survey also revealed that 59% of people reported eating perishable foods two days or more past their 'use-by' date, which can lead to food poisoning. The 'use-by' date is the date that food can be used up to, provided it has been stored as described on the label. The 'use-by' date is not to be confused with the 'best before' date which provides an indication of the quality of the food.

(GK/JM)