18 June 2009

Other NI News In Brief

Victoria Square Jobs Lost

Up to 100 people are to lose their jobs at Victoria Square in Belfast following the announcement that two restaurants in the centre are to close. Staff at Chilli's and Maggiano's were told the news on Wednesday. The restaurants are owned by Brinker, which is closing all its UK outlets.

Derry Jobs To Go

Derry City Council is seeking voluntary redundancies ahead of a radical shake-up of services. The overhaul has the full support of elected members but it has not yet published the details. However, the union, NIPSA, which represents council workers, said it will consult its members before giving a detailed response.

Coleraine Quarry Redevelopment Approved

Plans to redevelop a former quarry and concrete plant in the North West have been given the go-ahead. Farran Homes has secured planning permission to build an £80m scheme on the site of Spital Hill quarry and concrete batching plant in Coleraine.

Prisioners Should 'Do A Runner'

Anyone being detained by police for longer than 36 hours should have access to an exercise treadmill. This week's Criminal Justice Inspection report has suggested that police should consider installing a machine at Antrim Police Station which is used to question suspects about serious crimes. Immigration detainees are also held at the station.

Work On Belfast A3 'Progressing Well'

Over £6.8m is to be invested in Craigavon's roads this year. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said planned works include a major collision remedial scheme on the A3 Belfast Road, Dollingstown, at the junction with Cottage Road and Inn Road. He said it is expected the scheme will be completed by late summer.

Tobacconists In Peril

As many as four out of five corner shops in Northern Ireland could be driven out of business if a ban on tobacco displays is introduced. A study by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance - which represents 26,000 independent shopkeepers across the UK - also found that 97% of retailers in Northern Ireland feel the Government has not listened to their concerns about the display ban.

Parking Space Needed in Derry

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy is to be lobbied on behalf of traders in Londonderry who have said they are still unhappy with the level of parking available in the city centre. About 50 people attended a meeting held by the City Centre Initiative to discuss trading in the city on Tuesday. SDLP Councillor Helen Quigley said she would raise the issue of parking with the Minister.

Roofing Firm Defies Downturn

A Fermanagh-based firm has announced plans to invest £1.3m in developing its environmentally friendly plastic roofing products. Erne Extrusions Ltd specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of moulded plastic products for the GB and European uPVC roofing markets. Invest NI has offered £171,000 towards the investment which will help the new company generate over £2m in sales in its first three years, and create 18 new jobs by 2011.

(BMcC/NS)