Derry On Alert

An SDLP Councillor, John Tierney, has condemned what police have described as a 'suspect device' left in the Harvey Street area of the city centre. "This suspect device caused a huge degree of disruption and frustration to the residents of the area who had to be evacuated. It also caused disruption and frustration to local businesses and shoppers who were making their way into the city centre for the day. The police clearly believed it presented a credible threat as they called in the bomb squad," he said this morning. The police have closed the area around Harvey Street, off Waterloo Street and part of William Street has also been closed and traffic is being diverted away from the area.

Villages Vie For Lottery

Two Northern Ireland villages are a step closer to finding out if they will secure up to £400,000 of Lottery money to set up new community reviving enterprises and have their journey documented by the BBC for a major prime time series. Village SOS - an initiative by Big Lottery Fund and the BBC to inspire UK rural revival - aims to fund six rural villages, including one in Northern Ireland, to develop business ventures that will breathe new life into their areas, create new jobs and improve the quality of life for local people. Ballygally Community Development Association in Antrim has secured £7,500 to develop big plans to build a retail shop and community hall in the village main street transforming an eyesore into a vibrant social enterprise. Belleek and District Community Partnership in Fermanagh was also awarded £10,000 to develop plans to create a youth hostel and international language school in the heart of the village.

Gathering Winter Fuel

Thousands of householders in Belfast are being given the opportunity to be warm this winter while getting a little help to balance their fuel bills. A savings stamp card for Belfast City Council's 'Be warm' scheme has been included in each edition of our residents' magazine City Matters. This is aimed at helping people save £5.00 stamps towards their oil bills - every full card is the equivalent of £200. Retailers across the city and 19 oil companies are taking part in the scheme.

SF Attack BBC

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd has said he is amazed that the BBC has placed such prominence on the concerns of a UUP MLA regarding the diary commitments of NI Education Minister Caitríona Ruane. "The facts are that the Minister is attending a British Irish Council meeting, the Assembly Road Shows, while important in their own right, have had to date very low public attendance and interest. Concluding Mr O' Dowd said: "The only news worthy item in this manufactured news story is that there is no news worthy content in it." The Minister was earlier accused of 'ducking the issue' in fear of being tackled over the contentious 11-Plus debate.

(BMcC/GK)