Prostitution Charge

Even though a woman was found guilty of controlling prostitutes at a Belfast brothel, she has walked free from court. Cheng Sook Wong, who is originally from Malaysia, was arrested during a police raid on the property at Tates Avenue in the south of the city in November 2008. The 58-year-old answered phone calls and directed punters to the house where Asian women worked as prostitutes. She was given a three month sentence and released because of time spent on remand.

Fermanagh Air Crash

Emergency services are investigating reports that an aircraft has crashed near Boho in Co Fermanagh. It is understood a call reporting the incident was received by St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen at about 10am on Thursday. A fire service spokeswoman said five crews were assisting in a search operation, which was being co-ordinated by the police. The search area has now moved from Boho to Monea. An Irish Coastguard helicopter has also been called in.

Sword Seized

Four men were arrested and a samurai sword seized in Bangor, Co Down early yesterday. The PSNI said that a car with the four men on board was stopped by officers at Clover Hill at about 2am after they received a report of suspicious activity in the Carlton Heights area of the town in the early hours of Wednesday. Yesterday afternoon, the men, who are aged 32, 22, 21 and 18, were being questioned.

Carrick Road Vesting 'Next Year'

Land arrangements concerning a major Carrickfergus road scheme could be agreed by early next year, the Roads Minister has said. Preliminary works are underway to widen the carriageway between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey, providing a continuous four lane road. The scheme will widen the existing two-lane carriageway to provide two lanes in each direction between Jordanstown and Seapark. Conor Murphy said: "In June, a Geotechnical Investigation was completed along the route and an archaeological investigation is planned for early next year. Subject to funding being available for vesting of land an economic appraisal will be completed before the final statutory notice, the vesting order, is made."

Homes Should 'Winterproof'

Householders have been urged to 'winterproof' their homes, after it was revealed £90m of energy is lost every year because of poor insulation and inefficient heating systems. Noel Williams, Head of the Energy Saving Trust in Northern Ireland, said 'winterproofing' can cut down on the 50% of heat lost through the walls and roof in an uninsulated home this winter. "With the exception of new homes, just about every home in Northern Ireland could benefit from having three energy efficiency measures," he said. The Energy Saving Trust said cavity wall insulation usually costs around £460, but with current incentives the cost is around £310. Loft insulation normally costs around £420, however, a cash refund of up to £150 on installations costing over £300 is available. The Energy Saving Trust believes over 25% heat escapes through roofs.

North Belfast Apartments On Way

Construction work has commenced on five new social houses in north Belfast. The apartments are being built on Cedar Avenue by Ulidia Housing Association. A former crèche facility will be transformed into modern apartments, complemented with further building to the rear. Designed to 'Lifetime Homes' standard, Social Development Minister Margaret Richie said the homes can be easily adapted to suit individual residents' needs. All the properties will be built to 'Eco Homes' standard and will incorporate the latest energy saving, design and security features. Ms Richie said the homes were being built in an area of high housing need.

Utility Board Reappointments

Northern Ireland's utility regulator has made five reappointments to its board. Etain Doyle and Chris Le Fevre will serve until 30 September 2011. Dr Clive Elphick, Philip Johnson and James Oatridge have all been reappointed until 30 September 2012. The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation is the non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services in the province. The reappointments were approved by Stormont Minister for Finance, Sammy Wilson.

(BMcC/KMcA)