Mortar Condemned

Members of the NI Policing Board have voiced their condemnation following the discovery of a viable device in Armagh during the early hours of Thursday morning. Board Chairman, Barry Gilligan said: "At today's meeting members were briefed on the incident and roundly condemned those responsible for it. It was very fortunate that no-one was killed or seriously injured by this viable device and the people behind this reckless act had complete disregard for public safety. The member of the public who alerted the police is to be commended and anyone with any information concerning this incident should contact the police immediately," he said.

Free Parking

The NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced there will be free on-street car parking in part of Belfast city centre in the run up to Christmas. "This will be a welcome boost to shoppers and traders in Belfast city centre and I hope it will help to ensure a successful Christmas for the city. From Monday 23 November to Saturday 26 December at 4.30pm each day, we are suspending enforcement operations, allowing free parking in streets at the back of the City Hall, where on-street parking charges currently apply. The streets involved are Bedford Street, Linenhall Street, Adelaide Street, Alfred Street, Ormeau Avenue, Franklin Street, Clarence Street and Linenhall Street West," he said, noting there are some 330 charged on-street parking paces in this area.

Hartley Honoured

Tom Hartley, Lord Mayor of Belfast last year has been presented with the Person of the Year Award at the Aisling Awards - 'Belfast’s Oscars' - at the Europa Hotel. He was honoured yesterday evening by the Speaker and President of New York City Council Christine Quinn. The Sinn Féin councillor is well-known for his work in reclaiming the shared history of Belfast and has a long record of community and cultural endeavour. Peacemaker Alan McBride, who lost his wife and father-in-law in the IRA Shankill bombing in 1993, was also presented with the Roll of Honour accolade at the 13th annual Aisling Awards gala. The award was presented by Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long.

Benefits Made Easy

A comprehensive new online benefit calculator for Northern Ireland was launched this week by NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie. The first of its kind, the online benefit calculator caters for people of all ages - including those with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities - allowing them to calculate the benefits to which they may be entitled. The service – which can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/benefits-adviser free of charge will mean that customers can now estimate their own benefit entitlement with total anonymity, in the comfort of their own home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Previously customers would have had to either call into a Jobs and Benefits Office, or make a phone call to enquire about their benefit eligibility.

(BMcC/KMcA)