UTV Backing Zoo

UTV internet has partnered up with Belfast Zoo by sponsoring the cheetah enclosures through the corporate partnership scheme and has also launched a new competition. With its sponsorship of the two cheetah enclosures the broadcaster is able to showcase brands and services to more than 300,000 visitors and receive key benefits including opportunities to meet some of the animals of the Zoo. To celebrate their partnership, UTV internet is giving away the chance to receive a VIP trip, to include behind the scenes access and a guided tour. To enter, viewers should come up with the best TV names for the two sponsored cheetahs. An entry form is available at the Zoo or:www.utvinternet.com/zoo

Booze 'Bad News'

The Stormont Health Minister said that further action is needed to tackle the alcohol misuse problem that costs Northern Ireland up to £900m per year. He was speaking as findings of a research study to estimate the cost to society of alcohol misuse to Northern Ireland in 2008/09 were published. The study showed that based on 2008/09 prices, the cost was estimated to be £679.8m within a range of £500m and £884m. "Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health issues facing NI and its impact cannot be underestimated. This research shows that the cost to the Health Service alone may be as high as around £160m each year with a further cost of £82m to Social Services. These figures are particularly pertinent in the context of my Department's very challenging financial situation because this is money that could be spent providing key frontline services." The Minister continued: "Too many of our young people are putting their mental and physical health at risk because they are able to buy alcohol at a pocket money price. That is why I strongly support the calls in Scotland and elsewhere for a minimum price for alcohol," he concluded.

Dinghy Tragedy Man Mourned

Many tributes have been paid to the man who died when a dinghy capsized on Strangford Lough at the weekend. Ken Dorman, who was 51 and from Dundonald in Belfast, was sailing with his friend, David Allan and David's two children when the boat overturned. His son Keith, read a statement on behalf of the family on BBC TV on Monday night, which described him as a wonderful husband and father.

Food Firm 'Over The Moon'

Moon and Spoon of Warrenpoint, an award-winning specialist in healthy meals for young children, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to expand sales in the Republic of Ireland and further afield. The company, based at Warrenpoint Enterprise Centre, has received Invest NI marketing support, to drive sales in the Republic beyond the existing level of 70% of turnover. Moon and Spoon develops the recipes for main courses and desserts, then packages and distributes the additive-free and low salt meals to nurseries and childcare facilities in Northern Ireland and the Republic, including key centres in Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk, and most recently Galway.

Coalisland Man Fined Over Planning

A Coalisland man has been fined £6,000 plus £85.00 costs at Dungannon Magistrates' Court for failing to demolish two large industrial units and hardcored area used for sandblasting purposes and the storage of materials associated with this use. Pascal Quinn of Dungannon Road, Coalisland was convicted for not complying with an Enforcement Notice, which required the demolition of the industrial sheds and hardcored yard area at lands adjacent to 177 Annagher Road, Coalisland, County Tyrone. The Planning Service brought the action under Article 67A(1)(a) of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended), namely carrying out development without the planning permission required.

(BMcC/GK)