Postal '12th Holidays' Announced

The postal arrangements over the July holiday period have been announced. There will be no deliveries or collections on Monday, 12 July and on Tuesday 13 July there will be no deliveries but there will be a normal collection service from post boxes and from businesses by request. Full normal service will resume on Wednesday, 14 July. Post Office branches will be closed on Monday, 12 and Tuesday 13 July. Branches will reopen on Wednesday, 14 July. Parcelforce Worldwide will not make deliveries or collections on Monday, 12 July. Full normal service will resume on Tuesday, 13 July.

No Booze At 12th

The police will be working with loyalist parade organisers in what has been termed a "robust" approach to underage and street drinking this summer. Officers councils and parade organisers – including the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Royal Black Institution, the Apprentice Boys of Derry and other partners and event organisers – will address drinking at public events. "The police service, parade organisers and other partners will be handing out leaflets prior to public events encouraging people not to drink either on a parade route or on the street, and informing them that it is illegal to do so," said a senior officer.

PK Gets BBC Slot

NI comic, Patrick Kielty will present a series of live Saturday morning shows (10am-1pm) on BBC Radio 2. Starting on 24 July, he will fill the slot in the schedule for 10 weeks, entertaining listeners before Graham Norton takes over the slot permanently in October. Patrick said: "I'm delighted to be sharing Saturday mornings with the listeners of Radio 2. I've had great craic making my shows earlier this year and I'm really looking forward to kick-starting the weekend on the wireless this summer." Patrick has graced the Radio 2 airwaves recently, presenting the New Year's Resolutions show in January and counting down The People's Artist Chart in April.

Police Injuries In Focus

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has published an interim report that aims to improve the police injury on duty award arrangements. The Review team, jointly chaired by the Department of Justice and the NI Policing Board, has made a total of nine recommendations. Mr Ford said: "This interim report raises a number of important issues and has initially focused on the most immediate problem areas, making a number of recommendations for immediate implementation which will now be given effect. The review team has therefore agreed a target completion date for the final report and recommendations of the end of September. The progress made in a short time period and the co-operation across a number of stakeholders, is an example of how devolution is making a real difference."

Omagh Campus Consults

NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has encouraged people to take part in the public consultation on the Lisanelly Shared Campus in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Speaking after the fifth meeting of the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus Steering Group the Minister commented: "With the Lisanelly Campus we are aiming to not just construct new buildings but also build a community. In order to do this however we need the help of the public. I would encourage everyone to participate in the public consultation and help shape the future of the Lisanelly Shared Campus. With vision and foresight we have the opportunity to create something that is extraordinary and not just ordinary. A campus built on equality and excellence where future generations of children and young people learn the skills and confidence to succeed."

Paedophile Held In Cavan

A convicted British paedophile has been remanded in custody to reappear before Cavan District Court next week. William John Padden, aged 56, of no fixed abode has been wanted by authorities in England since he absconded from his home in Blackpool last week. He has 19 convictions dating back to 1974 including rape, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Handguns In Double Murder Vehicle

Gardaí have recovered two handguns in the course of their investigation into the double murder in Dublin on Monday. A Gardaí spokesman said that in the course of the technical examination of the Audi car used in the double shooting that occurred on the Neilstown Road, officer found two handguns in the vehicle. The Audi was discovered burnt out on Newlands Road in the Foxborough area of Lucan shortly after the incident occurred. Gardai are renewing their appeal for information in relation to this crime, particularly anyone who was in the Newlands Road area between 8.00pm and 8.30pm on 28th June 2010 to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on 01-6667700 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.

(BMcC/GK)