Policing Board Retains IIP

The NI Policing Board has retained the Investors in People (IIP) award following its most recent review in May. The Board first inherited the award from its predecessor the Police Authority in 1999 and has been re-accredited three times since then. The Board's Acting Chairman Brian Rea (pictured with Chief Executive Adrian Donaldson, on left) said: "IIP measures how effectively an organisation is operating and I am delighted that the Policing Board has yet again been reaccredited with this award. This is a great achievement for the wider Board staff, past and present and a clear recognition of the Board's commitment to ongoing professional development."

Driver Robbed At Gunpoint

A van driver has been threatened with a gun during a hi-jacking and robbery in Holywood. A man got into his van in Hibernia Street shortly before 4pm on Monday and the driver was then ordered to drive to Humber Court in the Dee Street area of east Belfast. A group of men removed parcels from the back of the van into a white old-shaped Mazda before driving off. The driver was then told to wait 10 minutes before contacting anyone.

Derry Set For Entertainment

A major entertainment venue is planned for the Springtown area in Londonderry, according to a newspaper report. The 70,000 square foot development will include a 10-screen cinema and six restaurants and could to bring around 350 jobs to the city, the Derry Journal reports. It is understood a number of pre-planning meetings have already taken place to discuss the project, which would be located at the former Perfecseal factory in the Springtown Industrial Estate, the Derry Journal reports. Belfast-based Ardtullagh Holdings is behind the scheme. If the scheme is given the go-ahead by the Planning service, it is likely to create around 150 jobs during the construction process and a further 200 jobs when it opens.

Ards Masterplan On Way

The Stormont Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood has visited Newtownards to launch a masterplan for the town centre. He said the purpose of the masterplan is to provide strategic guidance for the regeneration of Newtownards town centre. "Newtownards is a vibrant town and has a first-rate reputation for providing high quality independent retailing for local people and visitors. This masterplan seeks to ensure that the viability and vitality of the town centre shopping environment is sustained and enhanced in a planned way. It will ensure that Newtownards remains an accessible attractive town centre that is a good place for people to spend time," he said.

Fine For Planning Offence

A Co Londonderry man was fined £750 plus Department costs of £70 and court costs of £22 at Coleraine Magistrates' Court for non-compliance with a Planning Service Enforcement Notice. Gerald James McDaid of Carrowreagh Road, Garvagh was required to cease the use of land at the same address for the dismantling, sale and storage of vehicles and vehicle parts and to permanently remove all associated vehicles, vehicle parts, equipment and machinery from the site. The Planning Service brought the action under Article 72 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended) as is procedure where an enforcement notice is not complied with.

College's Green Credentials 'Heat Up'

An educational facility in Co Tyrone has become the first educational institution in Ireland to sign a unique 'heat contract' with green energy company Rural Generation based in Londonderry. The move will see the South West College save up to £25,000 on heat costs annually. The college, which houses its own Renewable Energy Academy at the Omagh campus, has already been enjoying the benefits of renewable energy for four years.

(BMcC/GK)