Orchestra Goes Forth

Conductor Stephen Bell applauds with the 1,000-strong Ulster Hall audience, as temporary conductor, Ballyclare High School's Ryan Greer, conducts the Ulster Orchestra during today's educational concert 'Time Travel'. Students from across Northern Ireland attended a free concert by the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast as part of the Orchestra's ongoing education and outreach programmes.

North Belfast Armed Robbery

Staff were last night threatened during an armed robbery in north Belfast. Two men, one of them armed with what police described as a replica firearm, went into business premises on the Oldpark Road at about 8pm on Wednesday. The men threatened staff and took some money. No one was injured during the incident. This robbery came hours after an armed raid on a pharmacy on the Cliftonville Road. The man, who brandished a knife, escaped with a sum of money and an unknown amount of drugs. No one was injured during the incident. Police have appealed for anyone with information about the robberies to contact them.

Cross-Border Partnership

Cross-border working and sharing is set to take a huge step forward with the formalising of a 'shared services' partnership between local authorities in Newry and Mourne and in Louth. After meeting local authority representatives, including Mick Murphy Mayor of Newry and Mourne, at the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels, Sinn Fein MEP, Barbara de Brún commented: "This is a very exciting development which will be seen as an example for other local councils in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. Cross border working began in the Louth and Newry and Mourne areas many years ago and has brought benefits to both areas with the aid of EU funding. I am proud to see that we have something to showcase on an international stage."

Air Passenger Price Hike

The announced hike in the Departing Passenger Charge will result in a fall in passenger numbers between Northern Ireland and Heathrow, and air travellers and local businesses will suffer, according to SDLP Economy Spokesperson Dr Alasdair McDonnell. The South Belfast MP commented: "At a time when Northern Ireland is striving to build connections with key international airports for travel and business purposes we are facing a 62% increase in the Departing Passenger Charge for passengers travelling from Heathrow to Northern Ireland. This hike is unfair and will disproportionately impact on people travelling to and from Northern Ireland for both business and personal reasons."

Ford Commends Integrated Services



The Integrated Services Programme for Children and Young People in the Shankill and the Falls received a recent visit from Justice Minister David Ford.

 During the two hour visit, the Minister met staff and young people and heard about the work of the Integrated Services Programme.

 The Minister stated: "Since being elected Justice Minister, I have made it clear that if we are to build a safer, shared future, we must build partnerships at all levels across society and find solutions bedded within local communities.

 In both the Greater Shankill and the Falls, the Integrated Services Programme is providing valuable support in areas such as early years and youth development, mental health and education. The Programme has developed a model of working to address inequality and disadvantage, delivered by a team of highly motivated staff."

Armed Forces 'Lose Faith In Government'

The Prime Minister has been called upon to ensure that the Armed Forces can once again have faith in the Government. East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell challenged the Prime Minister David Cameron during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on the deplorable treatment of soldiers, including serving personnel informed by email that their contracts would be terminated. Campbell commented: "Our Armed Forces have the respect and support of everyone right across the United Kingdom for the vital role they play. That 38 soldiers received news of a contract termination via email rather than in person is simply unacceptable and only adds to the growing sense of anger, which is developing amongst service personnel. I believe it is vital that those who are prepared to lay down the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country should be able to count on their government treating them with the respect which they so rightly deserve." See: Soldier's Death Highlights Forces' Support Call

Portrush Family Escapes Fire

A mother and father and their two children are recovering in hospital after a fire at their home in Portrush, County Antrim. The Fire and Rescue Service was called to the house in Glentaise Park shortly before 10pm on Wednesday night. The family was already outside when fire crews arrived. Fire officer Charlie McCauley told BBC NI that the family needed immediate medical attention after inhaling smoke. McCauley stated: "There were two adults, who we believe were the parents of two children under 10, who were suffering badly. One of the children, we believe may have been asthmatic and was in a very very stressed condition, having taken in quite a lot of smoke and fire crews worked with them at the scene, until the paramedics arrived."

(JG/GK)