Women's Hopes Shown

Powerful images of hope, determination and survival from three of the world's poorest countries take centre stage at a major photographic exhibition opening this week at the University of Ulster's Belfast campus. Showcasing work from three of Ireland's top female photographers - Kim Haughton, Marie McCallan and Brenda Fitzsimons - the event has been launched to mark Tuesday's 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. The thought-provoking exhibition, (pictured) organised by Concern Worldwide, focuses on how the charity is supporting the most vulnerable women in Haiti, Ethiopia and Bangladesh, in helping to turn their lives around. The University of Ulster's Director of the International Development Programme, Roisin McEvoy, said they were delighted to work in partnership with Concern to bring the 'Women of Concern' exhibition to the Belfast campus. It is open to the public until Friday, March 18th.

West Belfast On Alert

A number of homes have been evacuated in north Belfast due to the discovery of a suspicious object. Army technical officers have been tasked to the scene at Jamaica Road, off the Oldpark Road. The Ardoyne Avenue/ Ardoyne Walk area has been cordoned off.

Fishermen Caught

A Northern Ireland-registered fishing vessel has been detained by the Irish navy. Four fishermen were on board the Lynn Marie trawler when it was seized in the Irish Sea about seven miles from Bray Head for alleged breach of fishing regulations. The vessel was in the custody of the LE Orla and escorted to Dun Laoghaire Harbour, where it and the crew were handed over to gardai. It is understood the crew are being quizzed over alleged log book offences relating to documenting its catch in what is the second detention by Ireland's Naval Service this year.

Help Pensioners: Webb

The first of a series of 'Pensioner Parliaments' was held in Belfast City Hall recently. Organised by Age Sector Platform, it was supported by over 100 delegates. North Belfast Alliance representative Councillor Billy Webb who was at the Belfast event commented: "Speakers at this event spelt out that pensioners are the neglected society. Pensioners are being forced to make life decisions about whether to pay out for heat or food," he said, noting that 70% of pensioners rely on oil for heating and this is going up in price on a daily basis. "I call on the next Assembly to put in place policies to help protect pensioners," he said.

Mini Market Food 'Out Of Date'

A shopkeeper has been fined £300 for selling out of date food. Tahir Basraa, owner of the Mini Market in Belfast's North Street, was also ordered to pay costs of £69 at the Magistrates Court. The prosecution was brought by Belfast City Council after they investigated a complaint from a customer. Following an inspection by an environmental health officer on September 21, 2010, it was discovered that 21 food items which were past their use by date was being sold in the shop. Belfast City Council confirmed to the court that the conditions in the premises have subsequently improved to their satisfaction.

Ards Gets Housing Fillip

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, has announced plans to invest £3.6m for the redevelopment of housing in the West Winds and Scrabo estates in Newtownards. The redevelopment will see the vacant flats at Lysander Park and Rathmullan Drive demolished, as well as five commercial units to be replaced by a more sustainable mix of new accommodation. The flats have been vacant for some time now and had started to blight the community and attract an element that used them as cover for anti-social behaviour.

PSNI Training Welcomed

Members of the NI Policing Board recently have endorsed the PSNI Training and Development Strategy and Business Plan for the next three years following a detailed briefing from Acting C/Supt. Kevin Dunwoody, Head of the Police College to the Human Resources Committee. The strategy looks at the function of Training and Development within PSNI under three critical activities of Engagement, Service Delivery and Partnerships aligning with the Policing Plan and the Policing with the Community 2020 Strategy. Members welcome the wide range of training initiatives being progressed by the PSNI particularly in relation to leadership training and ongoing developmental work for the Joint Public Services College.

Southern College Gets Chairman

The Department for Employment and Learning has this week announced the appointment of Andrew Saunders as Interim Chair of the Governing Body of Southern Regional College. The Further Education College's Governing Body is responsible for securing the efficient and effective management of the College, agreeing and monitoring its strategic direction, appointing its senior staff and ensuring that the College acts as a responsible employer. The post of Chair is not remunerated. This interim appointment is being made pending a permanent appointment in August 2011. Since 1998, Mr Saunders has been an Audit Manager with Ulster Bank Group. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Internal Auditors and was a committee member of the Irish District of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors from 2005 to 2007. He has been a member of the Governing Body of Southern Regional College since August 2007 and Temporary Chair since October 2010.

(BMcC/GK)