Other News In Brief

Plans For Office Block At Gasworks Deferred

Plans for an office block to be developed at the gasworks in Belfast have been deferred.

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said that while the gasworks has the potential for further development, this must only be undertaken through open and honest consultation channels with local residents, with social housing being made a priority to meet demand in the local area.

He said: "This is a clear example that the Alliance Party is always listening and ready to support local residents and I thank everyone who took the time to engage with me on this contentious issue.

"Belfast is undergoing a renaissance, but in our rush to continue development in a bid to attract new projects, we cannot ignore the views of the people who have built the area, making it what it is today.

"The Market community are valued in this decision making process and I recognise that residents are worried about precedents being set and the loss of potential sites for social housing. The demand is very strong in the area and residents have a legitimate desire to see housing provided in the area. It is possible to develop the Market community and also the Gasworks; with the right development everyone can win.

"While this deferral kicks the decision further down the road, it will have to be dealt with and I would ask anyone with further views to please get in touch."

Two Men Arrested Over Arson Attacks

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The pair have been detained following arson attacks in Co Antrim town which are believed to be related to an ongoing feud.

They are being questioned by the police.

Alliance "Disgusted" Over Aggravated Burglary

Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has said he is disgusted by an aggravated burglary of a woman in her 60s in Larne.

The woman was left shaken but uninjured after the incident, which took place in the Pound Street area.

A female with a knife forced her way into the property and demanded money. The woman took a sum of cash and left in the direction of Meetinghouse Street.

"This was a disgusting and vicious incident, made all the worse by the use of a weapon," said Mr Dickson.

"My thoughts are with the woman who was subjected to this traumatic ordeal. People in Larne will be shocked by this burglary, which was incredibly disturbing.

"I would urge anyone who has any information on this incident to contact police immediately."

(CD/LM)