Other News In Brief

Belfast Film Festival

The Belfast Film Festival has become the latest in a string of postponed events as the coronavirus takes hold.

The 20th event, due to begin on Wednesday 01 April, will be rescheduled until the autumn.

The announcement follows an emergency board meeting on Thursday, where it was decided that "halfway measures" such as social distancing wouldn't work.

Some 2,000 tickets had been sold for the event.

Organisers say a selection of online events will be available for free, including legendary film producer Jeremy Thomas in Conversation with Mark Cousins; the Short Film Competition and Official Selection Shorts; and others to be confirmed.

Key special events from the 2020 programme will be rescheduled as soon as it is possible.

A spokesperson said: "We are also delighted to announce a one-off collaboration with our colleagues at Foyle Film Festival in November. We're all in this together and we think that film culture will be stronger from such co-operations. This partnership shows the true spirit of collaboration, and will lead to innovative film events in both Belfast and Derry this autumn.

"When people self isolate at home, what is one of the things they'll do? They'll watch films. Classic movies and new work. Film isn't a fair weather friend.

"We thank our customers, our staff, volunteers, guests, funders, sponsors and venues for your support, and look forward to the clear weather once the storm has passed."

Refunds will be processed in the coming days.

NI Water Offers Advice To Local Farmers

Farmers across Northern Ireland have been issued a reminder on how best to save money on their next water bill.

Regional utility NI Water has advised farmers to check meters on a regular basis as spring approaches and the supplies to field troughs will be getting used again.

Gary Curran, NI Water's Head of Metering and Billing, said: "Over 60% of NI Water's non domestic customers are farms. Water is the single most important requirement for livestock. On a dairy farm, livestock drinking water may account for between 50% and 75% of the farm's water usage so it makes sense to look after it. The farming community can look after their water supply by checking out these tips."

NI Water's tips to farmers are as follows:

• Ensure that you have good understanding of the layout of pipework within your land and keep a map of the line of this pipework;

• Have a supply of the relevant fittings to repair any leakages;

• Know where your meters are located (NI Water will help you to do this) and check them on a regular basis. A higher reading may indicate a leak which should be located and repaired as quickly as possible to reduce your water bills.

• Inspect remote troughs which may not be used at this time of year, particularly the exposed pipe leading into the trough; if cattle are inside consider installing a stop valve for the trough (or field) so you turn off the supply. Consider draining troughs;

• Where practical ensure all underground pipes are buried 750 millimetres (2½ feet) below ground level.

• Fix dripping taps

• Know where your stop valves are located; NI Water can provide stop valve tags. You can request these by emailing waterline@niwater.com

• Another way of saving water around the farm is simply collecting or 'harvesting' rainwater. This could be as simple as having a water butt. Rainwater can be used as an alternative water supply, for example in washing vehicles, washing windows and watering plants.

Newry Locals To Shape Design Of New Park

Plans for the 15-acre Albert Basin Park in Newry are set to enter public consultation.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are now inviting the public to shape the initial concept design proposals, with consultation 'Drop in' clinics scheduled over the next few weeks.

Consultation events are as follows:

Newry Leisure Centre - Monday 23 March 2020

• Session 1: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

• Session 2: 5pm – 7pm

Downpatrick Leisure Centre - Tuesday 24 March 2020

• Session 1: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

• Session 2: 5pm – 7pm.

This project is open for consultation until Thursday 30 April 2020.



(JG/CM)