Other NI News In Brief

Rates Deal To Help Pensioners

A rates deferment scheme for pensioners is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, the Finance Minister has said. The move is a result of last year's Executive review of rating, and will enable home owning pensioners to defer their rate payments. This could provide a further payment option and alleviate pressures on pensioners' pockets. Minister Nigel Dodds (pictured) said: "In taking forward the rating reforms we have already shown that local people and local views can shape and influence the decision making process. The consultation process undertaken last year went way beyond identifying what was wrong with the system and presented ideas on how it could be changed for the better."

Blind Brothers Helped

One of the blind brothers attacked and beaten by thugs in their home last month has expressed thanks to dozens of people who offered their support following the ordeal. Since the brutal attack, Stephen (42) and George (38) Sloan from Whiteabbey have been inundated with messages of support from people as far away as Canada, who were all horrified to learn of the assault. They were beaten by two men who forced their way into their Glenville Parade home and demanded money before making off with just £20 from Stephen and £14 from George. However, thanks to the kind and generous actions of dozens of people across the province, their faith in humanity has been restored. Stephen's sister Vera Campbell, who is collecting the money on behalf of the pair, explained she too was overwhelmed by people's generosity and that the pair were extremely grateful to all the people who had offered their support .

Something Cooking In The Kitchen!

One hundred and fifty new kitchens have been fitted in Housing Executive houses in Derry, as part of a £600,000 investment project. Homes in the Waterside area's Currynierin estate, which were originally built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, provide accommodation for families and singles. As part of the scheme, the kitchen layout was improved to provide additional space for kitchen appliances. Electrical and plumbing items were upgraded and electrically wired smoke alarms installed.

Newtownabbey Gets On The Road

Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has detailed the progress of a £3.2 million investment scheme in the Newtownabbey area. The Minister told Newtownabbey Borough Council significant progress has been made on major road widening works along the M2 corridor. Mr Murphy welcomed news that the Hightown Bridge was reopened to traffic, four months ahead of schedule, in early September. He said similar bridge replacements over the M2 are progressing well at Collin, and Longlands bridges. It is expected work on both bridges will be finished in early in 2009.

BioEnergy Kicks In

Biomass Energy - Northern Ireland, (BENI), a new group aiming to promote the production and use of biomass energy is being launched next week in Cookstown. The BENI launch will be hosted by Cookstown Leisure Centre, one of the first public buildings in the province to be heated using biomass energy produced from willows grown by local farmers. Former Loughgall researcher Malcolm Dawson, a pioneer of biomass production, will chair the event and outline how BENI will create a voice for the biomass sector across the province and help boost public confidence in the viability of this alternative energy source produced on NI farms.

(BMcC)