Lisburn Soldiers For Afghan Conflict

Troops based in Northern Ireland are preparing for deployment in war-torn Afghanistan. The 19 Light Brigade from Lisburn's Thiepval Barracks completed its final training session in England on Wednesday. It will travel to the country next month.

'Bomb' Made Safe

What has been described as a "crude but viable" explosive device has been found in north Belfast, police have confirmed. Army technical officers were called to examine the Antrim Close area, off the Antrim Road on Wednesday morning, after a suspicious object was reported. The device was found in a car park next to a block of apartments, a police spokesman confirmed.

Crashed Car Stolen

A car has been stolen after being involved in a road crash in Belfast city centre yesterday. The blue Audi car was in a collision with a van in Great Victoria Street at about 4pm on Wednesday. Four men, all thought to be in their 20s, stole the car after its occupants had got out of the vehicle following the crash.

Mandelson Welcomed

An MLA and member of Stormont's Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, has welcomed the visit to Northern Ireland by Lord Mandelson, the British Government Business Secretary. Robin Newton said that Lord Mandelson's meeting with local politicians - including the First and Deputy First Ministers - and business representatives to discuss the current economic challenges and update on the Government's plans to work through the situation are a positive move. He said, those charged with this responsibility are most effective when they listen directly who are suffering the most from the downturn. "I was particularly pleased to hear that Lord Mandelson stressed now is a time for all the constituent parts of the United Kingdom to pull together, stressing that our unity is our strength," the East Belfast representative said.

Housing Minister Visits Dunmurry

Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited Dunmurry to meet with representatives from the Dales Community Association. The Minister discussed a number of issues with the community representatives including living conditions in the Dales Flats and the Housing Executive's plans for their refurbishment. Following a visit to the flats at Seymour Hill with Councillor Jonathan Craig MLA and local residents, Ms Ritchie said: "Housing and regeneration are of crucial importance in this area. I was pleased to see for myself the good work already carried out in the area by the Housing Executive. I felt it was important for me to discuss the needs of local people and see the area at first hand. I am determined to deal with local issues in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of the community," she added.

(BMcC/JM)