Fermanagh Goes Folk

The Lakeland county is to host a major folk music weekend shortly, featuring some of Ireland's best known traditional artists. Belfast-born Harry Bradley (pictured) - who now lives in Leitrim - picks up his flute to join with fiddler Jesse Smith for a major gig at Enniskillen's Clinton Centre on Saturday 7 March. It's the big event to round off a weekend of traditional music event organised by Fermanagh Arts Office. The series of events includes music and dance workshops highlighting Bradley and Smith's expertise alongside a range of other musicians from the local Fermanagh Traditional Music Society. Bradley - who prides himself on merging elements of Orange culture and music with recognised folk music - is no stranger to the partnership with American-born fiddler, Jesse Smith, who in turn plays with highly acclaimed group, Danu.

Suspect Held After Blaze

A 40-year-old man had been arrested in connection with a fire at a house in south Belfast, which is being treated as suspicious. A PSNI spokeswoman said he was helping police with their inquiries. The blaze at the house in Ebor Street was reported at just after 8am on Monday morning. No one was in the property at the time. However, substantial damage was caused to the building.

Taxi 'Bomb' Alert Ends

The Army carried out a controlled explosion on a black taxi on the Crumlin Road following reports of a "suspicious vehicle" in the area last night. The road was closed between Cambrai Street and Woodvale Road during the alert, but has since reopened. A police spokeswoman said "nothing untoward" had been found.

Treasury Hears NI Finance Woes

The Westminster Treasury Select Committee has been told that banks are still refusing to lend to Northern Ireland small businesses. The committee was is in Belfast for its first meeting outside London as part of its inquiry into the banking crisis yesterday. The MPs have heard from members of the public responding to an open invitation to describe their experiences.

Gas Heats Derry Homes

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has announced plans to install gas central heating in 62 homes in Londonderry. Tenants living at Long Tower Court, Durrow Park and Maureen Avenue are included in the scheme. Welcoming the start of the scheme, District Manager Sam McPherson said: "As the Regional Housing Authority for Northern Ireland we are committed to reducing the impact of fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency across all tenures. Up until now tenants living in these properties had mainly electric or roomheaters as their form of heating.Mr McPherson added: "Now with the installation of gas central heating their homes will not only be more comfortable and warmer but also more energy efficient." The contract is being carried out by H&A Mechanical Services Ltd and is expected to complete in the spring.

Development Firm Breached Waste Laws

A Co Antrim development firm has been fined a total of £600 and court costs of £136 at Antrim Magistrates' court. Hagan Homes Ltd of Templepatrick Road in Ballyclare pleaded guilty to one breach of waste management legislation, disclosed during a routine site visit by officers of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly Environment and Heritage Service) on 18 September 2007.

(BMcC/JM)