Other NI News In Brief

Border Business To Boost Tourism

The new man in charge of selling Northern Ireland's tourist industry thinks the province could be in for a major domestic boost. Chair of the NI Tourist Board, Howard Hastings - who is Managing Director of Hastings Hotels - (pictured) has called for "aggressive tactical marketing of quality experiences". Backing comments by the NITB's Chief Executive Alan Clarke, he said NI could enjoy a big boost as holidaymakers from the Republic of Ireland take advantage of the weak sterling and flagship attractions open for business. He said 366,000 people visited from the Republic of Ireland in 2008, a rise of 14% on the previous year.

CIT Robbers Target Staff

Security staff have been threatened and tied up as a substantial amount of money was stolen during an armed robbery of a cash delivery (Cash-in-Transit) van outside a Costcutters store in Co Londonderry last night. It happened on the Mullinahoe Road in Ardboe at around 6.30pm on Monday and saw the staff bundled into the back of a van. The police said that two vehicles - believed to have been used in the raid - were found burned out in Ardboe and the Ballyronan marina area. It has since been reported that more than £600,000 was taken from the Brinks' security delivery vehicle whose crew were on site replenishing a Bank of Ireland ATM.

Harry Corry Dies

The man who set up a successful chain of 50 soft furnishing stores across NI, Harry Corry, has died after a short illness. He was aged 82. Mr Corry, who was from Belfast, attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution before starting work for his father as a manufacturer's agent. His own company, Corry's, started life in the markets in Belfast, selling household goods such as socks and sheets, and then Mr Corry opened shops in 1971 on the Newtownards Road, Shankill Road, Sandy Row and Royal Avenue. Over the years Harry Corry has become a household name on the high streets and shopping centres across Ireland.

Armagh 'Woolies' Site Lease Agreed

Best Property services have confirmed that the site of the former Woolworths, Armagh has been agreed for lease this month to discount retail giant Around a Pound. Woolworth in Armagh was one of 19 stores to close in January when the administrators were brought in amid mounting debts of £385m. News that Around a Pound will take over the store in the spring will bring a welcome boost to the area after a series of bad news stories and job losses as national and local firms struggle in difficult economic circumstances.

Coining Trouble At Match

Despite the culprit being identified and banned for life from all Northern Ireland games - home or away - the soccer world governing body is to launch an investigation into a coin-throwing incident which helped mar Northern Ireland's victory over Poland at Windsor Park on Saturday. Play was stopped during the first half of the World Cup qualifier for several minutes after the referee's assistant was struck on the head by the object thrown. The Irish Football Association confirmed the culprit was identified and evicted from the stadium at half-time on Saturday. However, FIFA is still reviewing the incident.

North Down Sewage Scheme Complete

NI Water has completed work on a £300,000 sewerage improvement scheme in the North Down area. The water service said the scheme will increase the efficiency of the sewerage infrastructure and reduce the risk of blockages, out of sewer flooding and pollution in the area. The project which was undertaken by NI Water in partnership with Williams Industrial Service involved the construction of six new upgraded pumping stations in the Bangor, Millisle, Donaghadee and Carrowdore areas.

(BMcC/JM)