Other NI News In Brief

Larne Depot Ablaze

The PSNI are investigating a suspected arson attack on a fuel depot in Larne in Co Antrim. They are investigating after a blaze was started in a van in Fultons on Pound Street in the town around 2am on Tuesday morning, a police spokesperson said. A number of homes had to be evacuated in the early hours because of the risk of a gas explosion. The presence of four propane gas cylinders meant that an exclusion zone had to be put in place for a time, but the area has now been made safe.

Bilingual Traffic Signs On Way

A consultation on proposals to introduce a range of bilingual traffic signs in either Irish or Ulster-Scots has been launched by Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, who said: "The policy is intended to facilitate the introduction of a number of certain bi-lingual traffic signs in Irish or Ulster-Scots for the specific purpose of promoting minority languages. We have obligations under the European Charter for the protection of minority languages and the proposed policy will permit the inclusion of either Irish or Ulster-Scots, on town or village welcome signs, some supplementary plate signs for example a 'School' warning sign and certain tourist signs." Signs will have to be requested by a promoter through their local District Council.

Celtic Threats Condemned

Peter Robinson, Leader of the DUP and the Stormont First Minister, has condemned those who sent bullets in the post to Celtic Manager Neil Lennon and player Niall McGinn. The packages, addressed to the two men at their club, were posted in NI but intercepted at a sorting office. Peter Robinson said those behind the threats were guilty of "vile sectarian behaviour". Speaking on Monday, he also condemned pipe bomb attacks in north Antrim after a community centre on Crosskeys Road in Ballymena, as well as a GAA club in Portglenone and a primary school in Ahoghill were targeted over the past two days.

NIO Boss Meets Prince's Trust

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson has visited the offices of The Prince's Trust Northern Ireland to hear the summary of its Cost of Exclusion Report which outlined the cost of youth disadvantage in Northern Ireland. He was welcomed by Sir Nigel Hamilton, Chairman of the Prince's Trust and Ian Jeffers, Director, Northern Ireland.

Coleraine Flood Relief

A £1.3m scheme to halt flooding in Coleraine's town centre is to get underway in late January. The Rivers Agency scheme, which will involve new flood alleviation works as well as upgrading existing drainage infrastructure. Environmental and fishery works will also be included and the scheme is set to start on January 17. Work will take place on Railway Road, Brook Street, Mill House car park, Coleraine Leisure Centre car park and in the vicinity of Anderson Park. Disruption will be kept to a minimum but some diversions will be necessary, according to Rivers Agency as the project is expected to last 10 months.

(BMcC/GK)