Other NI News In Brief

Man Freed Over Murder

A man, aged 37, who was arrested over the murder of Jordie Morrison, 29, who was stabbed to death in Allworthy Avenue, Belfast, on Monday morning, has been freed, pending a report to the PPS. A 46-year-old man remains in police custody. See: Stab Death: Two Held

Gone Fishing!

There will be no increase in fishing licence duties for the 2010 fishing seasons. The Minister for Sport and Leisure, Nelson McCausland announced: "In light of the current economic climate, I have decided to keep the salmon and inland fishing licence duties at 2009 levels. I hope this will ease the financial burden on those involved in the commercial fishing sectors and encourage others to enjoy recreational fishing. Angling has proven health benefits and I would like to see more people get involved. I hope that by freezing the licence fees, people will be more encouraged to take up the sport and become more active and healthy."

Consumers Get New Champion

The new chief executive of the NI Consumer Council has taken up her post. Antoinette McKeown joins from the Equality Commission where she spent eight years as head of policy and development. Chairman of the Council Rick Hill said: "The board is delighted to welcome Antoinette as the Consumer Council's new chief executive."

Stay-at-homes Getting Sick

Three quarters of people across the UK have been struck down with common summer health illnesses whilst still at home, according to new research by Boots. With nearly half of all adults in the UK (48%) taking a credit-crunch 'staycation' this summer, this figure is expected to dramatically rise. This could be due to the fact that nearly half (43%) forget to pack even basic first aid essentials when holidaying at home. Furthermore, a third (36%) forget sunscreen and a quarter don't pack hayfever remedies. Boots NI Regional Pharmacy Manager, Marie Smith, said: "It's not surprising that so many of us get ill in the UK during the summer, as we spend just half as much on travel health essentials for breaks here than when going abroad. We are, however, still at risk of suffering from holiday health hazards whilst in the UK."

A26 Bypass Works Progress

Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has visited the site of the £6m A26 Ballee Road East to Ballymena bypass scheme. During a tour of the site, the Minister met with officials from both Roads Service and the contractor FP McCann Ltd to discuss progress to date. Mr Murphy said: "The construction of the new dual carriageway underneath the Larne Road Roundabout will allow strategic north south traffic to continue uninterrupted beneath the roundabout.

'Restore Rural Housing Grants': SF

Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson has called on the NI Housing Executive to carry out an urgent review of its decision to halt grants to houses in a dangerous condition. West Belfast MLA Fra McCann said he has received a number of queries from Sinn Fein representatives in rural areas. Mr McCann said these people are concerned a halt to these grants will force them to live in "deplorable and dangerous conditions". The MLA said Housing Executive officials have a duty of care to people, suggesting many grant applications are made on the grounds of health and safety: "The Housing Executive needs not only to review the decision to withdraw these grants but it also needs to carry out inspections of these properties to ensure people are not being forced to live in conditions which are life threatening," he said.

Hostelling Gets Fillip

Invest Northern Ireland is helping Hostelling International Northern Ireland (HINI) win business from global markets. HINI is a not-for-profit tourist accommodation provider and incorporates a network of six youth hostels across Northern Ireland, comprising over 500 beds in total. In an investment of around £54,000, supported by almost £27,000 from Invest NI, HINI will tour youth hostels across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Europe and North America. The 'roadshow' will showcase local youth hostels as a welcoming and cost effective option for overseas travellers who already use the international hostel network and who might be interested in coming to visit Northern Ireland. In addition, HINI is developing eye-catching export marketing communications material and plans to employ a dedicated coordinator to oversee delivery of the in-market activities. Invest NI has also helped HINI improve its IT systems.

Banbridge Housing Scheme Officially Opened

A new £2.2million 'Shared Future' housing scheme has been officially opened at Gowanvale in Banbridge. The scheme, Phase III at Gowanvale Drive, Banbridge is owned and managed by the South Ulster Housing Association (SUHA), working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Fifteen new houses will be provided for social renting by September this year. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "When I launched the New Housing Agenda, I made it clear that I wanted to provide housing solutions that would bring people together. This remains a priority and sits firmly at the heart of all my endeavours in housing. The events of recent weeks in Belfast demonstrate that much remains to be done and yet those scenes have galvanised my resolve to support more communities who want to embrace diversity and celebrate difference."

(BMcC/JM)