20/10/2011

Other NI News In Brief

Odyssey Beer Deal Agreed

Heineken NI has secured the 'pouring rights' at The Odyssey Arena in Belfast, in time for the 2011 MTV European Music Awards. Heineken NI also announced it is an 'Official Bar Partner' of the MTV European Music Awards. The seven year deal coincided with a £5m investment in the Odyssey Arena including a complete refurbishment of all the corporate hospitality suites and an upgrade for all the public bars and concessions throughout the Arena. The partnership sees Heineken, Murphy's Stout and Bulmers Cider pouring throughout the venue, with draught Tiger beer available in the new 64 seat corporate hospitality suite. Leza Nulty, Commercial Manager for Heineken NI said: "We have installed faster pour pumps in all the bars and concession areas throughout the Arena - which mean less waiting time for visitors," adding that, as part of the process Heineken NI worked closely with Simon Wallace, the recently appointed Commercial Manager, and Adrian Doyle, General Manager at The Odyssey Arena to ensure the partnership enhances the Odyssey Arena experience. All three executives are pictured here celebrating the deal.

RIR Tragedy Left Out

The East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has called upon the Prime Minister to review the way the honours list is prepared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Mr Campbell raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons following a call made by the family of a local Royal Irish Regiment soldier, Aaron McCormick who was not honoured after he died serving in Afghanistan. "I have previously tabled a motion in the House of Commons on this issue which has received support from MPs across the House. Whilst we must remember the sensitivities associated with this very difficult topic, I believe that a review into the way in which the MoD prepares their honours list could help to give confidence to everyone that the most appropriate systems are in place and that families can see the recognition given to those who have given their lives in the service of their country," he said, yesterday.

Car Crashes In Police Chase

A suspected stolen car that was being pursued in west Belfast ended in a crash, when a stinger was deployed and the vehicle hit a lamp-post on the Glen Road - rolling and landing on its roof. The 24-year-old driver has to be cut free by fire crews and is now in hospital, where his condition is said to be serious but stable. He was arrested over a number of motoring offences, as well as burglary, theft and failing to stop for police.

PSNI Gets New ACC

The NI Policing Board has announced the appointment of Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) George Hamilton, currently serving with Strathclyde Police, as the new ACC for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Chair of the Board, Brian Rea said: "I am delighted to confirm that Mr Hamilton will be joining the Executive Team. In taking on this senior officer role, he will play a key part in the delivery of a police service that is community based and community focused."

Newry Search Joined

Scores of local people are helping to search for a 73-year-old Newry man whose disappearance has been described as "completely out of character". Maurice Owens has not been seen since leaving his Barcroft Park home to go to Mass at about 10am on Sunday. Mr Owens is described as approximately 5'4 of slight build with grey hair. He was last seen wearing navy trousers, a blue striped shirt and a navy pullover.

Rathcoole Backed

The NI Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland has been in Newtownabbey to launch the Nurture Unit within Rathcoole Primary School. The Minister was also visiting the area to launch the local Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership's 'Rathcoole Youth Strategy'. Both projects have been supported through the Stormont Executive's Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund. "I believe in providing support to families and communities. The funding for the project is an early intervention for young pupils that will hopefully help them to realise their true potential," said the DUP Minister.

Display Ads Lead To Fines

A Belfast firm, L.D.B. Design Ltd was fined a total of £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 at Belfast Magistrates' Court this week for displaying an unauthorised advertisement on a building. Based at Boucher Way, Belfast, the firm was convicted in their absence for displaying the advertisement on the rear of premises at 12 Boucher Way, Belfast. At the same court, Lighting Design N.I. Ltd, was fined a total of £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 for displaying an unauthorised advertisement on a building. Also with a registered office at Boucher Way, Belfast, the firm pleaded guilty to displaying the advertisement on the rear of premises at 14 Boucher Way, Belfast. DOE Planning brought the action under Article 84 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended).

Training For The Future

Translink is inviting passengers to reserve a place onboard one of its new Class 4000 trains on a special free return service on Saturday 29 October. The complimentary service held to celebrate the introduction of the new trains into passenger service on the Larne line, departs from Belfast Central Station at 10.30am or from Larne town at 11.40am. The service departing from Larne will boast onboard entertainment while refreshments will be served at Great Victoria Street and, according to Frank Moore, Northern Area Route Manager the service is about much more than just the journey: "This complimentary service is an opportunity for Translink to thank its passengers on the Larne line and those across the network for their patience in the long anticipated passenger upgrade. So we would encourage passengers to book their places for family and friends and enjoy the special service from Larne or Belfast. They can of course, make their return journey on any scheduled service throughout the day," said Frank.

Frauds Found Out

A man was convicted at Belfast Crown court this week for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Laurence Murphy (64) of Greenhill Gardens, Newtownabbey claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £23,393 while failing to declare capital. He was given 120 hours community service. Also this week, a woman was convicted at Londonderry Crown court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Louise Cowan (38) of Spruce Meadows, Londonderry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £58,490 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given 180 hours community service. Both will also have to repay any money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(BMcC/CD)

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