Wheely-Good News

Although talks continues on a possible move to the Titanic Quarter for Belfast's Big Wheel, it has emerged that it could remain at City Hall for another two years after a Council committee voted to retain the attraction. The wheel has been in position since 2007 but the Environment Agency had lodged an objection to a new planning application allowing it to stay longer as they want to ensure the wheel did not become a permanent feature beside a listed building.

Bomb Alert In Belfast Over

The suspicious object found under a car on Hardcastle Street just off the Dublin road in Belfast has now been declared to be a hoax. Army Technical officers tasked to the scene closed off Hardcastle Street and carried out a controlled explosion before giving the all clear. Traffic is now back to normal as the road has been reopened.

DPP Questions McIlveen Sentences

The Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Alasdair Fraser has asked the Attorney-General to consider if the sentences following the Michael McIlveen trial could be increased after four men were given life sentences for beating the teenager, from Ballymena to death in May 2006. The minimum terms ranged from 10 to 13 years and the family has said this was not enough. A spokeswoman for the Public Prosecution Service said: "I can confirm that the DPP has referred the sentencing in relation to the murder of Mr McIlveen to the Attorney General."

Hero Corporal Buried

An Ulster-based soldier killed on duty in Afghanistan earlier this month is to be buried today. Corporal Sean Binnie is being mourned by his Belfast wife Amanda, who attended the service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Annadale Avenue. Mr Binnie, 22, was born in Dublin, brought up in Aberdeen and was based in Northern Ireland with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Black Watch. His coffin was draped in the Union flag with the cap his regiment placed on top.

No Action On Omagh Death Blaze

NI's Public Prosecution Service has revealed there will be no charges brought after a house fire which killed a family of seven in Co Tyrone. Arthur McElhill, Lorraine McGovern and their five children died in the blaze in Omagh in November 2007. Mr McElhill, a registered sex offender, was suspected of starting the fire.

Photographer Assaulted At UVF Funeral

The police were unable to prevent the assault of a press photographer at a paramilitary funeral yesterday. They instead advised the media to stay away from the burial of UVF killer, William Moore, 60 - a member of the notorious Shankill Butchers' gang - and in the event, about six men attacked the photographer as he was covering the funeral on Thursday afternoon. He had been using a long lens to get pictures of the funeral and was attacked when he got out of the car. Some camera equipment was also taken. He had to be been treated in hospital after being attacked.

Fish Stocks Up

A Mill Dam in Newtownabbey is to be stocked with an additional 400 brown trout as plans to allow fishing at the local council's headquarters gather pace. In January it was agreed to progress with work to develop the dam as a fishery, and to develop the smaller pond to facilitate nature education and pond dipping. The cost of providing the fish - approximately £400 - is set to be split equally between the council and Threemilewater Angling Club.

Mortgage Advice Is Service Launched

A new mortgage advice and debt service has been launched for Northern Ireland.

Funding for the Housing Rights Service has been provided by the Department of Social Development. The service will provide specialist advice and support for people in mortgage difficulties.

(BMcC)