Other NI News In Brief

Lion Roars On Roses

A friendly lion was let loose in the Rose Garden at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park yesterday to entertain guests at the launch of Belfast City Council's Annual Rose Week. Members of the Chinese community performed a lion dance for guests (pictured) including Miss Northern Ireland, Lori Moore, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, and the Chairman of the Parks and Leisure Committee, Councillor Peter O'Reilly. More than 70,000 people attend the city's annual Rose Week, which incorporates the International Rose Trials with entries from around Europe and judges from around the world. Forty five thousand rose blooms will be on display during the week which runs from Tuesday, 13 July to Sunday 18 July. In addition, the Lion Dance will be performed on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to complement the music, street entertainment, face painting and other activities on offer.

Wright Report Reviewed

It is likely to be the autumn before a report by a panel examining the circumstances surrounding the murder of loyalist leader Billy Wright inside the Maze prison is published. The Government announced yesterday that a team of officials has begun examining the report into the killing and said this was to ensure it did not endanger the lives of anyone who gave evidence to the inquiry, before the findings could be made public. Billy Wright was shot dead by the INLA inside the Maze prison in December 1997. Secretary of State Owen Paterson revealed that the report by the inquiry panel had been completed and was now being checked by a team of government officials and legal advisors.

Man Beaten In Flat

A man in his 20s has suffered head and arm injuries after he was attacked by four men who forced their way into a flat in Co Down on Monday. It happened at a flat in Valetta Park, Newtownards, at about 11.30pm and it is believed the men who carried out the attack used wooden planks to beat the victim who is being treated in hospital where his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Coach Trip

Belfast's first dedicated coach park has officially been opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat Convery. The facility, situated adjacent to the former SeaCat terminal at Corporation Square, has been developed by the Federation of Passenger Transport Northern Ireland (FPTNI), supported by Belfast City Council, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Europa General Underwriters. The new Belfast Coach Park has parking for 35 large and five medium-sized coaches and will be open all year round. The facility, with 24/6 CCTV security coverage, will operate under an automated online booking system and will offer short term, overnight and long term parking.

Council Poll To Move?

NI's council elections could be held next March to avoid a clash with a referendum on the Commons voting system which the Westminster Government has confirmed for 5 May. Elections to the assemblies of NI, Scotland and Wales and English councils are to take place the same day, which the Government believes will save £17m. However, some NI politicians believe holding the elections on the same day would confuse voters.

Holywood Redevelopment Welcomed

Andrew Muir, Alliance Party Councillor for the Holywood area has welcomed a £6m investment that will fund demolition and redevelopment of housing in the West Green area. Commenting on the recent announcement by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood, Mr Muir said: "Whilst Minister Attwood's recent decision to approve the Housing Executive's proposal for the West Green Area is long overdue it is to be warmly welcomed. Substantial lobbying over a long period of time by local Councillors, community organisations and residents has at last paid dividends. I commend all those who worked hard over many years to secure this announcement. Whilst providing new homes the demolition and redevelopment will also hopefully eradicate the problems associated with the current buildings which have been a magnet for anti social behaviour."

(BMcC/GK)