Other NI News In Brief

Cancer Charity Seeks Runners

Ready, get set and go - getting into their stride in preparation for the 2011 Belfast City Marathon are Kelly Donnelly, Kate Burns and Laura Birt, ready to raise funds for The Friends of the Cancer Centre. This Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May, the charity is asking for volunteers to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland annually. A statement said: "Walk or run the choice is yours when it comes to the Belfast City Marathon…as is the distance. You can enter any one of four options detailed below, each starting at the Belfast City Hall and sign up with 'Friends' today - for advice on how to avoid late entry fees in particular - as well as advice where to go for tips on training. Contact Kelly on 028 9069 9393."

Bangor Decision Delayed

A decision over cuts to the UK's coastguard service - that has proposed the closure of Bangor's facility - has been postponed by six weeks after the consultation period was extended. Ministers are looking at closing 10 of the 18 round-the-clock coastguard centres in an effort to reduce costs and modernise the service. The 24 March deadline for submissions has been extended for six more weeks soon after the Transport Minister Mike Penning visited the Co Down station and said he had already received more than 1,000 submissions. See: Coastguard 'SOS' Received By Penning

ATM Robbed

Detectives in Antrim are appealing for information following an ATM theft at commercial premises in the Queen's Road area on Friday morning, 11 March. Just before 2.05am it was reported that the front door of the commercial premises had been prised open. A substantial sum of money was taken and the ATM machine removed from the premises. Anyone who has any information or who saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Antrim CID on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

'Springsteen' To Rock Belfast

Bruce Springsteen is to come to Belfast this weekend - but in the guise of 'The Human Touch - Northern Ireland's only tribute to 'the boss' himself. Formed in 2007 they began gigging in 2008 with a format that ranges from a five to an eight piece to play all of Brucie's hits in a two-hour set. This Saturday (11th) will be the band's debut at the Spring & Airbrake in Belfast's Ormeau Avenue having already received praise from their Belfast Taste and Music Fest slot in August last year. Kildress man Mickey D takes on the role of the boss himself with both similar looks and true-to-life replication of sound and movement. The rest of the band comes from Omagh, Lurgan and Kilcrubbin so it really is a mixed N.I line-up. A spokesman for the band urged audience support: "Come along and hear Born in The USA, Dancing In The Dark, Hungry Heart, Born To Run and many, many more this Sat night at Spring & Airbrake," he said.

Larne Fights Youth Crime

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has visited a project in Co Antrim that works with young people to keep them out of the criminal justice system. During a visit to the offices of Action for Children, Larne, the Alliance MLA praised the commitment of staff and their work in support of young people. "It can be all too easy for some young people to find themselves in trouble with the police and the courts. Projects like the Choices Family Support Service and the Early Intervention Service are invaluable in identifying potential problems at an early opportunity and putting in place support to divert young people away from crime," he said. "As Justice Minister I am committed to reducing offending by young people and I fully support the work of staff in Action for Children."

Children In Mind

Childminders in NI have welcomed the Stormont Executive's decision to provide £12m for childcare funding over the next four years. The money is for a new childcare strategy, which includes a start-up package for childminders. Bridget Nodder, Director of the NI Child Minders Association (NICMA), said the provision was a welcome boost. "It helps to underpin economic activity, it's valuable for families so that they can manage their work-life balance responsibilities by having access to affordable childcare."

Warders Loose Clubs

Social clubs at Maghaberry Prison and Magilligan Prison are to close at the end of this month. Announcing the decision to close the two social clubs, Colin McConnell, the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service said: "Officers' clubs were opened in each of our prison establishments at a time in our history when it was unsafe for staff to socialise in many parts of Northern Ireland. I recently received Internal Audit Office reports about the management and operation of both clubs which raised concerns about the governance and monitoring arrangements in place. I have consulted with the Governors of Maghaberry and Magilligan Prison and we have concluded that it is no longer appropriate or necessary to have social clubs on prison premises. Staff have been informed that they will close on March 31," he said.

(BMcC/GK)