Other NI News In Brief

Infant's Body Sought

The police are undertaking excavation work at a house in Ballyclare, after a tip-off that the body of a baby may be buried under the patio. It is the third day of the police search at the property at Hawthorn Way after crime scene investigators used metal detectors in the investigation on Monday. "A thorough and detailed investigation is taking place which will examine the full circumstances of the information received," said a PSNI spokseman. The search is believed to be connected to the previous occupants.

Taxi Drivers On 999 Alert

Londonderry taxi drivers will be working in partnership with NI Ambulance Service, Western Health & Social Care Trust and Western Urgent Care GP Out of Hours Service to offer a community first responder scheme to local people - thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The Derry drivers will be able to provide life saving treatment to people within the local community in the first few minutes before the arrival of an emergency ambulance. North & West Taxi Proprietors (NWTP) is one of 116 groups across Northern Ireland that have been awarded grants totalling £948,198 from the Awards For All programme with NWTP using £10,000 to run a community first responder scheme to compliment the emergency services response for certain conditions responded to by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Titanic On Time

There won't be any 'disaster' on timetabling for construction of the £97m investment of 'Titanic Belfast' - that is destined to be one of Northern Ireland's top tourism attractions. Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the site as a central part of the development of the Titanic Quarter, adjacent to the Titanic Slipway and the Harland and Wolff Drawing Office. He was told that the project commenced on site in May 2009 and is currently on track for completion by end of March 2012. "The design and build of 'Titanic Belfast' is at the very heart of an exciting and innovative project and one which will showcase the construction industry at its best. The design and construction of this facility is an excellent example of collaboration and partnership working for the benefit of Northern Ireland as a whole. Local businesses and the people of Northern Ireland will reap the rewards of this significant investment," he said. "As we prepare for the tough times ahead and strive to move out of our recession, projects such as this is key for creating long term job opportunities and helping to rebuild Northern Ireland's economy," he said, noting that 'Titanic Belfast' is supported and funded by Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Titanic Quarter Limited. Concluding the Minister said: "To be part of Europe's largest waterfront development is a fantastic opportunity and will transform Belfast and Northern Ireland, attracting a range of investment opportunities as well as expected visitor numbers of 400,000 annually, a third from outside Northern Ireland."

Bid For Witness Care

The Northern Ireland Law Commission has published a report offering recommendations for the reform of the law relating to 'vulnerable' witnesses in civil proceedings. Following extensive public consultation, the Commission has concluded that the current law and practice in Northern Ireland provides insufficient protection for certain witnesses who may experience particular difficulties when giving evidence in civil cases. Certain witnesses, in particular, children, those living with mental ill-health, learning or physical disabilities and those facing intimidation because of the evidence they will give, will find the process of testifying in court to be particularly distressing. These special measures include the use of screens when giving evidence, use of video-link and assistance by intermediaries. The Commission recommends that a similar scheme should be created for witnesses in civil proceedings. The recommendations contained in this Report aim to maximise the opportunities for certain witnesses to access justice and give their best evidence in civil proceedings while providing them with the protection that they need.

Pigeon Lands In Ballymoney

Combining the worlds of music and film, the Pigeon Field festival in Ballymoney is offering something different for festival lovers. Besides a wealth of music talent such as Farriers, Grainne Duffy, Katie And The Carnival, Antony Toner and Swanee River, the festival features some innovative distractions in the form of moving pictures. The Leslie Hill based festival has lined up a season's worth of independent films, both short and full length, along with events such as a screening of the Blair Witch in a forest. Among the featured shorts are movies such as Six Shooter, an award winning black and bloody Irish comedy set on a train that stars Brendan Gleeson; Oscar nominated The Door, about a man who steals a door; and another multi-ward winner, Of Best Intentions – a story about the fickle nature of fate. Other attractions include the Friday night BBQ, an acoustic stage for bands, poets and songwriters, Two Minute Max film competition, and a range of food and concession stands. The Pigeon Field festival takes place from Friday 19 to Saturday 20 August in Leslie Hill, Ballymoney. Tickets cost £30 for a festival only ticket. Camping will be charged on the gate at £2.50 per person per night.

(BMcC)