Other News In Brief

Man Fined For Waste Offences

A man from Carrickfergus has been fined for waste offences at Antrim Magistrates' Court.

Samuel Gordon Ferguson, 36, was fined a total of £600 after officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) found large quantities of waste tyres at a site in Templepatrick.

Mr Ferguson, operating as G3 Environmental, did not hold the relevant waste management licence or an exemption to deposit or store waste tyres.

He was found guilty to four waste charges under Articles 4(1)(a), 4(1)(b), and 5 (1)(c)(ii) of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and was fined £150 under each.

SF Welcomes McGurk's Bar Admission

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has welcomed the announcement by PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton that there was investigative bias in the original inquiry into the McGurk’s bar bombing.

Ms McCann said: "The admission by the PSNI Chief Constable that the original investigation into the McGurk’s bar bombing was biased is welcome but it should never had to go to this stage.

"The failure of then PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott to accept the Police Ombudsman's report that there were serious failures in the original report has only added to the anguish of the families.

"I would like to pay tribute to those families who have consistently fought this case with dignity.

"There now needs to be an investigation into this atrocity which is complaint with the Article 2 of the European Human Rights Act's Right to Life."

Two Rural Houses Listed Near Claudy

The Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has listed two historic rural houses and an 18th century bridge near Claudy.

Mr Durkan said: "This is a boost for Claudy. The two rural houses protected are an important remnant of a fast disappearing part of our heritage and the bridge, with raised cutwaters is a particularly good example of a bridge from the 18th century.

"Listing will ensure these important assets are preserved and protected as part of Claudy and the region’s rich tapestry to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

"Cumber Bridge, a late 18th century triple-arched road bridge is noted in the 1832 OS Memoirs to have been the oldest in the parish. It has a robust and simple design with one angled cut-water on each side extending to parapet level to provide a pedestrian refuge.

"Also listed is a detached single storey house located on Barnahilt Road, Gortilea. This is considered to be a very good example of a vernacular grouping including a formerly thatched dwelling and out-buildings.

"A single and two-storey vernacular house with bed out-shot at 24 Lower Ballyarton Road, Lower Alla has also been listed."

(CD)