Other News In Brief

Scheme Begins to Inspect Boiler Sites

Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has welcomed the beginning of a scheme to inspect boiler sites involved in the RHI scheme, but insisted much more will be required to restore public confidence in the political institutions here.

He said: "These inspections are only one aspect of restoring public confidence following the disastrous RHI scheme and it is disappointing that not all the sites are to be inspected.

"Nevertheless, it is welcome that this work is underway and it can hopefully begin the process of reducing the potential cost to the public purse.

"However, the crisis in public confidence which was sparked by the RHI scandal will take much more to repair. There needs to be full accountability for the failings that led to this scheme being put in place and integrity and respect in government to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

Work To Start On Carriageway Resurfacing Scheme In Belfast

Work on a £120,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme in Belfast is to start on Monday, 21 August.

The work, from 642 Crumlin Road to the Ligoniel Road junction, will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway.

It is expected to be completed by Monday, 28 August.

To help ensure the safety of road users and contractors, the resurfacing will be carried out under the following road closures:

• Monday 21 August to Friday 25 August, a one – way closure of the country-bound lane from 9am to 6pm.

• Sunday 27 August, a full road closure in both directions from 7am to 6pm.

• Monday 28 August, a full road closure in both directions from 7am to 6pm.

Diversionary routes will be signed and access for residents will be maintained in the area during the duration of the works.

The Range To Open New Store In East Belfast

Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen has welcomed the announcement that a major homewares chain – The Range - is opening a new store at Connswater in east Belfast, creating up to 80 jobs.

Mr Allen said: "This news is a further sign of the economic development at the Connswater centre and retail park. Having lost two major tenants over recent years there were some real concerns about the long-term sustainability of the site, yet its future now looks totally secure with major UK retailers using it as a base to locate new stores.

"Connswater is home to the largest and most modern Lidl store in Northern Ireland, so the announcement that a major homewares chain is also going to open a new store there comes as brilliant news for the wider east Belfast area."

(CD)