18/12/2017

Other News In Brief

Man Injured Following Disturbance In South Belfast

A 34-year-old man has been injured following a disturbance in south Belfast.

The incident occurred on Jameson Street at around 8.50pm on Saturday, 16 December.

His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

No further details have been released.

Tributes Paid To Sir Billy Hastings

Ulster Unionist Party Chairman, Lord Empey has paid tribute to Sir Billy Hastings who passed away.

Billy passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, 15 December, surrounded by his wife Joy and children Julie, Howard, Allyson and Aileen, following a short illness.

Lord Empey said: "Sir Billy's paths and mine crossed on many occasions as he was the leading light in Northern Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry when it wasn't such a popular path to follow. The Sir Billy Hastings that I knew was a man of huge resilience and determination. Despite repeated terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland during the worst days of the Troubles he was determined to keep going.

"No matter how many times it happened and when others would have given up, he kept going and took over the Europa Hotel in 1993, which was then widely known as the most bombed hotel in Europe. He was a man of immense character."

Concerns Raised Over Lack Of Urgency For Crisis Centre In Belfast

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has expressed deep concern at the apparent lack of urgency from the Public Health Agency (PHA) over the delayed crisis centre in Belfast.

The West Belfast MLA was speaking after the PHA cancelled a planned meeting to discuss the project.

She said: "Myself and fellow Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín were due to meet the PHA on Monday to discuss our concerns around the delays to the Pilot Crisis De-Escalation Centre.

"The meeting was requested by Sinn Féin and would have involved the PHA, the Belfast Trust and representatives from the Community and Voluntary Sector.

"Unfortunately a lack of availability from the PHA means it had to be cancelled at short notice. We are extremely disappointed at this apparent lack of urgency on what is an extremely important issue."

(CD/MH)


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