Other News In Brief

Julian McGrath To Replace John Blair

Alliance Councillor Julian McGrath has been selected to replace John Blair MLA in representing the Glengormley Urban ward.

He said he was delighted to carry on the "good work of his friend and colleague" John, adding his key aim was to ensure Council brought value for money for local ratepayers.

He added: "John Blair is known across the area for his hard work and ability to get the job done, which local people can rest assured they can now rely on me for. John has been a fantastic mentor and friend and I know that he will deliver the best for the whole of South Antrim in his role as MLA. There is no better representative to replace David Ford.

"At a time when the Stormont stalemate is on-going, it is essential local Councillors are on the ground doing what we can to strengthen our local communities. For me, this means ensuring Antrim and Newtownabbey is as open and transparent as it can be."

New £12m Hampton By Hilton Hotel Opens In Belfast

A new £12 million hotel has officially opened in Belfast.

The 178-bedroom Hampton by Hilton is located off Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre.

Designed by Todd Architects, the nine-storey hotel was built by MSM Contracts and is the first Hampton by Hilton to open in the island of Ireland. The project was supported by Danske Bank.

Rajesh Rana, director of Andras Hotels, which will owner and operate the hotel, said: "This is our first opening with Hilton and we are very excited to be bringing Hampton by Hilton to Ireland. Hilton see Belfast as a key market and they are delighted to be placing their flag on our great city.

"The hotel will serve the very strong and growing mid-market range, for both the business and leisure traveller – and will give a real boost to the tourism offering of the city.

"I am proud to be investing £25million across three hotel projects in Belfast, bring a total of 270 additional bedrooms to the city. I would like to thank Danske Bank for their continuing support and encouragement."

Lewis McCallan, Head of Corporate Relationship Danske Bank, said; "I must congratulate Andras Hotels on their new opening. This is yet another milestone for the Group and for the City, as it brings a new and exciting brand to Belfast's hospitality market at a time when this sector is arguably at its most vibrant. Danske has a long standing relationship over some 30 + years with Andras Hotels and I am delighted that we could support their latest landmark investment."

Burning Of Magherafelt Bonfire Condemned

Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan and Councillor Paul McLean have condemned those responsible for burning a bonfire in Leckagh, Magherafelt.

Keith Buchanan MLA

In a statement they said: "Bonfires are an important part of celebrations for many people in the run up to the 12th July. The decision to introduce licencing on bonfires has raised tensions across the Mid Ulster area and this latest incident would appear to be a further attempt to create further problems.

"Those responsible must be condemned and we would appeal for there to be no reaction to such provocation. Bonfires should be a positive celebration of culture and whilst it will take a great deal of work this can still happen in Leckagh. Those who attempted to spoil the event will not be successful."

(CD)