Other News In Brief

Appeal Issued Following Vehicle Hijacking In West Belfast

Musgrave CID have issued an appeal for information following a vehicle hijacking in west Belfast on Tuesday night.

Making the appeal, Detective Constable Ritchie said: "Shortly after 9:40pm police received a report that a fast food delivery man was making a delivery in the Ladymar walk area and had returned to his vehicle when he was approached by a male who subsequently threatened him at knife point, demanded money and the keys to his vehicle; a silver-coloured Hyundai i40.

"The suspect then drove off in the car. The victim was not injured, however, he was left shaken."

The suspect is described as being approximately 5' 10'' tall, of skinny build with dark hair and wore dark grey bottoms, a dark grey top and dark-coloured trainers.

DC Ritchie continued: "Were you in the area around this time? Did you see what happened? Did you see two males acting suspiciously in the area shortly before the report was made to us? I also want to appeal to a female who is reported to have spoken with the victim shortly before the incident occurred to get in touch."

Anyone who can assist with our enquiries is asked to call us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1280 of 28/08/18."

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

Alliance Call On Parties To Attend New Talks

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has called for a meeting of all party leaders in the Assembly, to agree a timetable for talks aimed at restoring powersharing.

Mrs Long - who wrote to other party leaders last week - said she was still hopeful the planned meeting for 03 September would go ahead, despite the DUP's attempts to shift blame elsewhere, and would see all leaders join together to decide on format and dates for talks to begin as soon as possible.

Mrs Long said: "Ultimately, the responsibility for this collapse and finding agreement lies primarily with local parties. We need to ensure Northern Ireland is effectively governed and there is no doubt we are all failing to do that. We can't tolerate that any more - the people who elected us expect better of us.

"While there are still key issues which divide the parties, I hope the desire to better serve those who elected us represent a point of agreement on which we can start to build.

"Despite the DUP's attempts to play down my invitation, and to look to put blame elsewhere, that Party must accept the role it has played and continues to play in holding Northern Ireland to a standstill. I hope to see Arlene Foster next Monday, allowing the DUP to prove through actions that they are dedicated to securing Northern Ireland's future and not just cheap political stunts.

"I look forward to a positive response from the other leaders and hope we can agree a clear plan going forward."

Upcoming Resurfacing Schemes Announced

The Department for Infrastructure have announced a number of upcoming resurfacing schemes beginning in September.

On 03 September, a £100,000 scheme on Moore Street and Sydney Street in Aughnacloy will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of these sections of the road network and address ongoing maintenance issues.

To facilitate the work a road closure will be in operation on Moore Street from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday, from 03 September until 11 September. Sydney Street will then be closed to traffic between the hours of 8.00 am and 6.00 pm from the 17 September until the 21 September.

In Kilkeel the Department has announced a £220,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on Rooney Road, Kilkeel, to begin on Monday 10 September 2018.

The resurfacing work will extend a distance of approximately 1.3km from Newcastle Street to the harbour and deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the road.

Due to the nature of the scheme it will be necessary to firstly operate a temporary road closure for part of Rooney Road for Kilkeel bound traffic from 8.00 am on Monday 27 August 2018 to 8.00 am on Monday 10 September 2018. A diversion will be in place via Harbour Road, Mourne Esplanade, Knockree Avenue, Greencastle Street, Bridge Street and Newcastle Street.

Work is expected to be completed by 19 September.

Finally, a £275,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme at A21 Cherryvalley Line, Comber (Comber Bypass) will also start on Monday 10 September 2018.

The resurfacing scheme will extend a distance of approximately 1km from the Killinchy Street roundabout to the Newtownards Road roundabout. It will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the road which forms part of the Trunk Road network.

During the works the Cherryvalley Line, Comber (Comber Bypass) will be closed to through traffic from 7.00 pm to 6.00 am on consecutive nights from Monday 10 September 2018 to Friday 14 September 2018; and from 6.00 am on Saturday 15 September to 6.00 am on Monday 17 September 2018.

Work is expected to be completed by 17 September 2018.

(MH/CM)