Other News In Brief

Appeal For Witnesses After Young Man Assaulted In North Belfast

Police have appealed for information after reports of a young man being assaulted in north Belfast.

The incident is understood to have taken place some time between 6pm and 6.30 yesterday evening, 06 March, in the vicinity of the Upper Cavehill Road.

"Where you in the area? Did you witness this assault?" a spokesperson asked.

If so, anyone with information is urged to contact police at Tennant Street station 101 quoting reference 1150.

Banbridge To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Free Family Fun Day

The Home of St Patrick Festival in Banbridge is set to be even bigger and better this year, with ten days of festival events ending with a free family fun day on Monday 18 March.

Locals and visitors alike are set to join in the fun, organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, with plenty of live music, workshops and great family-friendly entertainment, all arranged for Solitude Park.

One of Northern Ireland's finest performing acts, the award-winning Songbirds, will be first to set the festivities alight as supremely talented and accomplished singer-sisters Philippa and Jolene O'Hara take to the stage to share their enthralling musical magic with the gathering crowds.

With amusement rides suitable for younger children, face painting, balloon modellers, arts and crafts workshops, giant garden games as well as a climbing tower, archery and skittles alley all part of the fun, there's something on offer for everyone.

Visitors are encouraged to make their way to Solitude Park, Banbridge early on Monday 18 March for a 2pm start.

Historic L'Derry Building To Be Replaced With New Homes

A proposal to demolish a chapel and former care home to allow for the development of 64 new dwellings at Nazareth House in L'Derry has been unanimously approved by members of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee.

The application included the demolition of existing buildings, except the Nazareth House listed building, and development of 64 dwellings that include 40 new detached properties, two semi-detached and eight general need apartments, as well as the refurbishment of the Nazareth House into 24 apartments with associated landscaping and car parking.

The development will see the demolition of the chapel and former care home adjoining Nazareth House and allow for alterations to the single storey link corridor from Nazareth House Primary School to Nazareth House, and the conversion, refurbishment and alterations to the building.

Approval was granted subject to a number of conditions.

Commenting on the decision, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Cllr Warren Robinson said it was welcome news for the city and demonstrates the Council's commitment to protecting local heritage and supporting the development of old and unused sites to restore them in a positive way that showcases their historic character.

He said: "This is good news for Derry and a very positive regeneration opportunity that will not only bring about new jobs for the city and wider area but will see the development and regeneration of a much loved historical site in the heart of the city."



(JG/CM)