Other News In Brief

Appeal After Pipe-Bomb Discovered In Banbridge

Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a viable pipe-bomb in Banbridge on Saturday morning, 18 May.

A security alert was sparked after reports of a suspicious object outside an address in Hawthorne Hill at around 1.15am.

Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene and 25 homes were evacuated. The device was later declared as viable and taken away for further forensic examination.

Detective Inspector McCamley said: "Police would like to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to keep them safe. Keeping people safe is of paramount importance and we will not take any chances. 

"I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone with any information that could help our investigation to contact detectives in Lurgan on 101, quoting reference number 81 of 18/05/19.

"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."

SDLP Call For CCTV In NI Care Homes

An SDLP Councillor is set to bring forward a motion that supports the introduction of CCTV in communal areas of residential and care homes across Northern Ireland.

Brian Heading's motion for Belfast City Council follows a number of reported instances of neglect at various care homes across the region.

He said he regrets the need for recorded footage but believes it is vital "to introduce measures to ensure instances like the Dunmurry Manor scandal never occur again".

Councillor Heading added: "As political representatives it is our duty to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are cared for and kept safe from harm. 

"There is of course other factors at play, such as the scarce resourcing and under staffing in residential and nursing homes, as well as the privatisation of care homes- an issue that urgently needs addressed by the Department of Health.

"However, in the interim we must do all we can to protect residents for harm, and if introducing mandatory CCTV in care homes keeps residents safer, then all public representatives have a duty to support that. This small step will go a long way to reassuring families that their loved ones are safe, as well as capturing the pressurised conditions that staff are facing day and daily. 

"It is my hope that this will receive cross-party support at council level and that we see the introduction of CCTV as soon as practically possible."

Locals Turn Out For Archaeological Dig In Moira

An archaeological dig has taken place in Moira Demesne, Co Down, with locals turning out in numbers to support the project.

The foundations of the buildings on the park's estate were excavated across a two-week period.

The Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork from Queen's University in partnership with the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum oversaw the dig. Eight school groups and over 100 volunteers had the opportunity to take part.

David Burns, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Chief Executive who also took part in the excavation, said: "It was great to hear the excitement of participants as they helped uncover these historic foundations dating back to the 1600's. Over the course of 14 days not only were wall foundations uncovered but the team also found 17th and 18th century pottery, roof tiles, window and drinking glass, clay pipes and a wild boar tusk. Local residents also came down to Moira Demesne to watch the activity going on.

"The excavation has revealed a large amount of information about the site, its inhabitants and their way of life over 200 years later. One of the most impressive finds is a late 18th-century coin, marked 1773, and from around the time William Sharman, M.P. for Lisburn, leased the estate from John Rawdon, 1st Earl of Moira. The finds from the excavation will be displayed in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum in the near future so please come along and see them."

The findings will also help form the council's talk on the dig as part of the Museum's Autumn Programme 2019.



(JG/CM)