Other News In Brief

Local Woman Missing In Berlin Found

A Northern Ireland woman who had been missing in Berlin since Sunday has now been located, her family have confirmed.

Danielle Anderson, the daughter of Institute FC Chairman Bill Anderson, had been due to board a flight to Belfast at Schönefeld Airport on the morning of Sunday 18 August.

An appeal was launched after she failed to return home or contact family, however a statement has since confirmed that she has been found and is well.

Her family offered their thanks to everyone who helped highlight the case.

North Belfast Shooting Condemned

A paramilitary style shooting in north Belfast has been widely condemned among politicians.

A man was hospitalised for treatment to gunshot wounds to both legs after he was targeted in Ardoyne on Wednesday evening, 21 August.

The victim, who is in his forties, is believed to be in a stable condition. Police have launched an investigation.

Local SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon said the criminals behind the "brutal attack" must be brought to justice.

"No one can be allowed to intimidate this community," Ms Mallon commented.

"Those responsible have nothing to offer people here. We're trying to build a better North Belfast and acts like this only make that harder. They have to be faced down."

Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly condemned those involved and urged paramilitaries operating in the area to cease operations.

He said: "A number or residents in Ardoyne and wider North Belfast have been shot dead in the recent past by various small armed groups masquerading as protectors.

"The community does not support such actions and it needs to stop. There is no place for guns on our streets."

NIHE Urged To Reach Repayment Agreement With Contractors

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been urged to reach a repayment agreement with contractors following an IT system failure.

Overpayments were made to two contractors for ground maintenance on lands the NIHE no longer owned. This was reportedly due to the IT system which had not been updated.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called on the NIHE to address the problem.

She said: "The Housing Executive has multimillion pound contracts with these companies, one of which with the Direct Labour Organisation, which is part of the Housing Executive, and both are set to run up to 2024.

"I would think this would give ample opportunity for a reasonable repayment agreement to be made between the Housing Executive and contractors.

"I will be seeking assurances from the Housing Executive that this is indeed the case.

"At a time when every pound must be made to count, it is disheartening that this error occurred and could have been undetected without the intervention of whistle-blowers."



(JG/CM)