Other News In Brief

Belfast Castle Maze Revitalised By Volunteer Group

A two-year long restoration project at Belfast Castle maze has been successfully completed by a group of volunteers from the Cave Hill Conservation Campaign.

Officially opened to celebrate and welcome the new millennium, the maze offers a unique experience for locals and tourists visiting the area.

Over a two-year period, work has been carried out to remove large overhanging trees, improve the walls and trails throughout the maze, plant new fruit trees and excavate a colourful mural that became buried in the ground.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy commended the efforts of all those involved in the project. He said: "The refurbishment and revival of the maze by the Cave Hill Conservation Campaign is fantastic. It’s a celebration of volunteerism and is a shining example of the wide variety of different activities and sites available in our parks and open spaces.

"The project team have worked diligently over the past two years to bring this unique feature of the Belfast Castle grounds back to life. The maze is such an untapped visitor attraction which will undoubtedly play an important role in bringing tourists and locals to the area in greater numbers.

"Congratulations to all involved and make sure you come and visit the area for yourself."

Chair of the Cave Hill Conservation Group, Cormac Hamill is encouraging everyone to come along and enjoy the wonders of the maze. He said: "We in Cave Hill Conservation Campaign are delighted that the Lord Mayor is opening the restored maze in the grounds of Belfast Castle. This is appropriate recognition for what was a hidden and forgotten feature of the estate.

"Over twenty years ago we had the idea of creating a maze there to mark the millennium. The work was actually carried out by Belfast City Council. Over the years since, it had grown unkempt and neglected and two years ago, we decided to restore it as a quiet restful spot and also a place to intrigue and delight children. We have a bunch of dedicated volunteers and we were helped at various times by local community groups.

"Belfast City Council have been very supportive of the work over these two years and together we have brought life to the maze and given it a place and function within the Estate."

CITB NI Calls For Feedback On Strategic Direction

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI has called for feedback from construction employers on the strategic direction of the organisation.

CITB NI's support to the industry has varied over time since its creation in 1964. Initially operating as a training centre for those entering the industry, providing pre-employment and pre-apprenticeship programmes and direct upskilling courses for the existing workforce.

This model has changed somewhat to what is now known to be the current Levy & Grant system. The Training in Partnership strand was introduced 12 years ago to allow CITB NI to work in partnership with the sector, delivering training in partnership with industry bodies.

Respond to the CITB NI survey here

Alliance Condemns Attack On Police Officers

The Alliance Party has condemned an attack on police officers in West Belfast.

Three Officers were injured and their vehicle rammed in an incident on the Falls Road.

Alliance West Belfast representative Eoin Millar said: "This anti-social behaviour is unacceptable.

"Irresponsible acts like this cannot go unpunished, and had the police not stepped in so courageously, one can only imagine what damage could have been done to people and property in the local area.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to the officers involved for putting themselves in harm's way for the better good.

"I would urge anyone with information on this incident to please come forward."