Other NI News In Brief

BBC Boost For NI Building Firm

A Moira building firm is bucking the trend on the continued slow-down in the construction industry and has been awarded a £12 million contract to construct part of the BBC's new Manchester base. McMullen Architectural Systems will undertake the curtain-walling work at the corporation's new site, which will incorporate a TV and radio centre, as well a 19-floor office building and 16-floor hotel. Work is expected to begin on site in January, when the £12.4m project will be kick-started. McMullen, an internationally recognised specialist, has doubled turnover in the last two years, working on projects across the UK, Ireland and USA.

Ballymena Childcare Gets Ministerial Backing

NI Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie has officially opened a newly built childcare facility in the Ballee area of Ballymena. The Minister said: "The new building will provide excellent facilities for the pre-school playgroup and after-schools club which are run by the local community. I am pleased that by working with the local community, my Department has been able to make this project happen. I think it provides the clearest possible demonstration of the real benefits that our support for communities like Ballee can deliver," she said, noting that the childcare project cost £825,000 to build.

Robbery In Belfast

There has been an attempted robbery at a bank in the Ormeau Road area of south Belfast. A man armed with a handgun entered the Ulster Bank premises at about 9.45am on Thursday and demanded cash but made off empty-handed. Later, a man was arrested in nearby Kimberly Street.

(BMcC)