Other NI News In Brief

Taxi Attacked

The police have appealed for information after a crossbow bolt was fired at a taxi in north Belfast. Although the driver of the vehicle escaped injury in the attack, which happened at about 9.30pm last night at Carlisle Circus, the bolt shattered a side rear window of the vehicle. Meanwhile, a German woman remains in a stable condition in hospital after a rock was hurled through the window of a her taxi in west Belfast on Wednesday.

Cyclist's Death Probed

The police have appealed for witnesses to a fatal accident early yesterday to contact them. The cyclist - who died after being hit by a lorry - was named today as Patrick O'Hara, from Glengormley. The accident happened on Enterprise Way in Mallusk at about 5.30am. Mr O'Hara, 43, died in hospital.

Police Facing Disciplinary Hearings

A police constable accused of running a brothel has been revealed as one of a total of 55 officers to be facing separate disciplinary proceedings, according to a Northern Ireland Policing Board document. Other alleged misdemeanors include an indecent assault on a child, possession of child pornography and drugs and violent offences. The information emerged at a recent meeting of the Board's Human Rights Committee, which noted that they represent only a tiny proportion of a force with over 9,000 members. The document said that during the last financial year there was 28 officers repositioned and 27 suspended.

Writing Is 'On The Walls'

Loyalist emblems and murals in Newtownards, Co Down have been transformed into two historic murals depicting the town's rich hertitage. Two emblems painted on walls in the Glen estate, together with murals containing a warning to those engaged in anti-social behaviour and another picturing gunmen, have been removed as part of the project. It has been painted over with a pictorial history of the town spanning eight centuries. Another mural was inspired by First World War associations with Helen's Tower, built on the ground of the Clandeboye Estate.

Bombers Target SF

Sinn Fein offices in Cookstown and a particular party councillor, John McNamee, were the intended victims of pipe bombers in Co Tyrone said the party last night. One device near Sinn Fein offices in Burn Road appeared to have exploded and a second was discovered in Mr McNamee's neighbour's garden in nearby Arthur Street over the weekend. Assembly member Michelle O'Neill said: "Everyone in this community should be able to go about their daily business free from the fear of attack or intimidation. John is well-respected across this town and I know that this will not stop him representing the people of Cookstown." The PSNI said that a viable device was recovered and removed for further examination.

Castle Rises Again

Antrim Borough Council has confirmed that a programme of works is now underway to clear debris from the Market Square area in Antrim, following the collapse of a section the historic Town Wall and castle Ramparts in early October. In addition to the clearing operation, the council has confirmed that an adjacent section of wall, which is in an unsafe condition, will be carefully dismantled before planning gets underway for a full restoration project in the New Year. The council said it intends to store the debris and stonework and to reuse the original materials as part of the restoration scheme.

Parking Restrictions Enforced

Over 140,000 parking tickets have been issued to illegally parked vehicles across Northern Ireland in the second year of the current parking enforcement contract. However, this represents a decrease of approx 20,000 tickets from the first year of operation. There were 142,754 tickets issued in the second year, from November 2007 - November 2008, which represents a weekly average of 2,745 and a daily average, Monday to Saturday, of 457. In year one the number of tickets issued was 163,500. Speaking on the decrease in ticket numbers, Simon Richardson, Parking Enforcement Manager with Roads Service said: "A decrease in tickets is a positive indication that our objective of encouraging people to park properly is working. If drivers heed our advice then tickets cannot be issued. It is therefore not surprising that the number of tickets issued during the second year has reduced."

Old Court House Renovation Begins

Work is due to start soon to restore Antrim Old Court House to its former glory, it has been announced. Gary Shaw, Cultural Services Manager with Antrim Borough Council, said: "Contractors will begin on clearing the site this week and as work progresses it will lead to the major restoration of one of Antrim's most important landmarks and help to regenerate the heart of the town." The project is expected to take around 15 months to complete and once finished will house Antrim Information Centre, which is transferring from its existing premises in High Street, and a new multi-purpose auditorium on the first floor providing space for a range of functions including theatre and music promotions.

(BMcC)