Other NI News In Brief

'Historic' Arrest Made

There has been a fresh move in connection with a murder more than 20 years ago. A 44-year-old man has been arrested as part of a new probe into the killing of Robert Coggles who was murdered in August 1986. Detectives from the Historical Enquiries Team arrested the man in Belfast on foot of their review of the killing of Mr Coggles, whose body was discovered in the Carr's Glen area of north Belfast. A 31-year-old Protestant, the victim had been shot in the head. It is believed the UVF were responsible.

Hedges 'Clipped'

Laws to deal with unkempt hedges are to be enacted. The NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots plans two new pieces of legislation, High Hedges Bill and Clean Neighbourhoods Bill. The High Hedges Bill will help people adversely affected by nuisance high hedges bordering their domestic property. The Clean Neighbourhoods Bill will give district councils powers to deal more effectively with a wide range of local environmental problems. "In England and Wales, legislation is already in place to deal with these issues, however there is currently no equivalent provision in Northern Ireland," he said, adding: "I now intend to bring forward the two new Bills and hope that these can be included in the Assembly's current legislative programme."

Car Park Disruption Highlighted

A former Newtownabbey mayor has said that the PSNI must do more to tackle anti-social behaviour in and around Glengormley car parks. Alderman Nigel Hamilton was speaking following a meeting last week at Mossley Mill with residents from Farmley Road, the PSNI, Department for Regional Development Road Service and the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Scott. He has spoken out over the ongoing issue of young drivers in car parks who have been victimising residents, particularly in the Glengormley area. "Residents at three car parks in Glengormley: Northcott, Tesco, Carnmoney Road and Farmley Car Park, have raised their concerns with me and feel that the police are not prioritising appropriate tactics and to sort the issue out," he said, noting that the Northcott site and Farmley have now been resolved by erecting barriers: "I am working with landlords and PSNI to do the same at Carnmoney Road."

Wave Energy Focus

With assistance from Invest Northern Ireland, Belfast company Pure Marine is targeting global commercial success with its innovative marine energy generator. Pure Marine is developing the DUO Wave Energy Convertor (WEC), a technologically advanced system that generates electricity from waves. The device is currently undergoing final design modelling and prototype testing. Backed by an offer of over £50,000 from Invest NI, the company is undertaking crucial market research and business development activities, including visits by company representatives to key future growth markets around the UK, USA and Europe. This follows research and development support of over £150,000 offered to Pure Marine earlier this year by the Carbon Trust, funded locally by Invest NI with part finance from the European Regional Development Fund.

Asda Jobs Promised

North Belfast could be set for a jobs boost after national retailer Asda announced plans for a new improved store. The new store, on the Shore Road, would create up to 150 new jobs for local people. The proposal for a new 49,000sq ft (sales area) store with a 520 space car park and petrol station represents a significant investment in north Belfast. The new ASDA store is part of a wider redevelopment being brought forward by Belfast City Council in the area, including a new state-of-the-art 3G football pitch, all-weather sports pitches, children's playground and residential units.

(BMcc/GK)