02/12/2011 BBC Newsline

Mrs Newsline. The headlines, the social housing scheme that has

ended up as a car-park. Questions about what happened to �10 million

of public money. Eight IRA men killed almost 25 years ago. A

leaked report -- a leaked report says they fired first. Why this

cultural icon will be shut for the start of Londonderry's City of

Culture year. What to do when a bogus caller comes to your door? We

will show you where you can get help. Defending our coastlines, the

engineers fight back. The Republic of Ireland have been drawn against

Italy at next year's Euro 2012 finals. Forced we ended the week on

a damp and chilly start -- we end the week on a damp and chilly note.

We begin tonight with an update on an exclusive investigation be

brought here last night. After the purchase of land for social housing,

nothing has been built. A local MLA urged the Social Development

Minister to find out what is going on. The site near the M3 cost �10

million. Once sought-after for building, now

the subject of a government report. The Helm Housing Association bought

it three years ago. They wanted to build a block of 200 homes, a major

social housing projects. They got money from the government. The Sinn

Fein MLA wants to know why nothing has been built. An opportunity has

been missed. They have the responsibility to deliver social

housing with our money. A did not happen. They need to explain why

that has happened, and what they are going to ensure that people on

the housing list are not going to be missed. Earlier this year the

Helm Housing Association had its funding suspended. The Department

for Social Development a decline to be interviewed -- declined to be

interviewed, they did issue a written statement. They point out

that all housing associations go through a process. There were once

high hopes for this site, as well as the big purchase price. It is a

car park fun now, it may be part of a major road-widening scheme. He

away, a chorus of questions about his future have to be asked.

A County Armagh man has been found guilty of murdering his wife.

Christopher Hart admitted stuck -- stabbing his wife Suzanne. He

claimed that the killing was not premeditated, and that he snapped

at during a row. It was on 20th August last year that Christopher

Harper, aged 44, walked into this police station, sobbing

uncontrollably. He told the officers that he had done a bad

thing. He had stabbed his 40-year- old wife, Suzanne, once in the neck

with a kitchen knife. A short time later the officers found her dead.

There was never any doubt about who killed her comedy has never denied

that it was him. His defence that he had been at a broken man, he had

snapped when he made a disparaging reference to abuse he had suffered

as a child. The jury rejected this, and the greed of the prosecution,

that he had intended to kill his wife end of act of murder,

motivated by jealousy, and what they said were his inadequacies as

a person. It took the jury just over five hours, over today's, to

reach a majority of 10-2. Suzanne told him that she was leaving him

free another man. The judge told Christopher Harper that the only

possible sentence was life. It was one of the most

controversial episodes of the Troubles. Eight heavily armed IRA

men shot dead as they launched a gun and bomb attack on Loughgall

police station. The republican said it was part of a shoot-to-kill

policy. A lead to report a settles the questions on the events of that

night, who fired first? It was considered one of the

biggest setbacks for the IRA. Eight members of the East Brigade were

shot dead by the SAS. A civilian, on his way home from work, was also

killed. For republicans it was evidence of a shoot-to-kill policy.

For Unionists it was a hammer blow to the IRA campaign. A report

appears to settle questions about the incident. According to a leaked

report in the Belfast Telegraph, it was the IRA who started firing. The

report concludes that the gunmen could not have been safely arrested.

They also found that the SAS had been within their rights to open

fire. This man is married to the sister of one of the dead IRA men.

If it was a war, then the British government are wrong. They have

said all along they were bound by the laws of democracy. If that is

the case, they should have attempted to arrest them. We had no

other choice but to defend the property, and defend other

civilians in the area. The weapons were -- - were recovered, will

linked to seven other incidents. -- were linked. I would go no further

than say that they fired first. If those weapons were not to kill

people, what were they for? It will be several weeks until the report

is released to the families. There will be investigation into who

leaked it. At a county Antrim businessman has

been found guilty of an international property scam. 52-

year-old Kevin O'Kane was on trial for a GP in the seven people into

thinking they were buying luxury villas in Gumbet, Turkey. He

claimed he had been a victim of a corner by his business partners in

Turkey. He will be back in court on Monday.

It is an unfortunate case of bad timing, Newsline has learned that

the Guildhall in Londonderry will be closed for the start of the

city's City of Culture. Renovations will take more than one year.

It is not quite the Last Dance For the Guildhall, this Christmas party

will return. That will happen in two years' time. This a revamp of

the Guild Hall will be both inside and out. When the work inside is

completed in early 2030 in, this most iconic the buildings will be

the first port of call for tourists to the city. That is provided that

they do not arrive in the first few months of the City of Culture year.

The most iconic building in the City will be closed for the first

demands of the City of Culture? have made people aware of that.

There is no negativity coming back. The City of Culture promoters

declined to comment on the closure. They simply said they were

delighted that it was getting a facelift. How important is it to

tourism? We have three major tourist attraction than the City.

We have one of the most complete set of balls in Europe. The

cathedral dates back to 1628, but our Guild Hall, that is the next

most historic building. It will open in 20th March 13. -- Maj 2013.

Many rooms will be totally revamped. Members of the clergy will use its.

-- used it. A police officer came here with a chainsaw to cut the

chair in half. This was an antique chair. Councillors say the reason

for the renovations is simple, to keep in step with changing times.

You are watching BBC Newsline. Still to come, if you wind fear of

bogus callers, we are behind the scenes at a centre where you can

get help. The superstar Mark Allen talks frankly about his battle with

depression. There has been a significant

increase in the number of children living in poverty in the region.

The report published by the Department for Social Development

says there is a 33% increase in cases of people falling into child

poverty. I am here at the East Belfast

Mission, they offer help to families who are struggling here.

With me is a single mum of three. Tell me about how much of a stress

it is for you? Benefits are not going up. Prices are. There are

certain times of the day at cannot put the heating on. It is your

electric, your food. It is a big struggle, really, really hard.

Thank you very much. Also with us is Fergus from Save

the children. There is a 33% increase in the year on year child

poverty figures. That is since 2010. That is historic. All of the

indicators are going in the wrong direction. There are low income

families, inflation, a real Spike in cost in the home. We have a lot

of children who are within a �50 of falling into poverty. Thank you

very much. A stark warning there. These figures could just be the tip

of the iceberg. Would you know what to do if he

suspected a bogus caller was at your front door? There is a

freephone number where you can check whether the person is genuine.

The BBC has been given exclusive access to a call centre where the

checks are done. 64-year-old pensioner Elizabeth

McGuinness was home alone when to strangers not at their door. They

told the they were from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

She was suspicious from the start. I said have yet any identification.

They said no. I said I'm not going to let you win. I close the door,

he put his shoulder in the door. I got it closed. I locked it. I rang

the neighbours to say -- to see if they have called. I rang the police.

The police gave the number to ring. So I rang the number. They rang,

and so did know, there is nobody Audrey is one of a team of six that

can give you peace of mind. If you suspect a bogus caller at your

front door. Three will ask you if the person at the door, which

company they are claiming to be from. We will have their name, a

first name, a surname, their ID number and on occasions we might

also have a car registration number so we have information to check

they are genuine. If you have a call on your doorstep who said they

need to check your meter, most people will be genuine but

unfortunately there are people who will use stories like that to steal

from vulnerable people. What we will ask people de do is if you

have a call on your doorstep, keep them there. They will not mind

waiting and call us. The number you can use his 0800...

The a quick check scheme is an initiative and several initiatives

-- police forces in Britain have decided to adopt it also.

The engineer strikes back - a few days ago we had from a marine

expert he was critical about how engineers handle the fortification

of coast. He accused them of destroying coast on a global scale.

They were not too pleased about that so Our Environment

correspondent offered a right of reply.

This is the man who made the comments - Andrew Cooper, and this

is the thing he is referring to. The mires of concrete and rocker

arm ring that keep the sea out. He told us: the minute they raised

land at risk, people get concerned about it and always on hand is an

engineer who will say, I will build you a wall and solve that problem.

You have destroyed a naturally functioning ecosystem. Engineer see

it from a different perspective. Roads like this only survive

because of the coastal engineering that protects them. This may be

cemented and crude but it keeps existing structures in place.

of the coastal infrastructure is actually there because of the

decisions of our forefathers. They chose where to place the towns and

cities and settlements, and what we have seen is the development of

those with new infrastructures such as ports and harbours, such as

airports and they -- significant road and rail links. Those features

that the defences protect. Is it time to stop putting up endless

defences and repairing them at huge costs? In some cases it has been

decided to carry out what is known as managed retreat, or simply

giving up land to the sea. It is a balanced approach that we need but

it is not just cost. We need to look at the benefits, the

infrastructure that is behind that, people's houses and property and

businesses and vital infrastructure links. Much of the coastal

engineering today was created by our forefathers in the last century.

It seems unlikely that much will be added to it in the future, which is

always good news for the environment.

What do you think? Should we allow BC to claim back the land? You can

join in the conversation on our face book page.

The Republic of Ireland's footballers know their opponents at

the Euro 2012 tournament. Ulster are back in action tonight at

Ravenhill. We will go to the Republic Ireland

draw in a second but a lot of the big guns are back tonight. One

sadly who is not, Paddy Wallace. You are wearing the wounds of war.

Little finger dislocated. When will you be back? Hopefully some time in

January. Training and then moving into the last two cup matches.

of the big guns back tonight. On the bench, will you see they've run

out from ruin? 0 would say so. The Heineken Cup game is coming up.

Having said that, Paul Marshall has done a splendid job replacing him

in the last two games. It is good competition in the squad. You have

hinted it is a massive December. Some very important winning

momentum returns. It is typical in both competitions. You want to see

us climb the League table and build some momentum. There is a lot to

play.. Go get that hand one. Thank you. The Euro 2012 qualifiers store

has been made and as they it has decreed, a native of Italy, manager

of the Republic of Ireland has been drawn with the group Italy.

The last time the Republic of Ireland reached a major finals it

was the World Cup back into fears and and two, where they lost a

penalty shoot-out with Spain. Since then, the Spanish have won the

World Cup and are now the defending European champions. The Spaniards

were drawn in Group C, a long way at the... Island. The Republic of

Ireland. Back in 1994, the Republic of Ireland deputed Italy. The Irish

not managed by an Italian crew... Italy. I think we have to play

against Italy, Spain. Does Spain frighten you? The World Cup...

Croatia are the final team in the Republic's group and all of

Ireland's group games will be in Poland not the Ukraine.

Depression is one of those subjects which are still largely taboo

amongst sportsmen and women, but local snooker star Mark Allen has

been speaking out against it. He has also been high letting that he

is winning his battle. He will be in action next week that the UK

Championships and he has been speaking to us.

Marke Allen says 2011 has been one of the most difficult years in his

life. But confronting his Elmer's has been one of the best decisions

he has ever made. Things are going well for me away from snooker and

it is helping me on the table. My private life is better and things

are going better for me financially. Everything is coming into place.

Still have to watch for signs of it creeping up again, but I think I

know what to look for now. I am I a lot happier now so it was a good

thing I came out publicly. Allen was diagnosed with depression

shortly before the World Snooker Championships last April. But with

the help of his family, friends and his doctor, the 25-year-old says he

has rediscovered his passion for the game. It is in complete

contrast to six months ago and I did not want to look at a snooker

table. I am enjoying practising and my form is coming back. I want to

enjoy it as much as they can and does much as when I was younger.

The other half of the battle happens next Monday when he plays

his first match of the major season, the UK championship.

Graeme McDowell meets the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa. Rory

McIlroy shares the lead in Hong Kong but today it has been another

local man who has had occasion to celebrate.

It has been a difficult season for Gareth may burn. He has struggled

for form and is still at risk of losing his Tour card. But this hole

in one at the 192 yards brightened up his day and his caddie's. And it

won him a �50,000 watch. This was one of the -- four Rory McIlroy

birdies. But late bogeys dropped him back into a shared lead. Never

move. Graeme McDowell slice through the field in Sun City, climbing to

the top of the leaderboard thanks Three in a row I have pulled today.

Unbelievable. A his round included seven birdies to leave him one shot

ahead of the 12 man field. A few loose ends to be tied up in

the Stadium of Light, but we have a new manager for Sunderland. Here is

Weather in a moment. D Lambert the Catalina flying boat that has been

stranded? It has finally taken off. The second world war veteran was

damaged in an accident in the Fermanagh seaplane festival. Delays

kept it landed at the former RAF base camp at Killadeas but it was

all systems go for take-off this week. The French pilot who stayed

in Fermanagh to look after his 70- year-old charge has flown it back

to Paris. Let's find out what the weather

will be like this weekend. It will not be as chilly as last night. We

not be as chilly as last night. We do still have a few isobars out on

the east coast. Compared with the past 111 autumns, it is the second

warmest November on average. It also is the second wettest autumn

since 1910. As the go through this evening, we continue to see a few

showers piling in from the West because of the breast winds. More

cloud around tonight so it will not be as a chilly. Five and 6 degrees.

Tomorrow we get off to a brighter stuff. We will continue to have a

few showers throughout Saturday but over all it will be a dry a picture.

Showers can find two parts of the north and west. First thing, if he

breaks in the showers to allow brighter spells of sunshine.

Staying cloudy through parts of Tyrone and Fermanagh. Temperatures

tomorrow around 7 or 8 degrees but feeling cool because of the brisk

winds. In the second part of the day, not much will change. Towards

the North, rather cloudy and damp with strong winds continuing to

feed their showers. That will continue overnight into Sunday. 2-3

degrees and some of the showers could well be fawning as wintry

weather over the hills. That will stay throughout Sunday.

Temperatures ranging between four and seven degrees but into next

week, things will settle down although the winds will stay fresh

from the West. from the West.

It is not perhaps the best weather for ice-cream, but let's talk about

it because one of our best known ice-cream families, Morellis, have

found out they have broken the world record for the biggest number

of people to eat ice-cream at one time. Let's take a look, 2728

people helped them get into the Guinness Book of Records. They

packed out the grounds of a local college on a hot summer's day in

July, forming a chain and apparently you had to feed the

person on your right and then eat the ice cream continuously for one

minute. It all got a bit messy. There is not much to do in

Portstewart! Hundreds of thousands of congratulations! A reminder of

the stories that are making our headlines: questions have been

asked today about how the site for a social housing scheme in Belfast

ended up as a car park. 0 report from the historical

inquiries team is expected to have to say that eight IRA men killed by

the SAS at 25 years ago opened fired first.