way for a new multi-storey building.

The Development Applications Board have approved the excavation of the hill which marks the site of the new National Sports Centre.

Centre deputy chairman Mr. Charlie Marshall said the building "which could reach five storeys'' would service both the fields in the area.

The building will contain a 50-metre swimming pool, a basketball court, tennis courts, changing facilities, a restaurant, a babysitting service and meeting rooms.

The building will also adjoin the old Bermuda Technical Institute which will come under the umbrella of the centre, continued Mr. Marshall.

He said cultural exhibits would be housed there as well as national sporting bodies and community organisations which needed space.

He added: "Hopefully next year people will see things getting done.'' BETTER HELP FOR YOUNG VICTIMS POL Better help for young victims Seventeen Police officers have been taking part in a four-day course on dealing with child victims of sexual abuse.

The course, entitled "Child Sexual Abuse: Investigation and Assessment'', was held in conjunction with the Department of Child and Family Services.

Education consultant Mr. Rob Croezen and Constable Terry Gallery of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada conducted the courses.

Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said the primary objective was to enhance and develop proper interview skills for dealing with child victims of sexual abuse.

More sessions will take place in the new year, he added.

A similar programme was held in 1993/94. And further training courses will be held in the future to help Police become more sensitive to the needs of young victims of sexual abuse.

WRIT FILED AGAINST SCHOOL GOVERNORS CTS Writ filed against school governors Butterfield Mortgage & Finance Ltd. has taken out a writ in the Supreme Court against Berkeley Institute's Board of Governors.

But board president Mr. Calvin White told The Royal Gazette he believed the matter would be settled out of court.

The writ stemmed from some $400,000 in outstanding mortgage payments on the Swanston property adjacent to the high school, Mr. White said.

Several tenants living in the old boarding house -- which consists of single rooms and apartments -- were behind in rent, he explained.

The land on which the building stands will be purchased by Government to expand Berkeley as senior school.

Mr. White said Government had agreed to help the board out financially.

FIRECREWS MAKE SCAFFOLDING SAFE FIR Firecrews make scaffolding safe Firecrews were called into action at the weekend to dismantle a section of scaffolding loosened in the high winds.

Ropes securing the top of the scaffolding broke free under the strain and firemen had to dismantle part of the structure.

The incident happened in Washington Lane, Hamilton, and firemen worked for an hour before lowering the dangerous section to the ground and declaring the area safe.

A spokesman for the Fire Service said: "It could have been a real danger to the public but it luckily it was spotted in time.'' COTTAGE TO HOUSE HOTEL HOUSEKEEPER PLN Cottage to house hotel housekeeper A Hamilton hotel will be renovating part of its property so it can house one of its staff.

The Development Applications Board has approved an application by the Royal Palms Hotel on Rosemont Avenue to convert a small storage area into a one bedroom cottage.

Manager Ms Susan Weare told The Royal Gazette that the room was for the hotel's live-in housekeeper from Ireland who cared for the operation's 12 rooms.