week of January 11, a Government spokesman said yesterday.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering will be doing urgent maintenance work on the bridge's operational systems during this period.

The spokesman said: "It is anticipated that the bridge will be re-opened to marine traffic during the week commencing January 11, 1999, although this will depend on the progress of the maintenance works.'' Further updates on the progress of the works are promised.

Last night Works' minister Alex Scott said the repairs were being done as part of preparation for a projected hand over from its American owners.

"The responsibility will obviously fall to the Ministry,'' he said.

Mr. Scott added: "We ran some checks which have caused us to decide that several systems that need attention should be repaired. This is in anticipation of a formal and final hand-over of the bridge by NASA.'' In the Progressive Labour Party's General Election platform, a review of the condition of all the Island's bridges, particularly at the East End, was promised.

POLICE INVESTIGATE BREAK-INS CRM Police investigate break-ins Police are probing a string of reported break-ins at three separate Hamilton businesses on Monday night.

Radio Shack on Reid Street, C-Mart on North Shore Road, and Stuart's on Reid Street were all hit. In each case a glass pane to the store was broken.

Nothing appeared to have been stolen from any of the stores except Stuart's, where a JVC boom box was removed from the packaging and stolen.

In the C-Mart break-in, a driver blew the car horn which reportedly prompted the culprit to jump on a motorbike to escape.

The car driver pursued the individual and reported the matter to Police after losing sight of the culprit.

Police have not ruled out the possibility that the incidents may be related and wish to speak with the caller who reported the Radio Shack break-in.

Anyone who noticed any suspicious behaviour in the vicinity is asked to call Police on 295-0011.

MACHETE ATTACK CRM Machete attack A 22-year-old St. David's man needed medical treatment after allegedly being victim to a machete attack on Front Street.

Police said the man was attacked in the parking lot of the Supermart around 2.45 a.m. Monday as he and friends were leaving a nightclub.

The attacker allegedly wielded a machete, injuring the victim's forearm. He was disarmed by onlookers and reportedly left the scene with a friend.

The victim was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Police inquiries are continuing.