Colin weakens into a tropical depression

While Tropical Storm Colin has weakened to a tropical depression, experts believe it may strengthen again, possibly into a Category 1 Hurricane as it passes the Island.

Even if it does, Bermuda is expected to dodge a direct hit as the system is expected to pass 80 miles to our west, leaving us with high, but not hurricane force, winds. The remnants of Colin, which last night were passing north of Puerto Rico, are expected to pass by Bermuda on Saturday, bringing with it rain, strong to gale force winds and possible thunder storms.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Weather Service said: "We will be speaking with the Hurricane Center this morning, but right now, Colin no longer exists. However, the with the latest model runs, several suggested the system will re-form.

"It's in an area where it's getting hit by wind shear, which is tearing it apart. It could move into an area without the wind shear, which would allow it to build up again. It's possible it could even grow to a Category 1 Hurricane, but that is subject to change."

Pettingill happy with rejection of bar

Warwick MP Mark Pettingill yesterday said he was pleased that BEST had stopped plans for a beach bar on Warwick Long Bay.

Developer Belcario Thomas described the concept as an 'Ibiza-style' restaurant designed in the spirit of sustainability, but the project drew fire from the Bermuda Environmental Sustainablility Taskforce (BEST) and those who live in the area.

Mr. Pettingill, who had been involved in the campaign to stop the plans, said: "I'm very pleased that it's gone that way.

"Kathy Mitchelmore and I had organised a meeting on this when it first arose, and we canvassed the area to see what could be done.

"I had sent letters to Minister Blakeney discussing the matter, and I had spoken with [BEST Chairman Stuart] Hayward about taking this down the legal road. I'm very pleased he was able to put something together."

The Planning Board rejected the plans put forward by Mr. Thompson in 2008, but Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney still gave the concept the go-ahead. On Tuesday, Mr. Blakeney's decision was quashed after Government lawyers conceded that he had neglected to give any reasons for the decision to go against his advisers.

Cash stolen from a Smith's parish home

Police are asking the public to be vigilant after money was stolen from a Smith's home over the Cup Match weekend.

According to Police, someone entered the Jenning's Road home between July 28 and August 2 while the residents were off the Island. A quantity of cash was removed.

A Police spokesman said: "All residents should make sure windows and doors are locked before leaving their homes unattended, even for short periods of time."

• To report suspicious activity or people in your neighbourhood, call the Police at 295-0011.

Man bailed after admitting assault

A Sandys man admitted assaulting another man after a party in Dockyard.

Antoine Bean, of Somerset Road, pleaded guilty in Magistrate's Court yesterday to assaulting Terron Christopher. Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said Mr. Christopher didn't know the defendant was behind him as he left the July 25 party.

He turned around and Bean punched him three times in his left eye, causing it to become bloodshot. A female was also punched but didn't want to press charges, Ms Clarke said.

Yesterday, the 23-year-old admitted the offence. Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo ordered a Social Inquiry Report and released Bean on $3,000 bail.