Evening News Update Friday 21 December

The Prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes has decided to introduce a temporary ban on fireworks over the festive period. This measure has been taken to prevent any disturbance to public order. The sale, possession, and use of fireworks will be strictly prohibited until January 2nd. In the statement published by the Prefecture they also reminded the public that consuming alcohol in the street across the region and in the region’s ski resorts is also banned over New Year from Monday 31st to 5am on January 1st.

A 19 year old yellow vest protester has been badly burned while protesting at a roundabout in Saint-Maximin in the Var.  It’s believed that fire broke out early this morning in a shed used by protesters at the roundabout.  The man was transported to the Conception Hospital in Marseille, suffering from burns to his head and back.

In Marseille, fourteen people have been injured after the derailment of a subway train. The incident happened during this morning’s rush hour on Line 2 between the Dromel and Castellane stations.  The injuries are not believed to be serious. The Marseille prosecutor said that there was no evidence of malicious intent and they were working on the theory that the derailment was caused by a technical defect.

The Pamplonne beach in Ramatuelle has re-opened after two months of clean-up operations.  The coastal path is still closed though. Up to 230 temporary workers were involved in the clean-up operation.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will be making his annual address on 106.5 Riviera Radio on Christmas Day. The Prince covered a range of topics from Monaco development to the work of his wife’s Princess Charlene Foundation. Prince Albert also raised his increasing concerns about climate change and the failure of world leaders to properly address the problem. You can hear Prince Albert’s festive address on 106.5 Riviera Radio on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day after the BBC News at noon.

BUSINESS

Production of cars in the UK fell by almost 20% in November compared with a year earlier, according to the industry's trade body. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders blamed weaker demand in the UK and in export markets. It also said changes in regulation and the introduction of new models and technology had contributed to the fall. Car exports fell by almost 23% in November.

In the UK, The Office for National Statistics has said business investment fell by 1.1% in the July to September period compared with the previous quarter. Separate ONS figures showed government borrowing fell in November. Borrowing was £7.2bn last month, down £0.9bn from a year earlier and the lowest November figure for 14 years.

SPORT

Football…There’s one game in the English Premier League tonight. Wolves host Liverpool. Then  on Saturday Arsenal play Burnley. Bournemouth host Brighton. Chelsea play Leicester. Huddersfield face Southampton. Manchester City play Crystal Palace. Newcastle play Fulham. West Ham face Watford and Cardiff host Manchester United. On Sunday Everton play Spurs and then there’s another full Premier League programme on Boxing Day.

Locally, the date has been announced for Monaco’s League Cup Quarter Final match against Rennes. The match is on Wednesday, January 9 with a 6.45pm kick off.

Rugby Union…There’s  one game in the Gallagher Premiership in England tonight. Worcester play Northampton while in the Guinness Pro 14 Ulster host Munster and Cardiff Blues play Dragons.