Sea fans will have to be removed from the waters around Tucker's Point Club and replanted in a special area before new decks and docks can be erected at the posh Tuckers Town development.

The Development Applications Board (DAB) has given final approval for new docks and decks at lots five and seven of the development but note that before any building takes place permission must be granted from the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

This additional permission is needed to ensure that the construction does not compromise on encroach on the foreshore and it is engineers in the Ministry of Works who make this determination.

Additionally the Board has stipulated that "the sea fans identified by the Marine Conservation Officer shall be relocated to an area designated by the Marine Conservation Officer prior to the issuance of a building permit".

Shell Point Ltd., developer of Tuckers Point Club was also told by the Board that it must safeguard the coastline during all phases of the construction, "especially the deposit of excess material which could damage the natural features or the marine environment".

Birdwatcher catches rare sighting

Birdwatchers received an early Christmas present when Bermuda bird book author Eric Amos spotted the rarest US warbler in the US during the annual bird count in December.

Mr. Amos, the author of the 'Guide to the Birds of Bermuda', spotted a Kirtland's Warbler at Hog Bay Park during the Christmas Bird Count on December 18, according to the Bermuda Audubon Society's newsletter.

"Kirtland's Warblers are the rarest breeding warbler in North America. The world population of about 1,200 pairs breed in Jacks Pines in Michigan in a small area of forestry plantation in Michigan. The bird migrate to their only known wintering grounds in the Bahamas - where they are extremely difficult to find," the newsletter said.

A day later, ten keen birdwatchers rose at dawn to try to get another sighting of the bird and were rewarded when it reappeared. It was seen later that day - and "has not been seen since", according to the newsletter.

Minister to get a love-ly lunch

Inspiring young chefs at The Bermuda College's Hospitality Club will have to put a lot of love into their cooking today in order to impress their special Valentine's Day luncheon guest - the Minister of Education.

Terry Lister and his wife will be enjoying a romantic meal at the college during the Hospitality Club's Valentine's Day luncheon.

They will also be making a donation towards the club's efforts to raise the $10,000 needed for students to attend the National Restaurant Show in Chicago in May.

There are currently ten students officially registered in the Hospitality club and they have managed to raise some $5,000 from bake sales, catering functions, Valentine Chocolate sales and the luncheon.

At the show, students will be able to participate in a wide range of educational programmes.

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest of its kind in North America for the hospitality industry and is an invaluable experience for local and international hospitality students.

Handbag stolen

An 80-year-old Devonshire resident was the victim of a burglary when an unknown culprit gained entry into her First Avenue home and stole her handbag containing about $140 in cash and some personal items.

Police spokesman, Dwayne Caines said the incident occurred some time between Wednesday afternoon and 5.30 a.m. on Thursday.

The handbag was later recovered, minus the contents and Police are investigating the incident.