Belgian news in brief, 19 July 2006

2007 Grand Prix to go ahead

Despite the problems around Belgian Grand Prix, the race will be staged in 2007. A new organisation will take over the running of the Francorchamps Formula One event. The organisation is chaired by Etienne Davignon, a co-founder of SN Brussels Airlines. A definitive agreement with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has not yet been reached.

Supermarkets delay mussel sales

Supermarkets have delayed selling the first Zeeland mussels of the season until August. A cold spring has meant that mussels from Zeeland are much smaller than normal. Also, there are 50 percent fewer mussels than last year, making them more expensive. The supermarkets hope that by waiting, the mussels will grow to a better size. Mussels from the Dutch province of Zeeland are especially popular in Belgium and the mussel season was due to start on Thursday.

30pc extra water usage

The warm weather has led to higher water use of between 20 and 30 percent. A rise in water use between 10 and 11pm is particularly noticeable as people water their garden or wash their car. The Flemish water supply company does not expect any water shortages due to the heavy rains in the spring.

Ducks die from water botulism

Some 70 dead ducks have been found on the Bossuyt-Kortrijk canal in Zwevegem in recent days. They are suspected to have died from botulism, a bacterial infection in the water that is fatal to water birds. The bacteria flourishes in warm weather. Some 50 dead ducks were also found on the Zuid-Willemsvaart and the Bocholt-Herentals canal.

Subject: Belgian news