"SUN, sea, sand ... and a shortage of lifeguards."

This is the headline in the Wexford People on a report that the county council cannot find enough people to patrol its beaches.

Despite the glamorous portrayal of lifeguards on the television series Bay watch, the number of applicants for the summer posts has not been sufficient, according to the acting county secretary, Mr Niall McDonnell. This means that some beaches on the county's 70 mile coastline - have recently had no lifeguard patrols.

Mr McDonnell rejected, on safety grounds, the suggestion that FAS workers be employed to patrol the beaches on bikes. His advice to bathers in Co Wexford was to brush up on safety at sea and take extra care.

"At the end of the day, it's up to people to obey the rules of common sense and treat the water with respect."

There should be no shortage of buyers of miniature, limited edition classic hats being produced by a company in New Ross, according to another report in the Wexford People.

The Pipkin and Bonnet company is projecting annual sales of £20 million for the handmade product aimed at the US "collectables" market. The hats, which cost £200 each, are based on 18th and 19th century designs, including one of a hat owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

"The benefits for New Ross are already incalculable, with some quarters describing Pipkin and Bonnet as a company which could do for New Ross what Waterford Glass has done for Waterford," says the newspaper.

Drugs stories feature in many of the regional newspapers. The Longford News, in a special report, explores the "agony and the ecstasy" of the local drug problem, following the claim by a local councillor that Longford was "awash" with drugs.

Cllr Tony Flaherty wants an advice group set up to offer guidance to parents who suspect their teenage children of drug abuse.

While two youths told the paper it was relatively easy to obtain cannabis and ecstasy in Longford, local gardai said the drug problem was not escalating.

The Midland Tribune reports on fears that drugs are being peddled in a cemetery in Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Some members of Roscrea Community Development Council, as well as residents, believe that St Cronan's Cemetery is being used as a drop off point for drugs.

One council member suggested ing a gate at the entrance to the cemetery, which could be locked at knight.

AS Drumcree approaches, an expert in conflict resolution is quoted in the Derry Journal as saying that the absence of strong leadership and a"proliferation of loud leadership" has hindered the early resolution of the parades issue.

Prof Mari Fitzduff told the newspaper that the manner in which the marching issue is dealt with will reflect how wider political solutions are handled.

Prof Fitzduff is head of the INCORE project, set up by the University of Ulster and the UN to look at conflict around the world. A professor of conflict studies at the university's Derry campus, she has observed conflicts in Sri Lanka, the Balkans and the Middle East.

"The parades issue as we have come to know it in recent years is not about the right to celebrate heritage and tradition or the unsuitability of triumphalist posturing," she told the newspaper.

"On the contrary, it is about certain fearful sections of this community not being able to accept that a resolution to this issue paves the way for a future of negotiation, compromise and peace.

Dog owners in Ballina will face instant fines from next month if their pets foul public spaces, according to the Western People. Under new regulations, owners will have to clean up after their pets or face on the spot fines.

Cllr Gerry Moore, from Ballina Urban District Council, said any shops selling pooper scoopers would "do very well in sales".

A lorry driver who was fined for overloading his lorry should not have too much difficulty paying up. The Derry Journal reports that the man was fined 5p after Derry Magistrates Court found that he had been carrying a load which was 5.2 per cent heavier than permitted. He was given four weeks to pay and ordered to pay £13 in costs.