Other News In Brief

Two Women Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two women have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court.

Katie Potts claimed Income Support totalling £8,768 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was fined £300 and ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15.

Sara Gormley claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,978 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15.

They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Call For NIHE To Reverse Decision Over Tower Blocks In West Belfast

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is being called to reverse its decision to not refurbish tower blocks in west Belfast.

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann said the failure to decide on the future of Divis Tower is short sighted.

Many residents are living in freezing conditions with poor heating or no insulation.

Mr McCann said: "I visited Divis Tower with the Communities Minister two weeks ago, and he was able to see the conditions first hand.

"I have also been campaigning for the Housing Executive and department to take action but the decision of the Housing Executive Board last week kicked that into touch.

"This is a disgraceful decision especially when one considers that Divis Tower is a much sought after place to live.

"I will be asking that this decision by the Housing Executive be reversed and investment cleared to bring Divis Tower up to a standard which makes it liveable for its tenants."

Minister Approves Nursery Unit At Cranmore Integrated Primary School

The establishment of a 26 part-time place statutory nursery unit at Cranmore Integrated Primary School in Belfast has been approved.

Education Minister Peter Weir confirmed it would come into effect on 01 September 2017 or as soon as possible.

Minister Weir said: "I have carefully considered the impact of this proposal and am satisfied that the establishment of a statutory single nursery unit at Cranmore Integrated Primary School is the most appropriate way forward for pre-school provision at this particular setting.

"The out workings of this proposal will result in a net increase of two additional places to help facilitate the placement of target-age pre-school children in this area."

(CD/LM)