Other News In Brief

Work To Start On Resurfacing Project In Belfast

Work on a £95,000 road resurfacing scheme is to begin on Tuesday, 28 March.

Work to resurface Broom Park carriageway will be carried out between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

The scheme is expected to be completed by Friday, 07 April.

Diversions will be put in place during the works.

Four Men Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Four men have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Londonderry Magistrates' Court.

Gareth Bradley claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £178 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £50, ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 and court costs of £43.

Matthew Colby claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £275 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £50, ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 and court costs of £37.

Eamon Harkin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £11,188 while failing to declare full time education. He was fined £50, ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 and court costs of £40.

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

James Ferguson claimed Jobseeker's Allowance of £8,542 while failing to declare savings. He was fined £75, ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 and court costs of £34.

Mr Ferguson has repaid in full the money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Ards Arts Centre Lights Up To Mark World Down Syndrome Day

Alliance Councillor Karen Douglas has backed plans to light up Ards Arts Centre to mark World Down Syndrome Day today, 21 March.

Secured by the Alliance Party, the venue will light up blue and yellow as part of a number of events taking place throughout the day to raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is and what it means to have Down Syndrome.

Councillor Karen Douglas said: "I'm delighted to support plans to raise awareness of Down Syndrome locally, giving us an opportunity to combat the stigma which is often associated with the condition.

"Aimed at promoting equal rights for those with Down Syndrome, I'd encourage everyone to engage with local activities and events aimed at highlighting the abilities and achievements of people Down Syndrome and if you use social media follow the hashtags #WDSD17 and #MyVoiceMyCommunity.

"Personally I'll be taking part in the #lotsofsocks initiative, wearing brightly coloured socks to work as a fun way to get people talking. Together we can make a difference and increase public awareness of Down Syndrome."

(CD/MH)