Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Strabane Magistrates' Court.

Christian Leprevost claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,573 while failing to declare employment. He was given 240 hours Community Service.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Installation Work Complete On Social Homes In Lisburn

Work to install new kitchens and bathrooms in social homes in Lisburn has been completed.

A total of 157 properties in the Old Warren area have had new fitted kitchens and bathroom upgrades.

The houses are owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

The work, carried out in two phases over the last year, saw an investment of over £1 million in the properties.

Aengus Hannaway, NIHE Manager for Lisburn and Castlereagh, said: "On average we spent around £6,500 on each home included in the scheme which gives a stylish upgrade to each property.

"We want our tenants to have improvements in their day-to-day lives in their properties and the feedback on the ground has been universally positive."

Plans Announced For New Family room In City Hall

Alliance Councillor Sian O'Neill has said plans for a new family room in the East Wing of Belfast City Hall demonstrates the Council's commitment to providing a family friendly environment.

The Councillor for Ormiston welcomed the plans after the latest Strategic, Policy and Resources committee gave the green light for the project as part of on-going renovations.

She said: "This is a fantastic move by Belfast City Council, signalling it recognises the needs of mothers, grandparents and anyone involved in the care of young children.

"Belfast City Hall is at the heart of our city and the creation of a special family room in the East Wing will allow greater access and a more positive experience for families looking to enjoy everything we have on offer.

"As a Mum who has previously breastfed her child both in public and in the designated area already on offer in City Hall, I speak from experience when I say this move should have been taken years ago. Whilst the Council does have an existing breastfeeding policy in place, the area set aside was extremely uncomfortable, located outside a cold toilet."

(CD)