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.

Gareth McGuigan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,527 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

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

Andrew Bradley Ltd Appointed For £500,000 Refurb Contract

Contractor Andrew Bradley Limited has been appointed to refurbish an Edwardian Style scheme in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

Choice Housing chose the contractor for the £500,000 scheme which was built in the early 1900s.

The red brick Whitehouse Court contains three buildings that collectively provided six shared flats, one self-contained flat and a laundry facility that was built at the turn of the new century.

The 20-week series of works, which start this week, will reconfigure and improve the existing buildings to provide 12 apartments each with new self-contained kitchens and bathrooms. A range of mechanical and electrical engineering works will overhaul all electrics and plumbing within the buildings and see the fitting of new internal and external lighting, heating and fire alarm systems.

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice said: "This is a historic scheme that has been in need of renovation and refurbishment to maximise its potential and address housing need. The reconfiguration of the scheme increases the number of homes we can provide and incorporates the very best standards and technology. This is an exciting and timely change at Whitehouse Court that will enable tenants to make the most of quality and stylish homes in a great location.

"In Andrew Bradley Limited, we have appointed a contractor who shares our vision for this scheme and belief that people deserve well-built and comfortable homes, whatever their circumstances. We engaged in a rigorous search to find the best contractors and it is pleasing to appoint organisations that have the skills, experience and resources for a job of this size."

The second phase of the remodelling works at Whitehouse Court is expected to begin in October 2017 with completion of the 12 new one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in Spring 2018.

Call For Specific Ovarian Cancer Awareness Campaign In NI

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has reiterated his call for a specific ovarian cancer awareness campaign to be launched in Northern Ireland.

Mr Lyttle was speaking after attending the launch of the Target Ovarian Cancer report by Pathfinder Northern Ireland at Parliament Buildings. The East Belfast MLA has previously been involved with the campaign alongside the late Una Crudden.

"It was my privilege to present a petition for this campaign to the Minister for Health on behalf of the late Una Crudden and I will continue to do whatever I can to support the many people and organisations fighting to achieve early diagnosis, clinical trials and support for the brave women affected by this disease.

"After hearing powerful contributions from a number of speakers at this event, I have sought an urgent update from the Public Health Agency on the delivery of a specific ovarian cancer awareness campaign.

"Such a campaign could allow much higher survival rates than we currently see and would be a fitting tribute to the work of Una and others."

(CD)