Other News In Brief

New Play Park Officially Opens In Strathfoyle

A new play park has officially opened in Strathfoyle, Co L'Derry.

The £500,000 scheme is part of the Parks Management and Development Programme.

It has been funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Department for Communities and local waste management company, RiverRidge Recycling.

Mayor Maolíosa McHugh said: "The park will be a hugely positive addition to the local area and have a significant impact on the quality of life of the residents in Strathfoyle and the wider Waterside area.

"This is the latest in a line of new and innovate parks development projects across the City and District that underline our commitment to enhancing play provision as a clear priority in our Community Plan."

Sharon McCullagh from the Department for Communities said: "The Department are proud to support this project with a funding commitment of £50,000, which helped unlock the other funding necessary to complete the play park.

"We are delighted that this project can now be opened to the public to provide a safe environment for young people to enjoy the outdoors and play together."

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Victoras Smirnovas claimed Job Seeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £11,973 while failing to declare living with a partner. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

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

CCEA Confirms Re-Marking

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed the commitment given by CCEA to reopen marking for GCSE and AS-Level English Literature papers for a week after questions were raised over results.

A number of GCSE English Literature pupils have seen an increase in their results after having their papers re-marked. Hundreds of AS-Level English Literature students are also believed to have asked for their papers to be re-marked as well.

CCEA has now announced re-marking for the subject will reopen until October 17, with consideration also being given to free of charge re-marks for those pupils who receive free school meals.

He said: "Trust in our education system and those who grade pupils is paramount. I welcome this move by CCEA to reopen the re-marking system for another week. It is also welcome the organisation appears to recognise the need for a wider review of the charges applied for appeals. I hope that helps restore some of the confidence lost over the past few days.

"While it is a good move by CCEA, there is now a legitimate public concern on the fitness, fairness and accessibility of the marking system, particularly when it comes to English Literature, as well as the system of charges which apply for anyone wishing to access the re-marking system."