Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man and a woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Melvyn McMullan claimed Housing Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £6,418 while failing to declare employment. He was given 100 hours community service.

Melissa Crooks claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,185 while failing to declare an income. She was given 80 hours community service.

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

Work To Start On Carriageway Scheme In Co L'Derry

Resurfacing work is to start on a £145,000 carriageway scheme in Moneymore, Co L'Derry.

The work on Loup Road is to start on Monday, 27 November, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 08 December.

The works will extend for a distance of approximately 1.2 kilometres from its junction with Ballygrooby Lane to its junction with Maghadone Lane.

Diversions will be put in place, however local access will be maintained where possible.

During the road closure traffic will be diverted via the B181 Ruskey Road and B18 Springhill Road and vice versa.

Call For Govts To Announce Next Step In Talks Process

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has challenged the British and Irish Governments to quickly announce the next step in the talks, to prevent further drift in the process.

Mrs Long was speaking after the Secretary of State brought legislation for the Northern Ireland Budget to Westminster. It is expected to pass through Parliament by the end of this week.

"Alliance has been continually vocal on what needs to happen in order to make this talks process successful. We need to firstly see the discussions opened up to bring other parties onboard, rather than just have the DUP and Sinn Féin talking in a vacuum. We also need an independent mediator to give the process impetus and a reform of the structures to allow a restoration of the Assembly.

"Now the two Governments need to announce without delay what the next stage in this process is going to be, because it cannot be allowed to drift any further. Without that, we are going to see more paralysis and further crumbling of our public services.

"If parties want to avoid formal Direct Rule, they have a precious few weeks left before it is inevitable."

(CD/MH)