Pipe Bomb Found In West Belfast

A pipe bomb has been found in the Glenkeen estate in Poleglass.

The discovery comes after a security alert started on Thursday afternoon after police received reports of a suspicious object.

A number of homes were evacuated during the alert and army bomb disposal experts attended the scene.

The device was removed from the scene for further examination.

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Ciaran Short, 33, of Mount Eagles Avenue, Dunmurry claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £9,387 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

SDLP Voices Concerns At Job Losses In Strabane

SDLP Strabane Councillor Patsy Kelly has spoken out about the news that 14 jobs are to be lost in Strabane.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Quantum Clothing factory in the town is to close.

Councillor Kelly said: "First and foremost our thoughts are with those employees who dealing with what has become an all too frequent experience for many people in this town, the shock of losing a job and the fear of what it may bring.

"One job lost in Strabane is one too many, fourteen is very hard to take to a regional town. Strabane people have been talking about recent jobs announcements highlighted the media and, although these are very much welcomed, and good luck to those who attain them, there is a palpable feeling here and the greater west, that this area is being over-looked.

"Good news stories, such as the continued investment by companies, such as O'Neill's in Strabane and its workforce, are being constantly ebbed away by greater numbers of job losses.

"The Executive really needs to look at ways to increase job numbers in border area and the west, be that through the decentralisation of public sector jobs, increased tourism ventures, more investment in the agri-food sector or diverting capital spend towards building projects which are ready to proceed, including social housing.

"Strabane simply cannot afford to continue to lose more jobs."

(JP)