SDLP Warns Public Over Scam Bank Emails

The SDLP is warning the public to be very cautious regarding emails which appear to be from your bank regarding your account.

Councillor Shauna Cusack said: "I have had personal experience in receiving a number of these emails which initially appear totally genuine in their content and design. Anyone who uses online banking will be particularly at risk as they will refer directly to your type of account. They will incorporate a banks logo and will usually alert you to expiry of your account or a detection of fraudulent activity.

"The only fraudulent activity exists within these emails. They will usually contain a link which asks you to verify your details and prevent the 'error'. Do not follow these instructions as it may give scammers direct access to your account. I immediately contacted my bank after I received similar messages to a number of my email accounts. My bank stated that, like all genuine banks they will never ask for personal details via email and that I should ignore such requests as they are scams."

NI Churches Secure £1.2m Through Roof Repair Fund

25 Historic churches in Northern Ireland have secured £1.2 million through the UK wide roof repair fund.

It includes spending of over £136,000 to three churches in L'Derry. The churches are St Columba's Church, Longtower, St Augustine’s Church and St Columb's Cathedral.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This is a tremendous extra boost for our listed places of worship. I am delighted that there were over 100 local application and that 25 have been successful bringing over £1.2million of much needed investment for these buildings.

"The extension of the fund provides a further opportunity for new bidders and also those who have been unsuccessful in the initial round to apply for support. The North has some very attractive listed church buildings but many are in need of urgent repair to roofs and guttering."

Call For Organisations To Apply For Minority Ethnic Development Fund

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell has called on community and voluntary organisations working with minority ethnic groups to apply for funding from OFMDFM.

The Department's Minority Ethnic Development Fund is worth £1.1 million in 2015/16. The Fund aims to support voluntary and community groups to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds and foster social cohesion.

He said: "The Minority Ethnic Development Fund has played a crucial role in our efforts towards achieving racial equality and good race relations here.

"We want to continue to build on that good work with the opening of the Fund for 2015/16. The Fund provides a practical response to enable members of minority ethnic communities to become active citizens, using their skills, talent and knowledge to the benefit of us all. We encourage groups working in this sector to consider applying to the Fund."

(CD)