Other News In Brief

L'Derry Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Londonderry Magistrates' Court.

Anna McLaughlin, 58, claimed Disability Living Allowance totalling £2,503 while exaggerating her disability. She was given a 10 month conditional discharge.

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

McGuinness Accused Of Having 'Inside Information' Over A5 Development

The SDLP has accused Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of having "inside information" over the development of the A5 in west Tyrone.

SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood: "Martin McGuinness clearly has some inside information on the development of the A5 and if we're going to see action, then that's great. But what about the rest of the projects that we need to pursue to deliver the success that Derry and the North/West deserve?"

Mr Eastwood also called for a cross party commitment to an ambitious plan for growth and infrastructure development in the North West that goes beyond patchwork promises.

He continued: "The SDLP is pursuing an ambitious plan for growth and infrastructure development that will regenerate our regional economy. That includes the expansion of the University at Magee to attract new skills clusters and create a dynamic flow of talented graduates that can sustain long term development. A motorway between Belfast and Derry that ends the unacceptable infrastructure isolation that our city has been subjected to."

Plans Approved To Establish ASD Classes

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved the establishment of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils at St Brigid’s College, Derry.

The Minister said: "Making this decision will provide pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder the opportunity to access and benefit from professional expertise in a mainstream setting.

"This specialist provision will have long term benefits for pupils in the Derry City area and wider Western Region."

(CD)