Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Michael Canning of Silverwood Green, Lurgan, claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,189 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 160 hours community service order for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £49.

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

Work Complete On WwTP In Co Down

Improvement works at Ballynahinch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in Co Down are now complete.

The £5m improvement package included the total modernisation of the existing plant with the construction of a new inlet works, new storm storage facilities, sludge treatment facilities and an improved standard of treatment, which will meet projected future Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) standards.

Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "This major investment will modernise the wastewater infrastructure in the Ballynahinch area. It brings many environmental benefits to local communities, whilst ensuring continued compliance with foreseeable European standards.

"The upgraded wastewater treatment plant will facilitate local requirements to at least 2035 and has also delivered improvements to the water quality in the local Ballynahinch River."

Attack On Sheep Is Gruesome – Coyle

SDLP Councillor John Coyle has described the scene of an attack on a number of sheep near Belleek as "gruesome and deeply distressing".

The sheep were savaged by dogs on Friday night before being discovered by a local farmer on Saturday morning.

Councillor Coyle said: "The scene of this savage attack must have been absolutely gruesome for the farmer to come across on Saturday morning. To see your animals mauled and slaughtered in this way is deeply distressing.

"The dog responsible had long left the area before anyone had discovered the devastating scene. I would urge all local dog owners to ensure that their animals are kept under control and that they are brought in at night.

"This time of year is important for sheep farmers and will prove critical to next year's lambing season. Undue stress on animals now could cause them to lose their lambs, placing even more pressure on already stretched small farm businesses."

(CD/JP)