Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Anthony Donnelly of Gorticashel Road claimed Pension Credit totalling £4,181 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £500.

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

New Winter Readiness Campaign Launched

A new winter readiness campaign to help the public prepare for winter has been launched.

BT, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, NI Water and Phoenix Natural Gas have launched the campaign.

The companies have also issued a 'cut out and keep' list of useful contact details should utility services be disrupted due to severe weather. This will be available in newspapers, online and on social media.

Consumer Council Chief Executive John French said: "The Consumer Council commends BT, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, NI Water and Phoenix Natural Gas for coming together to launch this Winter Readiness campaign.

"As we start to experience some bad weather, the Consumer Council encourages all households to look in their newspaper or go online and 'cut out and keep' this list of the utilities' contact details, so they know whom to contact if things do go wrong."

Parents Reminded To Apply For Pre-School Places

Alliance MLA Judith Cochrane has reminded parents to apply for pre-school places for their children in the coming weeks.

Children born between July 2, 2012 and July 1, 2013 are eligible for pre-school education starting in September 2016. With applications opening on Friday, 27 November and closing on 13 January, Mrs Cochrane has said parents can visit local nurseries and pre-schools in advance to choose their preferred location.

She said: "As a mum of primary school children, I know how busy this time of year can be but I cannot emphasise enough the importance of visiting your local pre-school providers to ask about specific entrance criteria so that you make the best choices when completing the application form.

"Although the Programme for Government gives a commitment to provide a year of pre-school education for all those who want is, it does not mean children will always be placed in their preferred setting."

(CD/LM)