Other News In Brief

'Make Or Break Week' For Organ Donation Bill - UUP

An Ulster Unionist MLA has said this week will be "a make or break week" for the organ donation Private Members Bill.

Jo-Anne Dobson said she is seeking the support of the Stormont parties to further amend her Bill based on the evidence provided to the Health Committee.

She said: "On Wednesday the Health Committee will meet to discuss their proposals to amend my Bill by taking on board the evidence provided to the Committee by expert bodies including the NHSBT, Welsh Government, leading local clinicians, charities and individuals.

"The Committee has been gathering evidence since the Bill passed its second stage in the Assembly in November last year, with all parties except the DUP in support. I would take this opportunity to thank all those who took the time and effort to present to the Committee and give their views on the first draft of the Bill.

"The Committee must now take a position on the Bill and they have the power to bring forward amendments to the clauses."

Funding Allocated To Improve Ballyclare Town Centre

Over £435,000 funding has been announced to improve Ballyclare town centre.

The scheme will focus on Lower Main Street and around its junctions with the Ballynure Road and Mill Road. The improvements include repaving the footpaths in high quality natural stone, installing new street furniture, enhancing street lighting and putting utility cables underground.

The Department for Social Development (DSD) has provided £300,000 which will be supported by an additional £137,000 from Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor, Thomas Hogg, said: "Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted that Ballyclare is to benefit from this environmental improvement scheme which will complement previous works that took place in the town centre.

"The Council believes that by creating a welcoming and high quality streetscape we can increase footfall to existing businesses and attract new businesses to Ballyclare. We look forward to working in partnership with the Department for Social Development to continue to improve the trading environment in our town centres."

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Malachy Martin claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £4,844 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for one year and ordered to pay court costs of £28.

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

(CD/JP)