Other News In Brief

Call For Rory McIlroy To Be Given The Recognition He Deserves

The Alliance Party is preparing a report to North Down and Ards Council to give Rory McIlroy the recognition he deserves as one of the world's top golfers.

Councillor Andrew Muir made the announcement after McIlroy won the Irish Open over the weekend.

He said: "Rory is an outstanding ambassador for Northern Ireland and his donation of £515,000 to charity is a testament to his sense for generosity and commitment to those in need. That's why I've previously requested that the Council explores how to best recognise his achievements in the long term."

Tree Planting Project Complete In L'Derry

Work on a tree planting project in Co L'Derry has been completed.

NI Water, The Woodland Trust and The Loughs Agency joined forces for the scheme on the banks of Glenedra River.

NI Water uses water from the Glenedra River, where water quality can frequently be poor due to bankside erosion and instability of the river.

NI Water Catchment Manager, Roy Taylor, said: "The project involved planting trees along the banks of the Glenedra River. This relatively simple act can have tremendous benefits to the quality of the river. For example, they act as a physical barrier, preventing pesticides from reaching watercourses. The roots of the trees also help stabilise river banks and can connect areas of woodland, helping certain species move through the landscape."

SCAMP NI is an approach to sustainable land management within drinking water catchments.

Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitles to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

David Russell claimed Pension Credit and Housing Benefit totalling £3,032 while failing to declare employment. He was given 75 hours community service.

Vivienne Curran claimed Income Support totalling £3,978 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Annie Lavery Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £174 while failing to declare employment. She was given 120 hours community service.

Mrs Lavery has repaid the money to the Social Security Agency.

(CD/MH)