Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Maria Brown claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £37,727 while failing to declare capital. She was given an 18 month conditional discharge.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Primary School In Newtownards Awarded Eco Flag

A primary school in Newtownards, Co Down, has been awarded with an Eco flag.

Castle Gardens Primary School has officially scooped the title of an Eco School after raising awareness of the issues that impact the environment.

Education Minister Peter Weir met with staff and pupils at the school and congratulated them on receiving the prestigious award.

Minister Weir said: "The Eco-Schools Programme is the world’s largest environmental education programme and I would like to commend all those involved for their efforts in helping to make the school a greener and more sustainable place.

"I am also pleased to have the opportunity to view the pre-school facilities on offer at Chuckles Pre-School Centre. Early years learning has an extremely positive effect on children's development and plays a key role in laying the foundations for their future educational success."

Call For EA To Scrap Plans To Cut Pre-School Nursery Provision

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has hit out at the Education Authority (EA) over its decision to proceed with cuts to preschool nursery provision for children with learning disabilities.

Mr McGrath said: "The intention of the Education Authority to cut preschool services for special needs children has not changed. That must be made crystal clear.

"Six of the 20 of schools targeted by these cuts have not been spared at all and will see a serious reduction in provision starting from September. Those that have will be given a stay of execution until only September 2017.

"There has been a clear attempt to muddy this issue, to divide or confuse opposition to their decision. Maybe the Education Authority were hoping that by announcing a suspension they could delay negative headlines, buy off the parents who now have a year longer than others, or confuse those of us who are completely opposed to this decision. They were wrong. We will continue to campaign until this plan is scrapped."

(CD)