Other News In Brief

Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Nadine O'Hagan claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Carer's Allowance totalling £5,431 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 80 hour community service order.

Shobheet Vij claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £4,636 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 120 hour community service order.

Leigh Nicell (28) claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £7,695 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month probation order.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Contractor Offered Deal For Brandywell Regeneration Project

A contractor has been sent a provisional letter offering a contract for the Brandywell Regeneration Project in Co L'Derry.

Karen McFarland, Director of Health and Communities with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "Derry City and Strabane District Council is fully committed to this significant redevelopment project. It is a significant investment of around £6m that will improve the prospects and quality of life of citizens and have a positive impact on the regeneration of the Brandywell and wider area."

The council is continuing to engage with all stakeholders including Derry City FC, the greyhound racing fraternity, Derry and District and the Saturday Morning Leagues and residents.

SDLP 'Disappointed' Over Bombardier Job Losses

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead Bradley MLA has expressed her disappointment that Bombardier is to bring forward job cuts originally planned over the next two years.

The 1,080 redundancies will now be enforced within the next few months.

He said: "Bombardier have not managed this delicate situation with adequate planning or consideration and as usual it's ordinary staff being shown the short end of the stick.

"This sudden change of plans means that staff has been hit twice. Bad enough that they had to deal with losing their jobs, today they’re being told that any time they had to find new employment has also been cruelly snatched away. The treatment of staff here has been shoddy.

"The rapidly deteriorating situation for Bombardier staff is a microcosm of the state of our manufacturing sector in general. With high profile job losses coming seemingly every other week, the Executive must introduce a manufacturing strategy to promote growth in this sector as a matter of urgency."

(CD)