Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at convicted at Magherafelt Magistrates' Court.

Kelly Jo Williamson claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,236 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

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

Final Section Of Connswater Community Greenway Officially Opens

The final section of the Connswater Community Greenway has officially opened in east Belfast.

The section is located through Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park to Flora Street Walkway.

The final link was once the location of one of Belfast's greatest industrial giants and largest ropemaker in the world; The Belfast Ropeworks.

Established in 1875, the Ropeworks once employed 3,600 workers. The new Greenway link includes; 400m new cycle and walkway, 20m span new footbridge, 600m of flood defences, street furniture including lighting, bins, benches and signage, landscaping works including semi-mature trees, blub and shrub planting,

A plaque commemorating the Ropeworks will be installed on the new bridge and, over the next few weeks, the public will have the opportunity to vote for the name of the new bridge.

Connswater Community Greenway is a 9km linear park alongside the Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers from the Castlereagh Hills to Belfast Lough, connecting people and places along the way.

Along the route there are a number of significant points including; CS Lewis Square at Holywood Arches; The Hollow - off the Beersbridge Road where the rivers converge; Marshwiggle Way and the Cregagh Glen. Other Greenway features include new bridges, tourism and heritage trails, educational and play areas and other public amenities.

New Leafair Track Opens In L'Derry

A new Leafair running track has opened in Galliagh, L'Derry.

SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney welcomed the opening and said it will complement the existing facilities available at Leafair.

He said: "The running track is a welcome addition to the already popular facilities at Leafair which include an outdoor gym, 3G pitch and grass football pitch.

"This will give people the opportunity to get involved in running or walking in a safe environment in their local community.

"Funding from the Department of Communities, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Northside Development Trust ensured this plan became a reality for the Leafair Community Association and local residents that will enjoy using it."

(CD)