Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Patrick Tobin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,112 while failing to declare employment. He was given a ten month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

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

Plans Approved To Develop Over 80 Homes In Strabane

Plans have been approved to develop over 80 homes on the former industrial site in Newbuildings, Strabane.

The redevelopment of the former site will include demolishing the existing derelict buildings on site, site remediation, repositioning and the existing vehicular access on Woodside Road.

81 homes with parking will be built as well as the provision of centrally located public open space.

The application will now be issued by the Planning Officers to the applicants.

The application was submitted by JTJ (IAWS) Group Ltd and is for the erection of predominantly detached and semi-detached dwellings.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Dan Kelly said: "I am delighted to see the redevelopment of the site which can now be utilised to provide much needed housing and open space in the Newbuildings area. I know this will be welcome news for the local community and I look forward to seeing the realisation of these plans as they develop."

UUP Appeals For Help To Find Solution Over Bonfire In East Belfast

The UUP is appealing to the community to support its efforts to find a solution to the situation regarding the bonfire at Ravenscroft Avenue in east Belfast.

In a statement the UUP said: "We are always willing to engage with those involved with the bonfires to try and get a satisfactory solution.

"We are calling on those involved in the siting of this bonfire to remove the pallets and other material from the public car park site as soon as possible.

"We are not opposed to bonfires, but they must be built in an area which is well away from properties, otherwise they will create problems for many people and will require the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to be on hand along with the police and council officials."

(CD)