Car Breaker Fined For Waste Offences

A County Down car breaker has been fined £2,500 for waste offences.

Glenn Baird, 58m of Commercial Road in Banbridge, was prosecuted at Newry Magistrates' Court for keeping end-of-life vehicles at his premises without the appropriate waste authorisations contrary to Article 4.1.b of the Waste & Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997.

In January 2016, officers from the NIEA visited the defendant's business premises at Dublinhill Road, Dromore, County Down and found him to be operating a car breaking and repair facility without the required waste management authorisations. Officers noted over 200 end-of-life vehicles on site along with significant quantities of car components and body panels.

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A 39-year-old woman has been convicted at Dungannon Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Katherine O'Neill of Moorlands, Coalisland claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totaling £2,823 while failing to declare capital. She was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

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

Spring Fair And Flower Show Announced

Belfast City Council has announced its annual Spring Fair and Flower Show, which will take place at Malone House and Barnett Demesne over the weekend of 21 - 22 April. 

There will be lots of free family activities on offer - from colourful spring plant and craft stalls, a scarecrow field and miniature spring gardens to music, dance and children's entertainment including a petting farm and magical storytelling. Prizes will also be up for grabs in children's competitions. 

The flower show will be showcasing blooms from absolute beginners to flower experts, with stunning exhibits of daffodils, orchids, tulips, bonsai trees, shrubs and pot plants. 

Alderman Tommy Sandford, Chair of the council's People and Communities Committee, said: "Our Spring Fair is always a great family event with thousands of people of all ages coming through the gates. I hope everyone will take advantage of what's on offer this year and enjoy what we have planned over the two days – and the best thing is, it's all free."

Parking at the site will be limited so visitors are encouraged to use public transport to the event with a bus service operating from Donegall Square East in the city centre. A park and ride service will also operate from Mary Peters Track to Barnett Demesne between 1pm and 5.45pm on both days.

(MH/LM)