Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming over £9,000 in benefits he was not entitled to at Antrim Crown Court.

Thomas Long (59) of Pinehill Gardens, claimed Income Support totalling £9,383 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

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

Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to the Department for Communities anonymously.

All Play Completes Work On New Wheelchair Friendly Play Area In L'Derry

All Play Ireland has completed construction work on new wheelchair friendly play facilities in Brooke Park, L'Derry.

The £135,000 project includes a new wheelchair friendly swing, wheelchair see-saw, carousel and a hexagonal rocking plate.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, officially opened the play area to the public this week.

He said: "I am delighted that wheelchair users from across the City and District can now be accommodated at the play area in Brooke Park.

"The new wheelchair friendly equipment is state of the art and offers a clean and safe environment for families of disabled and able bodied children to come together and enjoy the outdoors.

"The delivery of an ambitious programme of play areas, across our Council area is a key element of the Strategic Growth Plan and I would like to acknowledge the funding from the Department for Communities which helped make the latest strand of that programme a reality."

The new facilities are an addition to the £6.5 million regeneration works completed in Brooke Park in 2016.

Developments In Post-Primary Places Welcomed

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has welcomed a major announcement from the Department of Education that will see additional places granted to both Bangor Academy and Strangford Integrated College.

The announcement follows meetings the Alliance Party had with the department in the wake of the post primary crisis situation.

Mr Farry said: "I welcome this announcement today, which will bring an end to this worrying situation for many parents.

"Since Alliance met with officials last week, and through on-going contact with the Permanent Secretary, we have consistently pushed for a quick and effective resolution to this on-going crisis. It is clear the Department has listened and taken a practical and pragmatic approach to deal with the situation."

(CD)