Other News In Brief

Lisburn Man Pleads Guilty To Doorstep Trader Fraud

A 32-year-old Lisburn man has been given a suspended custodial sentence for failure to carry out garden maintenance work.

James McCann of Windermere Lodge, described as a doorstep trader, pleaded guilty to taking £4,000 for garden maintenance work, which he failed to complete.

In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service (TSS) of the Department for the Economy, McCann pleaded guilty to three charges under the Fraud Act 2006 for committing fraud by false misrepresentation. He received a four-month custodial sentence in respect of each charge, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation to the victim.

Alison Gilchrist of the Trading Standards Service said: "This case shows how consumers should be wary of responding to flyers, no matter how professional they look. In many doorstep crime cases, the flyers contain false information about the trader's contact details, leaving them impossible to trace when something goes wrong."

Major Resurfacing Scheme Announced In Belfast

A £202,000 resurfacing scheme has been announced for Hawthornden Way in Belfast, due to begin on Monday 13 September 2021.

The scheme, which extends northbound from Upper Newtownards Road to Belmont Road roundabout will be completed under overnight road closures, between the hours of 8.00 pm and 6.00 am, from Monday 13 September until Saturday 18 September.  During these times a diversionary route will be clearly signed via Upper Newtownards Road, Newtownards Road, Bridge End, Dalton Street, Middlepath Street, Sydenham By-Pass, Belfast Road, Holywood Road and Parkway.

Access for residents will be maintained while pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access to the existing segregated cycleway and footway.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this key transport link and complements the resurfacing work to the southbound carriageway and the recently completed LED lighting scheme. I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while these much needed works are completed."

New Mental Health Champion For Northern Ireland Announced

Professor Siobhan O'Neill has been announced as the new Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.

Professor O'Neill is the current Interim Mental Health Champion and Professor of Mental Health Sciences at Ulster University. She is one of Northern Ireland's leading experts in the field of mental health, known for her active and passionate involvement in suicide prevention.

Making the announcement Health Minister Robin Swann said: "The mental health and wellbeing of our population is a priority which has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointing a Mental Health Champion is another key step to ensuring those suffering from mental ill health will have access to the services they need, when they need them. I am delighted that Professor O'Neill has agreed to continue her crucial work that she started as Interim Mental Health Champion."