Other News In Brief

Teen Stabbed In West Belfast

A teenager has been taken to hospital after he was attacked and stabbed in west Belfast.

The 17-year-old was confronted by a male armed with a knife at the front of his home in the Quadrant Place area at about 15:00 yesterday.

A 51-year-old woman was also in the house at the time and attempted to shut the door, but a scuffle ensued and the woman sustained a minor cut to her arm.

It is understood the victim then chased the assailant and was stabbed a number of times. He was taken for hospital treatment to his injuries.

Two Convicted Over Disability Allowance

Two men were convicted at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

42-year-old Paul Campbell of Glenabbey Street, L'Derry claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,762 while "exaggerating" his disability, the Department for Social Development said. He was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay courts costs of £73.

22-year-old Declan Vill of Ballyarnett Village, L'Derry claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £489 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

Foyle Lighting Project Announced

£85,000 is being invested in a new riverside lighting project on the west bank of the Foyle.

The funding has been awarded to Derry City Council and involves the installation of 230 metres of permanent festoon lighting along the riverside walkway adjacent to the Council building and car park.

Works will also include a centrepiece of interchangeable coloured LED illuminating the Civic Offices.

Mayor of L'Derry Cllr Brenda Stevenson said: "Over the last few years, the transformation of the Quay area along the city side of the River Foyle had been truly amazing, so much so that we can now boost a beautiful riverside walkway connecting our three bridges which is enjoyed daily by thousands. With additional funding secured from the Social Development Department, the Queens Quay portion of the walkway is set to be transformed again with the installation of a prominent lighting scheme at the Council civic offices and surrounding section of riverside walkway."

Sperrin Nature Reserve Opened

A new nature reserve on the edge of the Sperrin Uplands has officially opened.

Drumnaph Community Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the local community in partnership with the Woodland Trust.

Speaking at an event to mark its opening, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "Visitors to the area can now take a walk on the wild side at the reserve which covers an area of 215 acres and boasts native habitats and species of national and European importance. Ancient woodland, wildflower-rich wet pasture, salmon spawning beds, raised bog and traditional hay meadows provide a natural treasure trove for visitors.

"I would like to thank Carntogher Community Association for their foresight and vision in creating a community owned Nature Reserve. This marks an exciting new venture for nature conservation locally, across Ireland and Europe."

(IT/CD)