Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court.

Catriona McManus from Lisnaskea claimed Carers Allowance totalling £2,756 while failing to declare employment. She was given a one year conditional discharge.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Concerns Raised Over Plans To Bury Nuclear Waste

Concerns have been raised over proposals to recommend that burying nuclear waste is safe.

A public information campaign is due to be launched in September, the first since Cumbria Council rejected a bid in 2013.

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie said the campaign is based on findings from a group of people who claim 30% of the land in England and Wales is suitable for burying radioactive waste up to 1000m below ground.

She said: "Those behind it say the plans – which are estimated at £12bn - are hindered by a 'nuclear perception problem'. Rather I would say the problem is that there is pressure to develop a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley, before a solution has been devised for how to deal with the highly hazardous waste we already have.

"The UK already has enough nuclear waste to fill Wembley Stadium four times over. Most is stored at surface level in Sellafield and this alone is very alarming. I have frequently raised concerns over safety breaches here which demonstrate how no storage or processing plant can ever be completely safe. It is a concern that people in the east of Ireland have to live with on a daily basis.

"We have a moral and ethical responsibility to dispose of this waste we already have. We know Sellafield is not the long-term answer."

Bonfire Flag Burning Condemned

Alliance Justice Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has condemned the flying of flags and effigies of soldiers on a nationalist bonfire over the weekend.

The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating the use of flags and symbols on the L'Derry Bonfire, which took place in the Creggan area.

Mr Dickson MLA said: "The act of burning flags and emblems is a completely disgraceful one and must be condemned.

"Those behind these actions seek only to promote division, but together we must move away from this type of behaviour as we aim to build a society where all groups show respect and tolerance for others."

(CD)