Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Ballymena Magistrates' court.

Leah McBride, 29, claimed Housing Benefit totalling £16,745 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £31

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

NIE Workers Threatened In West Belfast

Two men have issued death threats to Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) workers in west Belfast.

The workers are currently upgrading and installing new electricity meters in the Twinbrook area.

However, the men, claiming to be from the ONH, told the NIE workers they would be shot if they continued installing the new meters.

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Collin area, Stephen Magennis, condemned the threats and said it is "completely unacceptable".

Mr Magennis said: "No workers should be under such threats. They are working to improve services for our communities and for some unknown reason a group, which has no support in the area, thinks they can issue death threats.

"Understandably the work has stopped due to these threats as employee safety is paramount. Those behind the threat need to withdraw them immediately and explain their rationale to this community. While the threat remains local people will lose out."

Public Consultation Starts On Accessible Transport Strategy

A public consultation has launched on a new strategy which aims to improve the accessibility of the transport network.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "Over the last decade the Accessible Transport Strategy has been the delivery vehicle for radical change in the accessibility of the transport network within Northern Ireland. Changes driven by a series of action plans have made our transport network more accessible than it has ever been before.

"The travel opportunities for older people and people with a disability have been greatly enhanced because of significant investment in transport infrastructure. However, while significant challenges remain, it is important to build on the progress we have made.

"That is why we are consulting on a new Accessible Transport Strategy and the strategic themes which I believe can help us take the next steps on our journey to build a more inclusive and accessible transport network."

(CD)