Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.

Christopher Reid from Loughgall claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £1,323 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

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

£500,000 Social Housing Scheme In Armagh Opens

A new £500,000 social housing scheme for Choice Housing Association has officially opened in Co Armagh.

The scheme in the Charlemont area includes four new family homes which have been built on a previous derelict site on the Church View estate.

Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, visited the site of the new homes.

He said: "This new development means that four families from the local community have had the opportunity to be housed in familiar surroundings.

"I am committed to delivering social homes to those who need them and this also includes a commitment to building more homes in rural areas.

"I know from chatting to Nicole that her new house has made a big difference to her and her son. I want to thank all the residents for taking the time to welcome me today and I wish them well in their new homes."

Ian Elliott, Chief Executive, Services of Choice Housing, said: "This scheme enhances the vibrancy of our rural communities, providing affordable, modern family homes in Charlemont and has helped alleviate housing waiting lists in the area while providing a bespoke Wheelchair Bungalow for a family with complex needs."

Alliance Disappointed Over Regeneration Project Delays

Alliance Councillor Stephen Martin has said that Hilden Mill going back on the market is a wake-up call to all involved in the potential regeneration of the landmark site.

The Alderman for Lisburn North added that the news of Clanmill's option to purchase had fallen through was "disappointing", given that the company had already put a huge amount of work into securing the project.

He said: "There is no getting around the fact that the cost of decontamination is the main stumbling block so whoever eventually purchases the land will have to factor this in.

"Even though the option has expired, Clanmill have not ended their interest but there is a need for Minister Mervyn Storey to make the Hilden Mill project a priority for his Department otherwise we run the risk of the project not getting off the ground.

"The delays so far rest with DSD. Coupled with this week's news that the Minister will not be transferring regeneration powers to Councils next April, it really is up to the Department to start leading.

"It is exactly six years since Edwin Poots as Environment Minister gave the go-ahead for planning permission for the former Barbour Threads site. Six years have passed and given the arson attack earlier this year we are even further away from turning the area around. "

(CD/JP)