Other News In Brief

Work To Start On Storm Sewer In Co Antrim

Campbell Contracts and NI Water are to start work on a new storm sewer in Co Antrim at the end of February.

The work on the Mill Road/Nutt's Corner Road in Crumlin is expected to take approximately eight weeks.

The work will involve the laying of approximately 136m of pipe and associated manholes for this new connection to the sewer network.

Detailed traffic management plans have been agreed with Transport NI.

In a statement, NI Water said: "NI Water and our contractor Campbell Contracts appreciate that work of this nature can be unavoidably disruptive, particularly where temporary lane closures are required.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation while this essential work is completed. We will work closely with Transport NI to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and road users, as far as practicably possible."

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' court.

Rosena Doyle claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £38,930 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years.

Margaret Maskey claimed Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,483 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £400.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Call For More To Be Done To Reduce Waiting Times For Autism Services

Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong has said while she welcomes the Health Minister's investment in autism services, more needs done to reduce waiting times.

The Alliance Strangford Assembly candidate was speaking after Minister Simon Hamilton announced £2 million per year would be put into the area in a bid to improve access to support services.

She said: "Whilst £2 million going towards autism services can only be welcomed, the reality is it's only a start. There is nothing in the Minister's announcement about creating a more joined-up approach to working with the Department of Education to enable earlier intervention and an appropriate multi-agency approach.

"Until we see the Autism Act enacted and waiting times dramatically reduced, then £2 million is just a figure. Children with autism and other learning difficulties are still being consistently failed and no longer should we let it continue."

(CD/JP)