Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Brian Kane claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,490 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 and court costs of £37.

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

Councils To Continue To Monitor And Assess Air Quality In NI

Ten councils have been awarded funding to continue to monitor and assess air quality in Northern Ireland.

A combined total of £192,000 was awarded through the environment Fund managed by the Department of Environment (DoE).

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "The right to breathe clean air is something we cannot take for granted. Although air quality here in the North is generally good, emerging evidence is pointing to the harmful effects of even low levels of air pollution on our health.

"In a tough financial climate I pledged that I would try and find funding to continue to support environmental groups and projects across the North in the future. I am pleased to be able to award a total of £192,000 to councils across Northern Ireland to improve air quality as a part of this wider Environment Fund."

Security Alert In Carrick Ends

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he is "relieved" a security alert in Carrickfergus was found to be nothing untoward.

The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the discovery of a suspicious object led to homes being evacuated in the Albert Road area of the town.

He said: "While it is relieving the suspicious object turned out to be nothing untoward, it was through the effective work of everyone involved which brought a quick end to this alert.

"While it was distressing for those having to leave their homes, the precautionary measure allowed a thorough investigation of the scene to take place."

(CD/LM)