14/04/2016

Other News In Brief

Five People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Peter McKeown claimed Carers Allowance totalling £3,333 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 100 hours community service.

Denis Cowler claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £1,116 while failing to declare employment. He was given 100 hours community service.

Jacqueline Robinson claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,513 while failing to declare employment. She was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £80.

Kevin McGonigle claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £5,990 while failing to declare employment. He was given 100 hours community service.

Martin Boyd claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,727 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £350.

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

Planning Appeals Commission To Be Appointed Over A5WTC Scheme Proposals

A Planning Appeals Commission is to be appointed by the Department of Regional Development (DRD) to hold public enquiries on the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) scheme proposals.

The consultation period on the draft statutory Orders and Environmental Statement for the A5WTC scheme closed on 4 April 2016. A total of 1,266 responses were received, including one petition of 400 signatories.

A DRD spokesperson said: "Feedback from the public exhibitions held from 1 March through to 4 April 2016 was largely positive with a vast majority of those attending in support of the scheme. The Department has nevertheless received a significant number of representations on the proposals. Whilst the numbers are fewer than those submitted prior to the last public inquiries on the scheme the Department has concluded that all representations will need to be heard through a formal Public Inquiries process."

Funding Secured For Ciclovia 2016

Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has secured Belfast City Council funding for Ciclovia 2016.

The South Belfast Councillor, who has been working with local organisers for over a year, said he was delighted to see Belfast City Council pledge £10,000, joining a wide-range of funders ahead of the event.

Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said: "Ciclovia is an international festival of cycling and I'm proud we're bringing it to Belfast. It will. give cyclists of all ages and abilities the freedom to ride through a traffic free zone in Belfast.

"I'm delighted Belfast City Council is backing my proposal to ensure this fantastic event is able to go ahead. A lot of hard work has gone into the preparations so far and I want to commend the team for their efforts."

(CD/MH)

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04 February 2015
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