Other News In Brief

Pensioner Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A pensioner has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates court.

Linda Wellington, aged 70, claimed Pension Credit totalling £5,254 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Work Begins On New Early Learning Centre In Newry

Construction work has started on a new Early Learning Centre in Newry, Northern Ireland.

Funding of over £152,000 has been allocated by Communities Minister Paul Givan.

The new facility will be built in the grounds of St Malachy's Primary School at Carnagat, adjacent to the current Family Learning Centre.

Minister Givan said: "The availability of enhanced play facilities at the new centre will contribute towards early childhood development, while parents will be able to avail of improved access to education and health programmes.

"The creation of extra places for pre-school children and their parents will allow for wider participation among local groups while developing better engagement with the local nursery and primary school.

The project is expected to be completed by spring 2017.

UUP Accused Of Heading Into 'Political Oblivion'

Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard claims the UUP is heading into political oblivion.

Mr Hazzard said: "I will not take any lectures from a party who could not handle ministerial responsibility and walked away from the Executive.

"Not only could they not handle the then Department of Regional Development but after a poor Assembly election they also walked away from Programme for Government negotiations.

"In fact the only thing the UUP have succeed in is finding their way to political oblivion."

(CD/MH)