Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Dungannon County Court.

Alex Cruickshank claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £8,898 while failing to declare employment. He was given a six month prison sentence suspended for three years.

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

Over 30 Roads In L'Derry To Be Improved

Over 30 roads in Co L'Derry are to be improved and upgraded.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement and confirmed work will be carried out on 32 roads in East Derry.

She said: "The list of rural roads include some which are very isolated and in need of an upgrade. People using these roads will be very glad to hear they are being resurfaced in the near future.

"This is the type of delivery we are committed to and I will continue to work hard to achieve the upgrading of other roads in the area."

Call For Family Practice In Tullycarnet To Remain Open

Alliance Councillor Sian O'Neill has called on the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to consider carefully the consultation to close a vital health service in Tullycarnet in east Belfast.

Bridges Family Practice have communicated with the local community their intention to remove the branch practice facility from the area in the near future.

Councillor O'Neill said: "The closure of this family practice will have a detrimental impact on the people of Tullycarnet, particularly the vulnerable. Closure would leave some in the Tullycarnet area without a local health practitioner within walking distance. It would mean those registered with the practice have the the option of a taxi journey or getting two buses to get to the Bridges practice on the Lower Newtownards Road. For most this is inconvenient at best, for others the cost and disruption would make it absolutely prohibitive.

"Questions must be asked about why this practice was afforded £1 million of public funds to improve the provision of health services in East Belfast whilst choosing to neglect its service to others in just as much need in another area. Tullycarnet is a ward recognised as being in need of renewal and investment and yet vital services that support the community are being withdrawn. It is both counter-intuitive and unhelpful."

(CD)