Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

William McBrine claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £2,076 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15.

Mr McBrine has repaid in full the money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

External Maintenance Work On Over 85 Social Homes Complete

External maintenance work on over 85 social homes in Lurgan, Co Armagh, has been completed.

The work was carried out on properties, owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in the Kilwilkie estate.

It included work on chimneys, garden walls, roof coverings and drainage.

The NIHE invested over £170,000 in the project.

NIHE's South Area Manager John McCartan said: "This is a clear indication of our commitment to deliver quality service and invest in homes and neighbourhoods.

"Throughout the Programme, we consulted with residents and community associations to update on each stage of the maintenance work. Each tenant was contacted and informed about the work being carried out. This proactive approach helped the work to run smoothly and enhanced relations within the Kilwilkie estate."

Call For Young People To Vote

Ulster Unionist candidate for West Tyrone, Alicia Clarke, has called on young people to come out and vote in this election as they could be the difference between change or more of the same.

She said: "On the doors the electorate seem genuinely angry and are fed up of the DUP/Sinn Fein incompetence and arrogance. But now more than ever we need people to come out and vote on the 2nd March. If you are frustrated with the current state of politics, the only way this will change is if you use your vote and 'Vote for Change'.

"I particularly want to encourage young people to come out and vote. Like you I was frustrated with things in Northern Ireland. I wanted to see change and then I realised that I could help bring about that change myself. So can you! You don't have to stand for election like me. But you can use your vote on 2nd March. If you are not registered to vote the deadline is the 14th February. You can be the change you long to see in Northern Ireland.

"The DUP and Sinn Fein have failed young people time and time again in Northern Ireland. They have perpetuated a segregated education system now buckling under financial pressures, they have failed to jumpstart our economy and bring enough jobs to Northern Ireland, they have failed to deliver adequate housing to meet the needs of our growing population, they have failed to deliver a health system which cares and supports young people to lead healthy lives both physically and mentally – and the list goes on. Now they have landed you with the RHI bill, which you will potentially be paying off for years to come."

(CD/LM)