Other News In Brief

Work Complete On Redevelopment Project In Co Tyrone

Work has been completed on a redevelopment project in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive invested almost £18,900 in the scheme on Lismore Drive.

The work included a seated area with new flower beds and raised planters developed with timber sleepers and a wide variety of plants.

As well as two summer seats located on a new brick pathway overlooking the Sperrin's with climbing plants on new pergolas, the garden has a paved area as well as various evergreen and herbaceous and hedging plants to promote biodiversity and encourage wildlife.

NIHE's Mid Ulster Area Manager. Michael Dallat. said: "It is extremely pleasing to see the completed refurbishment of the Lismore Drive area. Our Ground Maintenance Team should take a lot of credit for their efforts in renovating the area.

"The seating area will act as a central communal location for everyone to enjoy. The new flower beds planted certainly add to the area.

"The Housing Executive aims to improve the lives of our tenants and the additions will make residents feel proud to be from Lismore Drive."

Call For BBC Not To Means-Test TV Licences For Over 75s

SDLP South Down Parliamentary candidate, Margaret Ritchie, has spoken out against suggestions that the BBC will begin to means-test TV licences for the over-75s.

Ms Ritchie said: "The SDLP has been warning that part of Theresa's May rationale for calling this election is to free herself from the commitment not to make further welfare cuts 'in this Parliament'. The next Parliament is not 2020: it is now. Her plans to cut the Winter Fuel Payment sets a precedent, as we see with reports that the BBC may begin to means-test free TV licence for the over-75s.

"Many over-75s rely on the free TV licence. Particularly for those with mobility or health problems who spend a lot of their time at home, television can provide a much needed link to local news, entertainment and popular culture.

"The control over free TV licences will transfer to the BBC in 2020, which itself was a cynical move by the Tories to free themselves of funding this benefit for pensioners."

Parties Called To Agree Assessment Is Carried Out For All Proxy Vote Applications

East Londonderry's DUP candidate Gregory Campbell has called upon all political parties to agree that a rigorous assessment is now carried out for all proxy vote applications.

Gregory Campbell MP

It follows news from the Electoral Office that there was a 49% increase in such applications between the last two Assembly Elections.

Mr Campbell said: "Every person and party will support the right of people to exercise their democratic franchise. Part of that is the proxy voting system. Now that the deadline for those applications has passed, I hope that all political parties will be able to agree that there must be a rigorous examination of the applications given the massive increase there was just three months ago.

"No political party should have anything to fear from such an examination. In that light, I trust that each party can support my call.

"We all want to ensure that the outcome of each electoral contest is seen to be free, fair and beyond any allegation of vote rigging."

(CD/MH)