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 .

Shirley Holmes claimed Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £12,379 while failing to declare employment. She was given 120 hours community service.

Joanne Press claimed Income Support, Carer's Allowance and Rates totalling £7,840 while failing to declare employment. She was given 80 hours community service.

James Millar claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,791 while failing to declare employment. He was given a 12 month probation order.

James Bowden Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £3,951 while failing to declare an Occupational Pension. He was fined £400.

Jacquelyn Price claimed Income Support totalling £2,614 while failing to declare employment. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Work Almost Complete On £55m Dualling Scheme

Work on a £55 million dualling scheme in the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area is expected to be completed next month.

The A26 Frosses Road Dualling project will see significant benefits for both the local community and commuters by improving both journey times and journey time reliability for this stretch of the A26.

The Department of Infrastructure also confirmed work will start on a number of road improvement schemes in the area over the next year.

Divisional Roads Manager Deidre Mackle said: "The Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area will see work begin on a number of road improvement schemes, including resurfacing schemes at A26 Newbridge Road, A37 Broad Road, A29 Carhill Road and B16 Garryduff Road. A proposal to address a significant collision history at Revellagh Crossroads (B62 Ballybogey Road/B17 Cloyfin Road/B17 Priestland Road) is also currently being developed in conjunction with the PSNI.

"It is also worth noting that a number of other projects were recently completed in the area. Among them was the new roundabout at the A37 Broad Road/C570 Greystone Road junction in Limavady."

Alliance Brexit Proposals Are Dangerous - UUP

Ulster Unionist Westminster candidate for East Belfast, Councillor Hazel Legge has criticised Alliance’s divisive and dangerous Brexit proposals.

Cllr Hazel Legge said: "The Alliance party is calling for a second referendum on the Brexit deal following the conclusion of formal negotiations with the European Union. This is the latest thinly disguised attempt to reverse last year’s vote, and would be deeply divisive. Indeed some Alliance representatives are saying that the possibility of remaining within the EU should still be on the table in a second referendum, completely ignoring the democratic decision which was made by the people of the United Kingdom last June.

"Alliance also favours so-called 'special status' for Northern Ireland after Brexit. This is the same policy Sinn Fein is pushing and could lead to a border up the middle of the Irish Sea. If successful this would be harmful to trade with our largest external market, Great Britain, and potentially very damaging for the Union.

"Alliance's Brexit proposals are dangerous and divisive.Since the referendum the Ulster Unionist Party has been clear, the days of 'Remainers' and 'Brexiteers' are over, the decision has been made and we are leaving the EU."

(CD)