Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Andrew Graham claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £2,785 while failing to declare employment. He was given a Conditional Discharge for two years.

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

Work Complete On Apartment Complex In Co Tyrone

A housing association in Northern Ireland has completed work on a new apartment complex in Coalisland, Co Tyrone.

The £1.8 million scheme in the Plater's Hill area is owned by Habinteg NI.

Funding was provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, delivered through the Department for Communities.

A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) said: "A derelict wedge of ground in the heart of the town, widely regarded as an eyesore, has been redeveloped to provide modern, stylish apartments which are due for completion by the end of April.

"Well done to everyone at Habinteg for delivering more great homes and helping to build thriving communities."

Call For Investment In Arts Sector

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said more investment needs to take place in the arts, after a major event looking at the contribution of the sector here.

The Big Arts Debate, which took place in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, was designed to allow MLAs and others to hear directly from the creative community about the contribution the arts make to improve life here and contribute to a wide range of sectors.

"This was a welcome event – Alliance are supportive of the arts sector, fully recognising the contribution of the organisations and the theatres across Northern Ireland to community cohesion, tackling isolation and improving relations," said Ms Bradshaw.

"Arts are an important outlet in our society, allowing us to not only develop creativity but bring in wider benefits, such as to the economy, and mental and personal wellbeing. They play a major part in uniting our society, despite the limited funds given to them compared with the rest of the UK."

(CD/JP)