Other News In Brief

Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three women have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Ann O'Neill claimed Housing Benefit totalling £9,391 while failing to declare she was living with a non-dependent. She was given a four month sentence suspended for two years.

Gabriela Olahova claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £5,731 while failing to declare her partner was working. She was given a three month sentence suspended for two years.

Gemma Brown claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,232 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month sentence suspended for 12 months.

They are required to pay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

Building Work Begins To Develop New Play Park In Co Antrim

Building work has started to develop a new play park in Co Antrim.

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is investing £250,000 to improve the Antrim Lough Shore Park.

Plans include a new nautical themed park which will also feature a wheelchair accessible boat.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill, said: "The new play park will make this beautiful park even more fun for everyone as well as complementing the future plans to develop a new Gateway Visitor Centre at Antrim Lough Shore Park."

Sinn Fein Calls For Voting Age To Be Changed To 16

Young people have a stake in society and should be able to exercise the right to vote at 16, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.

Addressing the NUS-USI Further Education Conference in Belfast she said the Scottish referendum had proved that younger voices make a positive contribution to political debate.

She said: "During the Scottish Independence Referendum the vote was extended to 16 and 17-year-olds.

"Eighty percent of 16 and 17 year olds registered and 75 per cent turned out to vote.

"Sinn Fein strongly believe that extending franchise to 16 years would be positive democratically and encourage young people to engage politically.

"Young people should not be forced to depend on older voters to represent their distinct interests and varied values.

"Votes at 16 would close the gap between political representatives and the younger electorate, laying the foundations for political engagement throughout their lives at a younger age."

(CD)