Other News In Brief

Work Starts On Resurfacing Project In L'Derry

Work has started on a resurfacing project in Co L'Derry.

The £245,000 project is taking place on the Racecourse Road and is expected to be complted by April.

The work includes the resurfacing of a section of the road heading northwards from Ballyarnett Roundabout to Alder Road.

A lane closure has been in operation from 12 to 19 March between 8am and 6pm, however, and a full road closure will take place from from 20 to 30 March between 9.30am and 6pm.

A diversion via A514 Madam’s Bank Road and A1002 Culmore Road will be clearly signposted.

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Debbie Downey claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,620 while failing to declare her partner was in employment. She was given 300 hours community service.

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

Parents Urged To Participate In Consultation Over Merger Of Local Schools

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has urged parents to participate in the consultation regarding the merger of four local schools in the Down Area.

SDLP Education spokesperson said: "I welcome this move to re-shape the school provision in the Down and Lecale area.

"The bottom line is that many children in our area are not accessing a varied enough curriculum because of the restriction of small staff teams located across multiple sites. The suggested proposals maximise the opportunities children have and will provide multiple educational pathways – many more than are currently on offer which will result in improved educational experiences and outcomes.

"I welcome that Academic Selection will not be used for local children as a means of entry to any proposed new school. This antiquated method of selecting children is simply cruel."

(CD/MH)