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.

Przemek Truchan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £165.43 while failing to declare employment. He was given a Conditional discharge for 12 months.

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

UUP Condemns Bonfire Licensing Scheme

Councillor Trevor Wilson, Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Mid Ulster Council, has condemned a decision to introduce a bonfire licensing scheme.

Councillor Wilson said: "All talk of consensus politics is thrown out the window and they ride roughshod over the views of Unionists. They won't listen to or even attempt to take on board the views of Unionists who will see this as another attack on their culture. Sinn Fein and the SDLP are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

"They haven't given any consideration to Council staff who will have to implement their diktat or considered the impact on community relations because of the way they have gone about this. Do they expect the Council staff or police to implement this policy?

"The Ulster Unionist Party proposed continued engagement with local communities, working with community representatives to address any issues that arise around bonfires. We don't want to see tyres or any other noxious substances burnt on bonfires which threaten the health and safety of life and property. We should be taking action against the businesses who supply them. We believe this is best done by working with the local communities to address these issues and not by Sinn Fein dictating the terms."

Youths Attack Police In New Lodge Area

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has been in contact with the PSNI about ongoing anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge area.

She said: "There has been an issue with anti-social behaviour involving a number of youths at the bottom of the New Lodge Road and the Barrack area over recent days.

"This has involved vandalism, burning bins and throwing stones at police.

"There is a very small minority of young people involved in the anti-social behaviour but children as young as 14 are getting caught up in this.

"Local residents are angry that this activity has continued over a couple of days despite the best efforts of youth workers and local community leaders.

"Residents want the statutory bodies to step up to the plate and the PSNI has assured me that police patrols will be stepped up."

(CD)