Other News In Brief

Campbell Calls For SDLP Leader To Clarify Party's Stance On Raymond McCreesh Park Dispute

The DUP's East Londonderry MP, Gregory Campbell, has called upon SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood to give assurances where his party stands on the Raymond McCreesh Park dispute.

"SDLP Councillors failed to take the opportunity this week to enact the wish of their Party Conference that this public space should not be named in honour of an IRA terrorist," he said.

"Comments from the party following this shameful action have raised as many questions as it answers. There is a need for Colum Eastwood to now provide clarity and certainty as to where his party stands. There has been inference by the SDLP that they will allow the name to remain by ‘outsourcing’ the problem. This could see the park disposed of, through transfer or sale to another group with the name remaining in place.

"To resolve this, Colum Eastwood must answer one simple question; Will the SDLP support any proposal to dispose of McCreesh Park by Newry, Mourne and Down Council if the facility retains its current name, even under the management of an outside organisation?

"Colum Eastwood needs to tell the public that the SDLP are not prepared to allow glorification of terrorism by proxy.

"It is not a "resolution" of this issue to see the park handed over and the glorification of terrorism continue under another body courtesy of the SDLP. The SDLP must be clear that they will not allow that to happen.

L'Derry Man Prosecuted For Benefit Fraud

A 38-year-old man has been prosecuted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Derry Magistrates’ Court today, 13 April.

Cahir Hegarty, 38, Oakfield Crescent, Londonderry, claimed Housing Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance totalling £4,666 while failing to declare employment.

He was given a Conditional Discharge for 12 months. In addition, he is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

SDLP Councillor Condemns West Belfast 'Punishment Attack'

SDLP Councillor Tim Attwood has hit out at those behind a recent shooting attack in west Belfast.

A 20-year-old man was shot in both legs at around 10.30pm in Ardmonagh Parade, Turf Lodge on Thursday, 12 April.

Cllr Attwood said it is "appalling" that the young man was shot in a "punishment attack" and has called for local people to come forward.

"There are some people out there who are intent to take the law into their own hands and think they can control our communities," he said.

"This is not a lawless community and we will not stand for this reckless criminality.

"In recent weeks, sinister graffiti has appeared threatening further shootings. Twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement, there is no place in our community for threats or violent attacks. We must unite politically and as a community against these attacks.

"I would encourage anyone with any information whatsoever to bring it forward to the police."

(LM/MH)