Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man and woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Newry Magistrates' Court.

Terence Rice claimed Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,336 while failing to declare employment. Mr Rice was fined £450 and ordered to pay £15 offender levy.

Kate Murphy claimed Income Support and Job Seekers Allowance totalling £5,733 while failing to declare employment. Ms Murphy was fined £500 and ordered to pay £15 offender levy.

They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Council Urged To Replace Vandalised Picnic Tables In Comber

Ards and North Down Borough Council are being urged to replace vandalised picnic tables at Island Hill, Comber.

Alderman Deborah Girvan was speaking after a number of picnic tables were burnt in recent weeks.

She said: "During the recent spell of good weather, I visited Island Hill Picnic Area just outside Comber. I was appalled to see the two remaining picnic tables at this beautiful site, which overlooks Strangford Lough, burnt and damaged.

"I contacted the Council and am pleased to report that they have agreed to inspect the area and hopefully replace the picnic tables.

"During the summer months lots of visitors and families gather here to have a picnic, admire the view and take a walk across the causeway to Rough Island so it is important that Council presents a good image to local people and tourists."

New Roof To Be Installed At Carrickfergus Castle

Construction work is to begin to install a new roof in the great tower of Carrickfergus Castle in Co Antrim.

The £1 million project will replace the existing 80-year-old roof.

The new roof will be in line with the late-medieval architecture of the Castle and will be made from Irish Oak used 'green' and oak-pegged without the use of nails or metal fixings. It will also be a series of open trusses and rafters carrying oak boards, with a Cumbrian stone slates and lead exterior.

Work is to get underway on the project in autumn 2018.

The project will be managed by the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division. Its Director Iain Greenway said: "This is a major milestone in the history of Carrickfergus Castle, one of our best-known and most-visited historic monuments. The new roof will safeguard and enhance the castle so that its heritage will continue to have a lead role in the social and economic prosperity of the whole area.

"It is intended that public access to the site will be maintained throughout the works and that as far as is practicable visitors will be able to see the building work in progress. Visitors to the castle will get the opportunity to see the new roof unfold and archaeology that may reveal elements to the battlements that have not been seen for many years."

(CD/MH)