Other News In Brief

Bradley Urged To 'Move Immediately' On HIA Redress

The British Secretary of State Karen Bradley must now move immediately to assist victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse, Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill, has said.

Ms O'Neill was speaking today after the acting Head of the Civil Service David Sterling confirmed in a letter to the local political parties that all necessary amendments to legislation providing redress for the victims have now been made.

She said: "The parties here worked together to develop a joint approach and reach a consensus to remove any further obstacles to legislation which will provide redress to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.

"The parties agreed a joint letter back in May to Karen Bradley addressing issues she claimed she needed answers to.

"The acting Head of the Civil Service has today confirmed in a letter to the local political parties that he has now made all the changes to the legislation necessary to support the victims and communicated this to the British Secretary of State.

"The ball is now firmly in Karen Bradley's court. There can be no more stalling.

"The victims and survivors of abuse, while in care, have waited long enough and Karen Bradley should now immediately put in place the required legal and financial framework to assist them."

Milford Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A 35-year-old woman has been convicted of benefit fraud at Armagh Magistrates' Court.

Leona Treanor of Linen Green, Milford, claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £19,780 while failing to declare she was living with a partner. She was given a four month prison sentence suspended for three years.

The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

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

Lurgan Resurfacing Scheme To Begin On 22 July

A £240,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme Lurgan is due to commence on Monday 22 July 2019.

The resurfacing works on Banbridge Road will extend a distance of approximately 1.3 kilometres, from the junction with Hall Road to the Ballynabragget Road junction. The scheme will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the road. It is due to be complete on Friday 30 August . 

A daily weekday road closure between the hours of 7.30 am and 6.00 pm from Monday 22 July 2019 to Friday 30 August 2019 will be in place. Diversionary routes will be clearly signed and local access for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times during the works.