Traffic restrictions will be in place at a junction on a busy main road in Leicester from next week as part of a major highway improvement programme. Work will be carried out from Monday (10 Jan) on part of the A6 Abbey Lane at its busy junction with Abbey Park Road and Blackbird Road. Currently, the single lane right turn from Abbey Park Road onto Abbey Lane is a pinch point for buses and gets congested at peak times causing delays for all traffic. As part of the improvements being carried out, the junction will be reconfigured to allow traffic to turn right onto Abbey Lane from two of the three lanes at the junction of Abbey Park Road. This will involve remodelling the existing splitter islands and major realigning of the junction. At the same time the existing traffic signals will be fully upgraded and pedestrian crossings improved. Work will also be carried out to address delays at the junction of Abbey Lane and Exploration Drive and to improve access to Pioneer Park and the Asda supermarket. A longer right turn lane will be created for outbound traffic turning right into Exploration Drive from Abbey Lane. This will run from the junction of Byford Way to Exploration Drive. Existing pedestrian crossings in the immediate area will also be upgraded and footpaths widened to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The work is expected to take up to six months to complete and will be carried out on a phased basis at off-peak times only, to minimise disruption to traffic. However, some lane restrictions will be required. Drivers are advised to consider using Anstey Lane or Melton Road/Belgrave Road as alternative routes to avoid potential delays. Up-to-date driver information will be displayed using mobile variable messaging signs as required. Short-term, overnight road closures will also be required in the summer for resurfacing works, and details will be publicised nearer the time. Deputy City Mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “It is vital that we continue to invest in encouraging more people to make the shift to cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable transport, not least because traffic is responsible for a quarter of our city’s carbon emissions. “Ensuring our bus services are reliable and have priority over general traffic on important routes is really important in encouraging more people onto buses. We know the introduction of new bus lanes on busy routes can have a major impact on bus patronage, with increases of up to 13 per cent. “Along with the expansion of the citywide network of safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, investment in public transport will be vital to meeting our commitment to help further improving the city’s air quality and helping Leicester in its response to the climate emergency.” The junction improvements are closely linked to major revamp of Abbey Park Road, which will include the construction of a new bike-friendly footbridge across the River Soar. The £7.5million Abbey Park Road scheme – which will also see new bus lanes introduced and footpaths improved to create a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists – is supported by the Transforming Cities Fund as part of an ambitious programme of investment in sustainable transport across the city. For more details visit www.leicester.gov.uk/TransformingCitiesFund

The longest serving chief constable in the UK, Leicestershire’s Simon Cole, has announced plans to retire from policing in the Spring of 2022. Chief Constable Cole said: “It has been a great honour to lead Leicestershire Police since 2010 and serve the communities in which I grew up. “I am proud to have served with officers, staff and volunteers who give so much every day. I would like to thank my colleagues for their tireless dedication, commitment and professionalism. “Every day for more than a decade their unstoppable acts of bravery, compassion and determination have motivated me. They have reminded me daily why I became a police officer and the positive difference it makes. It has been a privilege to lead this force in such a vibrant city and two stunningly beautiful counties. “In particular, I am proud to have been able to strengthen Leicestershire Police by making it more representative of the people and communities we serve. I know that commitment and hard work will continue. “In my time as Chief Constable I have seen and experienced the full breadth of what policing is expected to do (and the unexpected too!): from Covid lockdowns and high-profile emergency incidents, to Premier League celebrations, and even the re-interment of a medieval king. “Throughout, however, I have been happiest when I’ve seen how the force has delivered good service to the public and built trust in neighbourhoods and communities - whether it’s been safeguarding young people, tackling complex investigations, bringing county lines gangs and domestic abusers to justice, or just having a chat over a samosa or a pork pie at a local event. “I have been fortunate to work with the Police Authority and three different Police and Crime Commissioners. The force on my watch has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with partners in the city and two counties to tackle shared problems. I would like to thank the countless organisations, community groups and individuals who have welcomed me, given me advice, and made each working day an opportunity to learn, reflect, and be able to make a difference. “The force is in good shape financially and operationally. During recent years, Leicestershire Police has been assessed as ‘good’ by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and this is something I am immensely proud of. I look forward to the results of our recent inspection. “Finally, I would like to thank my family for supporting me on this wonderful, demanding journey. Policing has asked much of them, too, and I am impossibly grateful. “My 33 years of service feels as though it has passed in the blink of an eye, not least because new challenges, new ideas and new people have made every day different. “But what has remained constant for me has been a focus on people and teamwork. I hope my time as Chief has made those priorities, so fundamental to policing, clear and felt by the people of Leicestershire and Rutland. With that in mind, I have chosen to hand over the armband of my team this Spring, proud of my service and what Leicestershire Police continues to achieve. I am extraordinarily grateful to all those who have supported me in policing - and to all those who choose to make a career in it. It is brilliant. It is tough. And it is of a value and importance almost immeasurable. My work will continue until a successor is appointed.” Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, said: “On behalf of the residents of our city and two counties, I would like to formally thank the Chief Constable for 12 years of exceptional service. His commitment has, throughout that period, been unswerving and we live in a safer place thanks to his leadership.”

Leicester Hospitals have reintroduced visiting restrictions from 31st December 2021, due to the ongoing surge of Covid-19 infections. Due to the increased prevalence of COVID-19 in the community we have made the difficult decision to restrict visiting for patients to keep our patients and colleagues safe. As with visiting restrictions in previous COVID-19 waves, we will keep the restriction under regular review and still allow exceptions for compassionate reasons as outlined below: Compassionate exceptions Family bubble for patients under 18 years old, see below for paediatric and neonatal intensive care units One carer for adult patients requiring assistance One relative for a patient receiving difficult news One relative collecting a patient being discharged Two relatives for patients at end of life Two birthing partners during labour and on the maternity wards Partner for antenatal scan (providing social distancing can be maintained) Permitted visitors should only attend hospital provided they: Have no coronavirus symptoms, sickness or diarrhoea Have obtained a negative lateral flow test result on the day of the visit Are not self-isolating because of a positive PCR test, or because of contact isolation based on vaccination status, in line with government guidance Observe mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distancing guidance whilst on site. Further information by area Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Neonatal unit - For babies on NNU, an additional parent may visit Paediatric Intensive Care - One parent / carer is able to remain with the patient for the entirety of their stay. No siblings, children under 16 years of age or other family members should attend the clinical area. An additional parent / carer may also attend where the family bubble can be maintained and provided that this is agreed with the Nurse in Charge. Antenatal, Labour and Postnatal care Labour wards – Up to two birth partners Maternity wards – one birth partner to visit, preferably the same visitor each day. Visiting between 11am and 7pm at pre-agreed times (only two visitors per bay at any one time) Scan Facilities – partners may attend all scan appointments ensuring social distancing is maintained Antenatal Facilities – partners may attend all clinic appointments ensuring social distancing is maintained Outpatients, Emergency Department (LRI) and Clinical Decisions Unit (Glenfield Hospital) Patients should to attend alone wherever possible. Where social distancing can be maintained we will allow a carer/relative based on the compassionate criteria above.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year! Officers will continue to be out and about this evening as 2021 comes to an end. The force has been planning ahead of this evening to ensure we have a high-visibility policing presence in place and that we are able to respond to any incidents quickly and effectively. Please ensure that however you are celebrating, you do so safely and that you plan ahead. Please also follow NHS and Government Covid-19 guidance to help keep yourselves and others protected from Coronavirus. Guidance includes taking a lateral flow test if you are meeting others. Remember that vaccination clinics also remain open over the holiday period for walk ins and appointments. Chief Inspector Manjit Atwal said: “Our officers and staff have been planning ahead for this evening and we will be out and about working to keep you safe. “Please continue to work with us and look after yourselves and your families and friends and please celebrate safely.” “Thank you to all our officers and staff who are working tonight and, of course, thank you to our officers and staff for their tremendous work throughout this year. “Thank you also to you, our communities and our partners, for your support throughout this year. “Happy New Year and we wish you all the best for the year 2022! Stay safe!”

The NHS App, launched three years ago today [31 December 2018], now has over 22 million users and is one of the UK’s most downloaded apps. More than 22 million NHS App users (over 18 million registrations since the NHS COVID Pass was added on 17 May) The NHS App was the most downloaded free iPhone app in England in 2021 A total of 1.1 million GP appointments booked through the NHS App since it was launched in December 2018 (641,000 in the last six months) A total of 10.4 million repeat prescriptions ordered through the NHS App since it was launched (6.2 million repeat prescriptions in the last six months) A total of 316,000 people registered their organ donation decision through the NHS App, including 171,000 in the past six months 141 million COVID Passes have been generated through the NHS App and NHS website since the service was added this May. More than 22 million people have now signed up to the NHS App, with over 18 million new registrations since the NHS COVID Pass was added on 17 May. The NHS App, which is managed by NHS Digital, was also the most downloaded free iPhone app this year. Users are benefitting from easier access to NHS services, with the NHS App providing quick and secure access to a variety of digital health services, including booking appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions, as well as accessing the NHS COVID Pass. Since the NHS App was launched, a total of 10.4 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered and 1.1 million GP appointments have been booked via the App, saving valuable time for patients and clinicians. In the past six months, 6.2 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered and 641,000 GP appointments have been booked. Additionally, a total of 316,000 people have used the NHS App to manage their organ donation decision, with over 170,000 registrations in the last six months. Registering a preference helps NHS specialist nurses to quickly understand what people want to happen to their organs, and enables them to discuss their wishes directly with their family. More than 140 million COVID Passes have been generated through the NHS App and NHS website since the service was added this May. The NHS COVID Pass is used for sharing COVID-19 vaccination records or test results when travelling abroad or attending certain events and venues domestically. Since 15 December, to enter certain venues and events in England, those aged 18 and over have needed to use their COVID Pass to show either their vaccination status, result from a PCR or rapid lateral flow test within the last 48 hours, or exemption from vaccination. Simon Bolton, Interim Chief Executive at NHS Digital, said: “The NHS App was one of the most downloaded apps this year, with more than 22 million people using it. The NHS App has played a central role in the fight against COVID-19 helping to enable international travel and access to major events. It has also changed the way millions of adults in England access healthcare services in the three years since its launch, with people using the NHS App to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, access the NHS COVID Pass service and register organ donation decisions.” Minister for Innovation, Lord Kamall, said: “Technology has been a lifeline for so many during the pandemic and, crucially, it has helped us in our fight against COVID-19. “Many of us are grateful for how communications technology allowed us to keep in touch with loved ones. In addition, better technology has also helped improve our system of healthcare by allowing clinicians to remotely monitor the health of patients, enabling people to order prescriptions online and to access their COVID-19 vaccine records, making events and travel safer. “We are committed to continuing to build on the progress we’ve seen to transform the health and social care sector and we must all continue to do our part to keep everyone safe – Get Boosted Now.” Matthew Gould, Chief Executive of NHSX, said: “We developed the NHS COVID Pass at extraordinary speed, and have kept updating it to meet the changing needs of the country as we deal with the pandemic. It is now an important tool in keeping people safe in the face of the Omicron variant.”

Detectives investigating the murder of a 41-year-old man have arrested a woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. The 61-year-old woman, of Leicester, was arrested on Wednesday evening (29 December). She currently remains in police custody. The arrest is in connection with the investigation into the death of Raju Modhwadia who was also known as Kara Muru. Mr Modhwadia died after being found with stab wound injuries in the street in Evington Road near the junction with Hamilton Street on Monday (27 December). Three men, aged 32, 33 and 35, of Leicester, who have been arrested on suspicion of murder all currently remain in police custody. It remains vitally important that the public continue to inform police of what they know as the murder investigation continues. Detective Inspector Nicole Main, from East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “While we continue to make progress in the investigation, we continue to need you, the public, to tell us what you know. “Mr Modhwadia has lost his life and we remain determined to find the answers we need for his family.” Police received a call at 12.32am on Monday from the East Midlands Ambulance Service who had been called to a report of a man found injured in the street in Evington Road near the junction with Hamilton Street. Mr Modhwadia was taken to hospital by ambulance. He was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital just after 1am on Monday. DI Main added: “Please continue to think back to if you were in the area of Evington Road and Hamilton Street late on Boxing Day evening (Sunday 26 December) or during the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (27 December). Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? Have you any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area that we have not seen? “Or have you heard anything since the incident that could help us progress our investigation further? What have you heard? What do you know? If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we urge you to get in touch. “Thank you to everyone who has been helping us so far and for your ongoing support. Please continue to speak with us and work with us as we continue to move forward with our enquiries.” Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 19 of 27 December. You can also report online at www.leics.police.uk or at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

On Monday afternoon (27 December) PC Ryan Holden was approached by a man who said his baby had just been born and he needed some assistance. PC Holden called through for support and was joined at the address just outside Market Harborough by PC Steve Winn and PC James Day. The officers took control of the phone conversation with the East Midlands Ambulance Service dispatcher and following medical advice, they were able to tie the umbilical cord, ensure there was no excessive bleeding and using their own life skills and experience, wrap the baby in warm blankets to help keep him warm. The officers also supported mum Jade, who was in some shock, by keeping her warm and encouraging her to keep calm. An ambulance crew promptly arrived and officers left them to take over at the address. PC Holden said: “This was a career first for all three of us and certainly wasn’t what we expected to be dealing with when we started the shift that day but we were pleased we were able to help this young family with the arrival of their first child. “We returned to the house to provide the new family with some flowers and a card and it’s brilliant to hear that Jade, Sam and baby Freddie are doing well.” Mum Jade said: “I am very proud of Sam and how he brought Freddie into the world before running outside and flagging down the first officer who came to help. It’s lovely that we are able to be a part of such a good and positive news story and I can’t thank the officers enough for their help.”

People living in our region are being urged to trust their instincts and report anything suspicious to Counter Terrorism Policing this Christmas. In the last year, Counter Terrorism Policing received around 10,000 reports from members of the public. A fifth of these reports were turned into intelligence used to disrupt terrorist activity in the UK. As people head into town and city centres for the festivities, it is vital that people remain alert and aware of their surroundings. Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden is Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East. He said: “In recent months we have seen two terror incidents take place on the streets of the UK, these have been a stark reminder of the threat extremism poses to our communities. “As a result of these incidents, the threat level has been increased to severe and some areas of the UK have seen an increased police presence. “Along with our security service colleagues, we at Counter Terrorism Policing are working around the clock to keep you safe. Nevertheless, it is vital we have the support of the public. “What I ask is that whilst you’re out and about, enjoying your work Christmas party, shopping, or visiting friends and family, that you remain vigilant. “You might spot something that seems a bit strange, or notice someone you know behaving differently. If this is the case, then please contact us, you could save lives.” Some examples of suspicious activity or behaviour could include: Taking notes or photos about security arrangements in city centres, or at events Hiring large vehicles for no clear reason Buying or storing large amounts of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons Suspicious or unusual bank transactions You can find more information and make a report here. In an emergency always dial 999. At Counter Terrorism Policing, investigators are currently working on 800 live investigations and have disrupted 31 plots since 2017. Detective Chief Superintendent Snowden added: “You are not wasting our time by reporting your concerns, no call or click will be ignored. What you tell us will be treated in the strictest confidence and any piece of information could be important. “Your information could be a vital piece in a much bigger puzzle, and you could help police prevent terrorist activity.”

The vivid dreams Aaron Wilkinson experienced when he received ECMO treatment come back to him every time he puts on his trainers to chip away at his 1,000 mile target to fundraise for Glenfield Hospital. 38-year-old Aaron credits the ECMO team with saving his life when he became ill following a bout of swine flu and double pneumonia back in the winter of 2018. Now, he wants to thank them by raising £1,000 while at the same time, improving his own health and lifestyle after he says he was given a ‘second chance’ at life. Reflecting on his time on the unit – there is one standout memory for him. “It sounds weird to say out loud but I really thought the staff were trying to kill me. “The dreams I had while I was in a coma were so vivid and real that I believed them when I came around, before I could even talk I wrote on an iPad to my wife that there was a conspiracy and I’d been kidnapped and the doctors wanted to harm me. “I now know that it’s not uncommon for people in my situation to experience those dreams, but at the time it was very weird. “I’ve since written them all down and published them in a book – it’s fascinating.” After feeling unwell over the Christmas of 2018, Aaron visited his GP, from there he was blue lighted to his local hospital - Hull Royal Infirmary – not long later he was on the ECMO list. “They call it the last roll of the dice, I’m so lucky I was found a bed at Glenfield Hospital, if I hadn’t have been I would have died. “I have a one-year-old now she, and my wife and family, make me realise just how lucky I was. After spending almost three weeks on ECMO - including being in a coma for Christmas and New Year - Aaron spent a further few days in the ICU at Glenfield, before going back to Hull to continue his recovery. His experience, and the anxiety he felt when COVID pandemic began, encouraged him to take on his charity challenge. “I always said I wanted to do something to thank the staff at Glenfield Hospital so I decided to combine it with something that will make me healthier. “When I fell ill I was overweight and on the verge of being diagnosed with Diabetes – being so poorly was a wakeup call so I started walking and gradually built up my fitness by doing Couch to 5k, I started eating healthier too. “When it came to setting myself a fundraising challenge raising £1,000 while walking/running 1,000 miles seemed the right thing to do.” Since starting in August, Aaron has managed just shy of 300 miles so far and has collected £740 in sponsorship. “I know £1,000 is nowhere near enough to buy one of the machines that saved me but hopefully it can be used to show the staff how grateful I am.” To sponsor Aaron visit Fundraiser by Aaron Wilkinson : Helping the Adult ICU at Glenfield Hospital (gofundme.com)

The payment is to recognise the loyalty of the adult social care workforce across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. A £500 payment is being offered to care workers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as they continue to make extraordinary efforts ahead of another challenging winter. The funding is being allocated by the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care to recognise the loyalty of adult social care workforces as they support hospital discharges over the next few months. The payment is being provided in March next year to around 20,000 front line workers and staff, who remain in service from mid-December this year until the end of February 2022. It will be worth up to £500 each for staff, who work 20 hours or more per week, and around £250 for staff who work less than 20 hours “It’s been a really difficult time for everyone – the work done in the health and care sector has been nothing short of incredible. “We know that it will be a challenging winter ahead as we continue to support NHS efforts and we hope this payment will make sure workers know they are valued.” Councillor Christine Radford, county council cabinet member for adult social care Rachna Vyas, Executive Director of Integration and Transformation at the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “Our family of health and care services simply do not work without each other – we work together to support thousands of people daily to live independently and to stay safe and well. “This latest incentive is simply a way to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our extraordinary colleagues.” Councillor Sarah Russell, deputy city mayor and lead on social care for Leicester City Council, said: “This additional support goes a small way to recognising the vital work carried out by care workers, and hopefully will support the retention of experienced staff to work with all those who depend on care services.” Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Care at Rutland County Council Councillor Samantha Harvey said: “So much of what our adult social care workforce does goes unseen. “They provide a truly critical service, not just for those in need of support but as part of a wider health system that could not function without them. “We should all be incredibly grateful to them, while this funding is fully deserved.” Steve Payne, who manages care homes in the city and county, including The Kathleen Rutland Home in Leicestershire, said: “ The care sector has gone and continues to go through a torrid time and our staff have been relentless in their efforts and commitment to ensure those they support are safe. “I have nothing but admiration for them and the news of this funding shows in part some recognition for our care and support staff and I’m sure it will be gratefully received.” Payments will be made through the Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care providers, who employ health and social care workers to deliver services commissioned by the city, Leicestershire and Rutland county councils and the NHS.

People who live and work in Leicester are being asked if health and care organisations in the city have got their priorities right for improving people’s health over the coming years. The city council, NHS and other agencies have set out how they intend to work together from 2022 to 2027 in a health, care & wellbeing plan. The plan covers five key areas relating to health, and actions that could be taken for each one. The areas cover our environment; the early years of a child’s life; physical health; mental health; and ageing. Asst city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster, chair of Leicester’s health and wellbeing board, said: “This plan was put together after asking local people what was important to them in terms of improving services for the future. “Now we would like to hear from them and professionals who work in care and health services on whether we’ve chosen the right priorities, whether some are more important than others, and whether they think any have been missed.” Proposed priorities include improving access to primary care (GP practices); reducing the impact of poverty on children and young people; increasing early detection of lung and heart diseases and cancer in adults; improving access to mental health services for children and adults; and promoting independence for frail, older people. Everything set out in the plan aims to give everyone in the city equal access to the services they need, and to remove unjustified differences in the state of people’s health. It also aims to strengthen the way different health and care organisations in the city work together to achieve this. The full plan is available to read on the council’s consultation webpages, where people can also give their views. Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, December 22, 2021

A Brand new facility for those who love to play cricket will open in Belgrave in January. Leicester City Council has installed the new cricket net next to the refurbished gym at Cossington Street sports centre, offering a single bay practice cage with an all-weather non-turf wicket. Anyone wanting to practise their batting and bowling techniques can make use of the new net, which has been installed at a cost of £40,000. It’s free to use on a turn-up-and-play basis, but a charge applies for those wishing to reserve the net and guarantee its availability. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “Anyone who’s walked past Cossington Street recreation ground during the summer months will have seen groups of friends enjoying a game of cricket – and that’s a clear indication of how much people love playing the game. “I’m pleased we’ve been able to respond to the game’s popularity by providing this new cricket net, which will provide a safe space for people to practise their batting and bowling techniques and improve their skills. “I hope that by investing in this new facility, we can encourage more girls, more young people and more clubs to get involved in the sport.” The new cricket net will be open daily from 10am to 4pm from Monday 3 January. Opening hours will be longer in the summer months. For more information, pop in to Cossington Street Sports Centre or call the centre on 0116 233 3060.