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Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, has written to the Home Secretary (the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP), requesting a meeting at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss the funding for Leicestershire Police. Last week it was announced that Leicestershire Police faces a funding gap of £5.4m in the coming financial year, despite a £13 per year increase (Band D property) in the amount of council tax paid towards policing. Rupert Matthews said today; "The funding for Leicestershire Police, per head of population, is the 11th lowest in England and Wales. Currently, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland receive around £211 per person, which is lower than the national average. Simply by lifting the amount to the average would raise an additional £8m in the coming financial year. "It is imperative that the improvements in policing, crime prevention, victims services and community safety are protected. Inadequate funding could well, if we are not very careful, lead to an inadequate service to our communities. I will not sit back and let this happen. "Of course, I am determined to work with the Chief Constable to minimise any negative impact from our funding challenge, but I also intend to push the Home Secretary for swift and decisive action to put an end to this unfair funding formula. "It is unfair on those trying to deliver a quality service, be that crime prevention, enforcement or victim support. It is unfair on local residents who deserve a police force that is fairly funded. I am grateful to local taxpayers who have supported us all the way, but they should not be expected to pick up a larger slice of the funding burden. "It's too soon to say exactly what the fallout from this funding gap will be, but I know that the Chief Constable and his team will continue to do everything they can to deliver an efficient and effective service. I know that they will do everything they can to minimise the impact on the officers and police staff. For my part, I will do everything I can to deliver a fair funding deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland."

Major search after reports child, 3, fell into river. Emergency services rushed to reports of a person in the River soar this evening. The Road is currently closed Braunstone Lane East and Middleton Street. Please avoid this area if possible. The Police helicopter was seen searching the river around 17:40 tonight and has now been replace with a police drone. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service are now in-attendance. The police helicopter returned at 18:40 after refuelling and is now continuing to light up the search area. A spokesperson from Leicestershire police said: “Police and emergency services are dealing with an incident near to Aylestone Road, Braunstone, following reports of a 3 year old child falling in to the River Soar around 5pm today (Sunday 18 February). All services are in attendance as the search for the child continues. Further updates will be given when appropriate.” 🔴 Police updated statement 22:45 Police operation ongoing after child falls in River Soar, Leicester. Earlier this evening (Sunday 18 February) officers were called to the River Soar in Leicester after reports of a child falling into the water. The child, a 3-year-old boy, was with family when he fell into the river, sadly despite the best efforts of those at the scene at the time the child was not located. Emergency services attended the scene just after 5pm and a search and rescue operation began in Aylestone Meadows, close to Marsden Lane. A man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The operation is ongoing and will continue with additional specialist teams in the morning. The child’s family are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time. We have had a number of offers of support to assist with the search and would kindly ask that people do not attend the scene due to rising water levels and safety risks. If anyone has any information or comes across anything that may assist officers, they are asked to contact us immediately. Specialist teams are on standby to respond to any information received. If you need to get in touch, please contact 999 quoting incident 476:180224. #LeicsPolice #RiverSoar #AylestoneMeadows

Consultations are launching focusing on preventing local councils from turning drivers into “cash cows” by profiting from enforcing traffic restrictions. This includes fines for drivers going into yellow box junctions, parking restrictions and bus lane fines. Motorists are set to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion, with local people getting a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them, thanks to a crackdown on anti-driver road schemes, over-zealous traffic enforcement, and strengthened guidance for councils on 20mph limits. These are among the latest raft of measures to be announced from the Government’s Plan for Drivers. The Department for Transport has today [Sunday 17th March] published draft statutory guidance for councils on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), setting out that they must gain buy-in from local residents, businesses and emergency services when considering implementing new LTN schemes. This could involve in-person events, online engagement, and leaflet drops to involve the whole community in the process and will mean that authorities must consider whether an LTN has local support before it is implemented. The new guidance raises expected standards for LTNs and will come into force this summer when local authorities will be obliged to consider it when shaping new and existing schemes. Local authorities are expected to follow the guidance and ensure local people support their plans. Recent examples where councils have implemented these schemes without public support have been shown to cause disruption and have unintended negative consequences. If local authorities fail to deliver sensible road schemes that work for local people they could see future funding withdrawn, and under powers from the Traffic Management Act, the Government could ultimately take control of an authority's roads where they are deemed to be widely mismanaged. A consultation will also be launched this summer on measures including the removal of local authorities’ access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data to enforce such schemes by camera. Separately, councils have received strengthened guidance on setting 20mph speed limits, reminding them to reserve them for sensible and appropriate areas only – such as outside schools - and with safety and local support at the heart of the decision. Local authorities are expected to consider this guidance, and as with the LTN guidance, this could have implications for the awarding of funding in the future. The action taken today on LTNs is supported by a wide-ranging review that highlights only 13% of residents have responded to councils’ planning consultations on LTNs, and just 18% feel that their views have influenced council decisions. The report also found that local authorities operating LTNs issue an average of 36,459 Penalty Charge Notices per scheme, with the highest number of Penalty Charge Notices issued for a single LTN scheme exceeding 170,000. That’s why the guidance embeds the need for local support and will ultimately save motorists money. While the review showed only a quarter of people understood the benefits of LTNs, it also flagged concerns over the impact on disabled residents, high numbers of Penalty Charge Notices, the cost of LTN schemes and even concerns from emergency services that delays to crews caught up in LTNs could “potentially risk lives”. The new guidance aims to prevent councils having to reverse poorly-implemented or locally unpopular schemes – as with recently removed LTNs at Jesmond, Newcastle and Streatham Wells, London. These measures from our 30-point Plan for Drivers will improve the lives of drivers, shortening journey times and ensuring traffic measures have buy-in from the people they are impacting. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We want local people to have their voices heard, and any traffic schemes to have the consent of those they impact. “Well thought out schemes, like 20mph limits outside schools, can make our roads safer, but we are raising the bar to help ensure all traffic schemes work for everyone in the community. “We’re on the side of drivers, and these latest measures show we’re getting on with delivering what we promised in our Plan for Drivers – making their lives better, fairer and cheaper, and helping people travel in the way that works best for them.” Today’s announcement also sees a comprehensive package of other measures designed to put people back in the driving seat. Traffic lights will be upgraded across the country thanks to £50 million - £30 million to replace outdated equipment, and £20 million to reduce poor traffic light performance through innovative technology that responds to live traffic conditions. From Devon to Durham, 80 highway authorities across England will benefit from funding, to improve journey times and reduce congestion caused by red lights. Consultations are also launching focusing on preventing local councils from turning drivers into “cash cows” by profiting from enforcing traffic restrictions. This includes fines for drivers going into yellow box junctions or parking restrictions. The 8-week call for evidence will seek views from residents and will also quiz local authorities on how money from fines is reinvested. Local people will have their say on whether they think enforcement is currently fair or believe authorities should be restricted in their traffic enforcement powers, and the findings will inform future government decisions on restricting authorities. As with LTNs, the government will also look at restricting local authorities access to third-party data, such as the DVLA database, for enforcement purposes. At the moment, restrictions on bus lane use are too rigid, creating delays and causing regular fines for drivers. New guidance on bus lanes has also been issued today, to make sure they only operate when it makes sense, like when traffic is heavy enough to delay buses. This will prevent drivers being hit with unfair fines. A consultation will also be launched to look into whether motorcycle access to bus lanes should be standard, a further initiative to reduce congestion and speed up journey times. Further measures announced today include publication of new guidance making it simpler and easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow down drivers with street works and a consultation aiming to shake up motor insurance will also be launched to prevent those caught without it from claiming property damage from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. Nuisance boy-racers who illegally modify their exhausts and disturb our streets are also being targeted. New research reveals the success of noise cameras in cracking down on illegally modified exhausts and anti-social drivers. The research will be used to encourage local authorities to install noise cameras after successful trials in Bradford, Birmingham, Bristol and Great Yarmouth. Our Plan for Drivers has already delivered measures to crackdown on disruptive streetworks, cutting traffic and anticipated to generate up to £100million over the next ten years. It has also launched grants for schools to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicles chargepoints, making it easier for drivers to make the switch. A record £8.3 billion has also been pledged over the next ten years for road resurfacing, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding, to improve the condition of British roads and speed up journey times. Read more the plan here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-anti-driver-road-schemes-and-blanket-20mph-limits-to-put-local-consent-first Press release issued by the department for transport on 17/03/24 00:01

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the death of Bhim Kohli. Mr Kohli, 80, died on Monday 2 September following an incident in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, the previous evening (Sunday 1 September). The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Leicester Youth Court sitting at Leicester Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Thursday 5 September). **A person has been charged with an offence and will be appearing in court. Nothing should be posted that could prejudice upcoming proceedings and care should be taken over any comment made.** #LeicsPolice #Braunstone #FranklinPark

Work to create a new, low carbon industrial park on the site of former council offices at Leicester’s Blackbird Road is nearing completion. (image shows an artist's impression of how the finished development will look) Leicester City Council is building the new Blackbird Industrial Park on the site of a former housing depot close the city centre. It features four buildings that will provide more than 30,000sqft of light industrial workspace across 21 separate units aimed at local start-ups and growing businesses. All the buildings incorporate a range of low carbon, energy efficiency measures. These include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, super insulation, and low-energy smart lighting. Chargers will be provided for electric vehicles in a new parking area, along with safe storage for bicycles. The 21 new units are due to be available for lease from winter 2024. They range in size from the smallest at 750sqft to the largest at between 2,050 to 2,500sqft. Annual rents will vary from £11,250 to £30,000, and at full occupancy the new industrial park could bring in over £400,000 in rental income. The £6.25million development has been backed with government cash following the city council’s successful bid for new investment from the Levelling Up Fund, in 2021. City Mayor Peter Soulsby, said: “This new and much-needed industrial park will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses in Leicester. “Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, this development also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in cleaner, greener and low carbon infrastructure to support the future prosperity of our growing city.” Leicester City Council appointed locally-based Brackley Property Developments Ltd as its development partner for Blackbird Industrial Park following a competitive tendering process. For more information about the new workspaces available at Blackbird Industrial Park visit www.propertylink.estatesgazette.com or email the city council’s lettings team at Development-team@leicester.gov.uk (image shows an artist's impression of how the finished development will look) Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, September 17, 2024

More fake QR codes have been found on some city council pay and display parking machines. Stickers featuring the codes have been discovered at different locations in the Westcotes area of the city and in the city centre, and staff are in the process of removing them. All city centre car parks have been checked and staff are now inspecting other pay and display locations. The QR codes are different to some that were found recently on pay and display machines, and this time fraudsters have often stuck more than one code onto the machines they have targeted. Ashley Snookes, group manager of the civil enforcement and traffic regulation team said: “Never scan a QR code on a Leicester City Council pay and display machine. We do not use QR codes at any of our car parks, or for on-street parking, so people using a council parking space should never expect to pay by this method. “We have reported this to the police, and if anyone has scanned any of these codes, they should contact their bank and also notify Leicestershire Police. “The safest way to pay is through the PayByPhone app which is on offer at all city council surface level car parks and pay and display locations.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has welcomed the huge progress being made to reduce isolation and help residents thrive on a Leicester estate. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has invested much-needed funding into the New Parks area of the city - one of three People Zones he supports in order to strengthen local communities and protect them from harm. Volunteers and service providers have been working closely with Leicester City Council to engage residents living in the flats off Aikman Avenue, more locally known as the Burns Flats area of New Parks. The aim is to reduce their vulnerability and introduce them to the wide range of services and support sessions available to help them connect with the wider community. Community workers initially brought some of the sessions held within the local community to the flats to create a safe and comfortable environment for the residents to meet their neighbours and support providers. Their efforts were boosted by the opening of revamped community rooms at the flats earlier this month which has seen a variety of drop-in services developed for the local community including an after-school club, a housing surgery and volunteering opportunities. Mr Matthews said: "Although it is still early days, I am really impressed with the progress being made to help these residents get to know each other and to try out some of the services and activities available to them. This is chiefly down to the perseverance of the dedicated community team on the ground who are working hard to build links and develop a rapport with the residents. They really care about their wellbeing. "I have visited the area several times and have been out delivering Crimestoppers leaflets to residents this month. It is wonderful to see the transformation taking place and people taking advantage of all the community facilities being provided for their benefit. "The community room has been a huge bonus to their work, becoming the focus for a wide range of services and activities that help people feel part of their community and importantly increase their awareness of how they can access support if needed. Since its launch, more people are popping in and bringing their families which is exactly what was intended. "Small steps really do matter and already resident are engaging in local community projects, attending support sessions and the Neighbourhood Mental Health Café. There is still much more to do, but I am impressed and proud of the inroads already being made which emphasise the value of the People Zones project overall." Jo Randall, Director of Team Hub, and leader of the project at the Burns Flats said:. "People Zones has been the driving force behind this project. We never looked at this area really before the People Zone - We actually found this room whilst out on a patch walk with the PCC, so it definitely highlighted an area of need." "It made us look at the flats and see the lack of communication between all services. People Zones has helped to bring it all together, it's given us the contacts, helped us to build the relationships and now the community room has support from services such as the local beat team, ASB, Housing, local council etc. "The community needed to band together and find someone to lead on this on this project, which Team Hub was happy to do. We have worked really hard to engage with hard-to-reach groups, provide them with the support they were lacking and empower the residents to play a more active role in their community - We are in the process of setting up multiple groups within the community room, such as coffee mornings and youth clubs and are planning to set up a tenant's association in future. With the community's support, the options are endless. "We are already making a positive difference - within the first four weeks of opening, we have directly supported 17 families and 46 individuals." Jo Johnson, New Parks Adventure Playground Manager, added: ‘'New Parks People Zone has been such a positive project for local projects and the wider community. Not only has it funded much needed projects which has benefited local people but it has brought community groups and other agencies together." The community rooms have hosted beat surgeries with local neighbourhood police officers and meetings with councillors and housing providers to give residents a chance to have their say and raise their concerns. The area used to benefit from a tenants' association many years ago and community workers are in early discussions about the possibility of setting up a new one to build further support platforms in the area and empower residents to take an active role in their area. There are currently three People Zones across the force area: Bell Foundry, New Parks and Thringstone & Whitwick. People Zones is committed to tackling inequalities and building on the strengths of the local community. The project promotes inclusion and empowers people to play an active role in making their area safer. Every year, the PCC holds funding rounds to enable organisations within the People Zones to apply for grants to invest into activities and projects that support the aims of the initiative and help build resilience within the communities.

New proposal for the future of Leicester Market is to go out to consultation today (Monday), after work on the city’s market place was paused earlier this year. The city council is now proposing a scheme that would return Leicester’s historic market to its old site – but would also create a new event space in the heart of the city centre. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “When I asked for work to be paused so we could reconsider the potential for this wonderful site, I put forward a proposal to relocate the market and transform the market place into a space that would become the focal point for festivals, events and celebrations in Leicester. “While this was welcomed by many people – including local businesses and representatives of the heritage sector – it was clear that the market traders themselves felt strongly about returning to the site where they’d stood for generations. “Our design team has now come up with a scheme that would allow the market to return to the traders’ favoured site, while keeping the market place as a flexible space for public events – as it was for hundreds of years. “We’re now inviting the market traders and people in Leicester to comment on this new proposal. Their feedback will help inform the final decision, paving the way for a scheme that I hope will bring new life to Leicester’s market place and help regenerate the wider area.” The latest proposal shows a new home for Leicester Market in a light and airy structure, adjacent to the existing food hall. Automated shutters would secure the market when it was not in use, while its 48 stalls could be fully dismantled and cleared away to provide room for a bar area, for example, if the event space was being used for an outdoor concert. The whole site would be paved in high-quality porphyry, with colourful planters helping to create an attractive, versatile event space that could host festivals, live music or speciality markets. With food and drink driving footfall to markets across the country, and to complement the range of produce on sale in the neighbouring food hall, it’s proposed that the new market would also be food-focused, with stalls prioritised for those selling fruit, vegetables and high-quality food from around the world. “Food is already the cornerstone of what’s on offer at Leicester Market, with around two-thirds of the occupied stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other foods,” said the City Mayor. “This redevelopment would give us an opportunity to build on that. “A broader range of quality produce, featuring baked goods or street food, for example, could help shape the vibrant market we all want to create. “So I’m convinced that Leicester Market does have a bright future. Our role now is to create the right environment for it to thrive – and ensure it provides a unique shopping experience that attracts both visitors and regular shoppers.” If given the go-ahead, the new event space could be paved and completed by early 2026, with the new market building opening by spring/summer 2027. Traders could continue to operate from Green Dragon Square until then. The consultation opens today (Monday 28 October) and can be found here People have until 23:59 on Monday 9 December to submit their views.

New enforcement powers to penalise drivers for traffic offences on two streets near to local schools will come into force in time for the new term. For an initial period of six months, first offences will result in drivers being issued with a warning notice Leicester City Council will introduce camera enforcement to help tackle drivers who flout restrictions on Northfold Road and Eastcourt Road which border Overdale infant and junior schools, in Knighton. Restrictions on the two school streets prohibit access to motor vehicles during school run times – 8-9am and 2.30-4pm Monday to Friday – except for motorists who have successfully applied for exemption. The measures were introduced at the request of residents and the wider school community in an effort to improve road safety and traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the school day. Despite being clearly signed, and legally backed by traffic regulation order, motorists have continued to contravene the restrictions on a regular basis. Camera enforcement will come into action from Tuesday 7 January 2025 – the first day of the new school term. For an initial period of six months, first offences will result in drivers being issued with a warning notice. Subsequent contraventions will result in drivers being issued with a penalty charge notice. This will be charged at £70, or at discounted rate of £35 if paid within 21 days. Residents on the two affected streets, and eligible parents at the schools, have been invited to apply for exemption. The decision to use camera enforcement follows a consultation with local residents, parents at the Overdale schools and other members of the public carried out in summer 2024. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment, said: “Camera enforcement can be a very effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences that are dangerous or obstructive for other road users. “That’s why we’re introducing these measures to help enforce restrictions on two school streets close to Overdale infant and junior schools. “The restrictions here were originally introduced following feedback from local residents and families at the schools and it’s important that we do whatever we can to discourage people from ignoring them.” Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, councils can apply to the Government to take on the responsibility for traffic offences, by applying for a designated authority status. This gives councils powers to enforce areas such as box junctions, one-way streets, no-entry signs or other prohibited traffic movements, along with bus lanes, cycles lanes and pedestrian zones for example. Leicester City Council News

Leicester’s Diwali festivities are among the largest outside India, offering a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. Whether you’re drawn by the dazzling fireworks, lively performances, delicious food, or colourful fashion, come and immerse yourself in the spirit of Diwali with us! The highlight of the festival is the dazzling fireworks display and captivating live performances on Diwali Day, Thursday, October 31st. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, for their invaluable support. Throughout the two-week celebration, Leicester will come alive with a diverse range of events. Join us in the festivities and experience the joy and excitement across the city. The iconic Golden Mile will be festooned with stunning illuminations, ending in the grand celebrations on Diwali Day. A procession of street artists and performers will parade up and down Belgrave Road, bringing music and entertainment to all. The Diwali Village will once again take place at Cossington Street Recreation Ground, featuring food stalls, funfair rides, the main stage and fire garden display. The main stage program at Cossington Recreation Ground will showcase some stunning performances, organized by the Leicester Hindu Festival Council - From 5 PM to 8:30 PM, Leicester's iconic Wheel of Light will once again grace Belgrave Road, offering panoramic views of the city from October 12th to November 2nd. Fireworks remain a key part of Diwali festivities,and Leicester's display promises to be nothing short of spectacular. At 7:30 PM on Diwali Day, prepare to be dazzled by a fusion of aerial fireworks and pyrotechnics, visible from all across the event site. Download the Diwali Guide for details of all the events and activities taking place this year. https://www.visitleicester.info/dbimgs/2024%20Diwali%20Guide.pdf

Six-year-old celebrates end of cancer treatment with KPop Demon Hunters visit Six-year-old Storm marked the end of his cancer treatment at the Leicester Royal Infirmary surrounded by his family – and some very special guests. Storm rang the hospital’s end-of-treatment bell, a moment used to celebrate the completion of cancer care, with the surprise arrival of his favourite characters from KPop Demon Hunters, making the milestone even more memorable. The brave youngster, from Leicester, has spent the past 16 months undergoing treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. He also underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital earlier this year to remove a tumour from his bladder. Storm’s mum, Amy Smith, said she could not be prouder of her son. “He has been so brave, and I am incredibly proud of him,” she said. “Going through all of this at such a young age has been so hard, but one of the things that really helped him cope was KPop Demon Hunters. “They visited him throughout his chemotherapy and brought a smile to his face when nothing else could, so of course they had to be there to mark the end of his treatment.” Storm first met the KPop Demon Hunters tribute group at one of their events at the Enchanted Tea Rooms in Leamington Spa, and they have supported him throughout his treatment journey ever since. Now finished with treatment and continuing his recovery, Storm is enjoying being back at school and spending time with friends. His family are also planning a well-earned holiday to Turkey. Amy added: “It was such a lovely day celebrating Storm and just how far he has come. His face absolutely lit up when he saw his friends and family all together.” Gemma Mackay, Oncology Nurse Specialist on Ward 27 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, has supported Storm throughout his treatment. She said: “Storm has shown incredible courage throughout his treatment. Seeing him ring the end-of-treatment bell was a wonderful moment for everyone who has cared for him, and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.” #KPopDemonHunters #LeicesterRoyalInfirmary #GreatOrmondStreetHospital

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) yesterday (Thursday 30/04/26) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely. The increase threat comes following the stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK. While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community. This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat. For the public this means remaining alert but not alarmed. If you see anything that doesn’t feel right report it via the ACT Action Counters Terrorism website. In an emergency always call 999. https://act.campaign.gov.uk