Shepshed residents will be able to vote for a county councillor in a by-election this October. The by-election on Thursday 15 October has been prompted by the resignation of County Councillor Helen Butler. Residents who are not already registered to vote need to apply by midnight on Tuesday 29 September 2026 on the Register to Vote page. Rosemary Whitelaw, head of governance and strategy, said: “The county council provides hundreds of services across Leicestershire every day, and local councillors play a big role in shaping these services. “Whether you’re driving on a road we maintain, receive social care services, applying for a school place or using one of our bus services, decisions about services affect everyone. “That’s why it’s important for the people eligible to vote in this election to have their say and use their vote. “Please don’t assume you’re registered to vote. People miss out on the chance to vote by thinking they’re registered.” Charnwood Borough Council will run the election on behalf of Leicestershire County Council. Information about deadlines and candidate nominations, registering for a postal or proxy vote, or applying for a free Voter Authority Certificate, can be found on the Government’s website. More information, including the candidates standing in the election, will be available on the council's website. Thursday, 10 September, 2026

A police cordon is in place this morning on Upperton Road near the Lidl store. Police forensic officers are at the scene, the towpath along the River soar under the bridge is taped off. A spokesperson from Leicestershire police said “Police received a call from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service last night (Thursday 10 September) at 11.33pm following a report of someone in the water near to Upperton Road, Leicester. Officers attended the location and the person, a man in his forties, was taken to hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. A cordon remains in place at the scene as further enquiries are being carried out. The death is being treated as unexplained however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Main Street in Ratby was closed by the police this morning due to a medical emergency. The air ambulance was also in attendance, landing at a nearby park. It’s been reported that an elderly gentleman has fallen near the war memorial. We have no further information on his condition at this time. The road has now been reopened. Police update 16:00 Sad news. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: The force was called at 10.19am following a report of an elderly man falling in Main Street, Ratby. Officers attended, along with colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service. His fall was as a result of a medial episode and, sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Charnwood celebrated residents whose dedication, kindness and community spirit make a real difference across the borough at an annual awards ceremony. Charnwood Community Heroes, ran by the borough council, marks the work people have carried out in the borough and thanks them for their tireless efforts. The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 5 September 2026 at Burleigh Court in Loughborough where over 50 heroes were recognised. From litter-pickers and green champions to trustees and organisers of community initiatives, the event celebrated everyday heroes whose commitment, generosity and dedication have helped build stronger, more connected communities across the borough. Cllr Jenni Tillotson, the Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “The Community Heroes Awards are a real highlight of the year. It is wonderful coming together to celebrate the people of Charnwood whoreally make a difference. They are everyday, real-life heroes who care, act and inspire and continue to have a positive impact on their communities.” “I would like to give my personal thanks to all of the heroes we have celebrated this year.” This year’s event was kindly sponsored by Loughborough Schools Foundation, Loughborough College Group and idverde. The awards were compared by Mark O’Sullivan from Fosse 107 and the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Cllr Colin Hamilton and Emma Lowe were also in attendance. The Harry Cook Award is awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. It was chosen by Harry’s family. Harry, along with wife Pat, was heavily involved in Loughborough in Bloom and their floral home not only featured on the bloom judging route but also on BBC Gardener’s World. Harry sadly died in 2018. Pat is the chair of the Loughborough in Bloom Board. The winner of the Harry Cook Award for 2026 was Harper Brown for spending part of her summer holiday collecting litter around Syston. Andrew Earnshaw, from Loughborough Schools Foundation, sponsor of the Young Hero award, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Young Hero category and to celebrate the remarkable contribution that young people are making across Charnwood. It is particularly inspiring to see the initiative, kindness and determination they demonstrate in making a real difference in their communities. “The stories behind this year’s nominations are a wonderful reminder that age is no barrier to making a positive impact. These young people are excellent role models and thoroughly deserve the opportunity to have their achievements recognised and celebrated.” Lucy Howes, Vice Principal Learner Services and Quality at Loughborough College, sponsor of the Inspiring Others category, said: “Loughborough College Group has a long-standing commitment to helping people build their skills, confidence, and future opportunities. As a proud part of the Charnwood community, we believe in celebrating the dedication, hard work and achievements of local people. “Sponsoring the Inspiring Others category at this year’s awards allows us to recognise the remarkable individuals who are going above and beyond to make a positive impact. Their dedication and spirit reflect exactly what we strive to nurture every day here at the College.” idverde, the Council’s open spaces partner, sponsored the Green Hero category. Nicola Clarke, community engagement officer at idverde, said: “It was amazing to be at the ceremony and listen to all the stories.I would like to thank all the heroes celebrated today for the wonderful work they carry out.” Below is a list of the 2026 Charnwood Community Heroes: Young Hero (sponsored by Loughborough Schools Foundation) Chloe Findley Ruby Findley Harper Brown Daniel Wilkinson Super Trooper Dorothy Mee Olivia Wildsmith Nick Shivers Pat Cook Alan Trahar Olga Shatalina Sarah Monk Destiny Russell Gary Brewin Julie Tinley Tony Coats Helen Cliffe Ian Winter Dawn Fullerton Nick Harris Sandie Forrest David Benton Richard Hart Sandra Harrison Inspiring Others (sponsored by Loughborough College) Jill O’Neil AshleyRimon Janet Bond Ricky-Joe Haddell Liz Waddell Stella Watson Olha Bielohlazova Faheem Ali Wanda Berdej Judith Harrison Wendy Smith Martin Bujdoso Carl Brooks Anne Nelson Green Hero (sponsored by idverde) Diane Musson Natalie Newton John Charles Mick Westwood Brilliant Board / Trustee Member Sarina Martin Man Ho Tarcissus Li (Duff Li) Mel Gould Community Heritage Champions Christine Harris David Kirkby Beyond the Call of Duty Karen Frostick Carmel Martin Mya Kelley CHECK OUT THE PICTURES HERE Charnwood Community Heroes 2026 CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS - Published: Wed 9th September, 2026

A weekend of great food, live music and local creativity is coming up, as Leicester's Abbey Pumping Station hosts its popular Food & Craft Fair. Taking place on Saturday 19 September and Sunday 20 September, the event will bring together local food producers, artists and artisan makers in the unique surroundings of the city's former pumping station. Fine foods from local producers will be on sale at Abbey Pumping Station’s Food & Craft Fair. Picture credit: AEW Photography Guests will be able to browse a wide range of stalls offering everything from savoury pies, curries and pizza to cakes and sweet treats, alongside handcrafted milkshakes, specialist coffees, cider tastings and cocktails. A large marquee will showcase local artists and makers, while visitors can also explore a collection of vintage foodie vehicles and delivery bicycles, including the Kirby & West milk float, a Frears & Blacks bread van and a fully operational coal-fired fish and chip van. For families with young children, there will be face painting, rides on the museum's vintage railway and fun in the adventure playground and sandpit. Live music will provide entertainment on both days, with The Blues Irregulars performing from 1pm on Saturday and AfroCity bringing South African Township Jazz to the museum grounds from 1pm on Sunday. Visitors will also have the chance to explore Abbey Pumping Station's outdoor exhibits, including the steam shovel, Morris crane and the famous Leicestershire TARDIS. Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: “The Food & Craft Fair will bring together local food producers and talented artists and makers in the unique setting of a Victorian pumping station. “We're delighted to be hosting this event and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to Abbey Pumping Station on 19-20 September.” The event runs from 11am to 4pm on both days. Entry to the Food & Craft Fair costs £2 for adults, while children under 13 go free. Rides on the narrow gauge railway cost £1. Dogs are welcome in the museum grounds and bike parking is available on site. Event parking is available at the neighbouring National Space Centre, with the route to Abbey Pumping Station clearly signposted from the car park. The venue is also easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes serving nearby Abbey Lane. Abbey Pumping Station Corporation Road Leicester LE4 5PX For more information about the Food & Craft Fair, Email museumevents@leicester.gov.uk or call 0116 454 4554 during museum opening hours. LCC News - Published on Thursday, September 10, 2026

People across Leicester and Leicestershire are being encouraged to take part in a ‘Ride+Stride’ fundraising event this weekend and help preserve some of the area's most treasured historic buildings. Organised by the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, the Ride+Stride event, on Saturday 12 September, invites people to walk or cycle between churches while raising sponsorship money to support church repair and restoration projects. Funds raised are used to provide grants to churches of all denominations, maintaining and protecting buildings that are an important part of local heritage and community life. The annual event also gives people the chance to explore churches and heritage sites while supporting the Trust’s conservation work. Janet Arthur MBE, chair of the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, said: "Ride+Stride is our foremost annual fund-raising event, and we’re very grateful for the continued support of local communities who take part. In 2024 and 2025, Ride+Stride raised more than £40,000 in both years – so that is our target again this year – with the money shared between churches and chapels nominated by sponsored participants and the Trust. “Around 300 churches and chapels are participating, and it’s not too late to get involved, either by walking or cycling between churches on Saturday, or sponsoring those who have already signed up. “Ride+Stride is open to cyclists, walkers, joggers, runners, and mobility scooter drivers. You can pick your own route and take part for as long or as little as you want on the day. We will use the funds raised for grants to churches and chapels for vital repair, restoration and improvement projects.” Leicester City Council's historic environment team supports churches and other heritage buildings across the city, as well as conservation and heritage projects such as the Greyfriars townscape heritage initiative, which has helped to transform Leicester’s Old Town. City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “As well as raising important funds for the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, Ride+Stride is a wonderful way for people to discover the rich heritage of our local churches. We believe these important buildings should be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and every pound raised helps to support vital repair and conservation projects. I hope that lots of people will be able to support this great event.” Participating churches will be open from 10am until 6pm on the day. For more information, a list of churches taking part, and lots of ways to sponsor or be sponsored, visit the website at www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride-leicestershire LCC News - Published on Thursday, September 10, 2026

Families can enjoy a great value day out at two of Leicester’s award-winning heritage attractions this autumn, thanks to a Kids Go Free offer at the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jewry Wall Museum. Throughout September and October, up to three children aged 15 and under can visit both attractions free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult – representing a saving of £6.25 per child. At the King Richard III Visitor Centre, visitors can explore the remarkable story of England’s last Plantagenet king, whose remains were found by archaeologists beneath a Leicester car park more than 500 years after his death. Located on the site where Richard III was originally buried in 1485, the visitor centre uses immersive displays and cutting-edge technology to bring the king’s story to life. Visitors can learn about Richard’s life and reign, the science behind the search for his remains, and the team of archaeologists, historians and scientists who helped solve one of Britain’s greatest archaeological mysteries. At the Jewry Wall Museum, families can step back in time and discover what life was like, 2,000 years ago, in Roman Leicester. Interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences allow visitors to explore everyday life in the Roman city, from shopping in the marketplace to finding out what people ate and how they lived. The recently-refurbished museum is home to the Jewry Wall – one of the tallest surviving pieces of freestanding Roman stonework in Britain – and showcases Leicester’s internationally significant Roman heritage through collections, archaeology and engaging storytelling. Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: "Leicester has a remarkable story to tell, from its Roman roots to the discovery of King Richard III in 2012, and these two award-winning attractions bring that history to life in a way that is fun and engaging for all ages. "Our Kids Go Free offer gives families the chance to enjoy a great-value day out while discovering more about the people, places and events that have shaped our city. Whether you're exploring Roman Leicester at Jewry Wall Museum or uncovering the story of King Richard III, there's something to inspire visitors of every generation." The Kids Go Free offer is now valid and continues until 31 October 2026. For opening times, admission prices and to book tickets, visit the websites for the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the Jewry Wall Museum LCC News - Published on Thursday, September 10, 2026

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has written to Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP to express concerns about the proposed appointment of a Commissioner Designate for the National Police Service. You can read the PCC's letter below. Dear Sarah Jones MP. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed appointment of a Commissioner Designate for the National Police Service ahead of the establishment of the National Police Service Board. I recognise the importance of appointing effective leadership for the National Police Service at an early stage. However, throughout my time as Police and Crime Commissioner I have consistently argued that strong leadership must be matched by strong accountability. The public rightly expect those exercising significant powers to be subject to robust governance from the outset. Bringing the Commissioner Designate into post many months before the Board is established creates the impression that governance and democratic accountability are secondary considerations. For years, I have argued for a return to the Peelian principles and for stronger, more accountable leadership. This move would be the antithesis of those principles. If we are serious about rebuilding public trust in policing, then leadership and oversight of the National Police Service should be established together. It is difficult to see how these arrangements can operate effectively if one is established significantly before the other. I would therefore echo the concerns of my Police and Crime Commissioner colleagues across England and Wales, and urge the Government to ensure that the governance framework for the National Police Service is put in place alongside the appointment of its leadership. This will provide the strongest possible foundations for success and maintaining public confidence in the new organisation. I also urge the Government to consider appointing a Commissioner Designate with expertise from outside of policing, to broaden the talent pool and bring fresh perspectives. Yours sincerely Rupert Matthews Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC News - 9th September 2026

Four country parks are celebrating the internationally recognised Green Flag Award for the second year in a row. Beacon Hill Country Park, Market Bosworth Country Park, Snibston Colliery Park and Watermead Country Park, all managed by Leicestershire County Council, have all received the award which recognise the best parks and green spaces. The honour highlights the great work of the parks in their conservation efforts, visitor experience, accessibility and site management. They also reflect the dedication of the county parks team in caring for these valued green spaces. More than 100 volunteers play a vital role in supporting practical conservation work, habitat management, visitor engagement and park improvements throughout the year. The Green Flag Award, that’s managed by Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates its 30th year of being the international quality mark for parks and green spaces in 2026. Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Leicestershire County Council’s parks have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. "Congratulations to everyone involved." To find out more about Leicestershire's country parks, including walking trails, events and visitor information, visit the country parks webpage. Wednesday, 9 September, 2026

A major new event celebrating the history and heritage of bus transport is set to take place in the Midlands next year, with the Midlands Bus Festival coming to the Great Central Railway and Great Central Railway Nottingham on 8–9 May 2027. Organised jointly by the Great Central Railway, Great Central Railway Nottingham, Leicestershire Transport Heritage Trust and Nottingham Area Bus Society, the festival aims to become the biggest gathering of buses and bus preservation vehicles in the Midlands. More than 100 vehicles are expected to attend at both Quorn Yard at Quorn and Woodhouse Station and Ruddington Fields, with buses not only on static display but also taking to the road throughout the weekend as part of an extensive programme of passenger rides. Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of routes connecting the Great Central Railway and GCRN, alongside services operating around the local area, offering the opportunity to experience a wide variety of preserved buses in action. The event is expected to attract bus enthusiasts, preservation groups, vehicle owners and visitors from across the region and beyond. With preparations already underway, organisers are encouraging everyone to save the date for 8–9 May 2027, with further information about participating vehicles, routes, tickets and the full event programme to be announced over the coming months. Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway said “We’re incredibly excited to be planning what we hope will be one of the biggest bus gatherings the Midlands has ever seen, a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the region’s rich bus heritage on a truly impressive scale. We’re now inviting owners and preservation groups to get involved and help us make the event as spectacular as possible. If you have a bus or heritage vehicle that you’d like to feature, we’d love to hear from you at buses@gcrailway.co.uk.” Further event details will be released in due course. Follow the Great Central Railway and the participating organisations on social media for the latest announcements or visit www.gcrailway.co.uk

An investigation by specialists working in the police’s prison intelligence unit has led to a prison officer being jailed for six years. James Speirs had been smuggling phones and drugs to inmates while working at HMP Gartree in Leicestershire. James Speirs The 30-year-old of Stowe Drive, Rugby, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday (4 September) after pleading guilty to five offences. For more than four years, detectives working in the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Regional Prison Intelligence Unit (RPIU) have been investigating Speirs’ involvement in supplying contraband to criminals after he was arrested in October 2022. During a search of his home address, police recovered and seized 13 mobiles, five SIM cards and cannabis-infused sweets – all believed to be items to be smuggled into prison. The offending occurred in a five-month period, between 1 June and 6 October 2022. Speirs is believed to have received more than £12,000 during this time for bringing the items into prison. Following a lengthy investigation, he was charged in April this year with misconduct in a public office, two counts of conspiracy to supply a class B drug and two counts of conspiracy to bring a list B prohibited article into prison. He pleaded guilty to the offences in July. Detective Inspector Richard Cornell from the RPIU said: “In committing these offences Speirs has abused his position of trust as a prison officer. Not only was he smuggling these items into HMP Gartree, but he was also profiting financially for committing these crimes. “Our investigation to establish Speirs involvement was extremely complex but faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, he had no choice but to plead guilty to all five offences.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 08:38 09/09/2026

Yesterday morning Coalville Fire crews attended a washing machine fire which was caused by an electrical fault. Luckily, the homeowners were present at the property and managed to safely turn off the electricity before exiting the premises. Never leave washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers running when nobody is at home. If a fault develops, there may be nobody there to spot it or raise the alarm quickly. With fewer opportunities to dry your laundry outdoors, you may start using your tumble dryer for the first time in a while. Check appliances regularly for signs of damage, overheating, burning smells or unusual noises. Keep vents and filters clean and clear of dust and lint. Avoid overloading washing machines and tumble dryers. Make sure appliances are plugged directly into a suitable wall socket where possible, rather than using extension leads or adaptors. Picture credits - Coalville Fire station For additional home safety tips from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, click the button below.