Leicestershire Police has joined forces with Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team and fire and rescue service to launch an operation to tackle haystack fires this summer. Operation Clock has been set up to coincide with the harvest season which last year saw six arson attacks in Northamptonshire and a further four in Leicestershire, which had a significant impact on farming and rural communities. Such reckless acts not only cost hundreds of thousands in damages to the valuable crop harvest, they also cost the fire and rescue services on average £150,000 to attend per incident. Through education and enforcement, the operation aims to prevent deliberate hay and straw stack fires as well as provide a joint approach to investigating suspected arsons. Sergeant Paul Archer of Leicestershire’s Rural Policing Team said: “Without hay, a farmer cannot feed their animals. Not only is it devastating to a farmer, it can also have very significant financial implications – a haystack can be worth more than £40,000 so it can have a huge impact on farmers. “To set fire to something which has taken a year to grow and harvest is pointless and puts lives and livelihoods at risk. We need the community to come together and tell us what they know. If you see any people or vehicles acting suspiciously, please tell us.” PC Abbey Anstead of Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “With the better weather comes the busiest time of year for our arable farmers as they get ready to harvest the result of 12 months of hard work. “With this though comes its own hazards, one being hay and straw stacks being deliberately set on fire both out in the fields and on farmyards, which not only has a huge financial impact but endangers lives. “Working with our colleagues from the fire and rescue services and Leicestershire Police, we will be promoting farm safety and providing crime prevention advice to prevent arsons as well as investigate any reports of suspected arson.” Andy Evans, from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service and the co-ordinator of the Arson Task Force, said: “The setting of deliberate fires needlessly puts both members of the public and our firefighters at risk of harm. It also needlessly diverts our resources away from other incidents where lives could be in danger. “Setting haystacks on fire can have a massive impact on rural businesses and communities, and we will ensure we do everything we can to prevent these kinds of incidents in the first place. “We would strongly urge people to think of the impact their actions may have, and our police colleagues will thoroughly investigate any incidents of this kind that do take place.” Sanjay Bulsara, Station Manager Fire Protection at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Not only do haystack fires cost farming businesses thousands of pounds, they also cause huge disruption to rural communities. “What might look like a small fire has the potential to spread very easily and become major fires very quickly. These fires put our crews at risk and could also delay our ability to respond to another emergency. “We will continue to work hard to prevent these incidents from taking place, and we encourage farming communities to take steps to protect their property from arson attacks.” Farming and rural communities are being encouraged to take these simple steps to help prevent incidents: Carry out a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and people at risk, and keep a written copy Do not build stacks to close to buildings or hedge rows Keep stacks at least 10 metres away from each other and nearby buildings and hedge rows Keep stacks away from fuel, fertilizer, machinery and overhead power lines Ensure you remove hay and straw from the harvest field as soon as possible. If it needs to be left overnight, block any access routes to it Do not build stacks over underground services such as gas pipes and water mains Avoid siting stacks near to public access and roads as they could be vulnerable to fires from discarded cigarettes or deliberate ignition Find out where the nearest open water supplies are, available for possible fire service access Remove waste products regularly to minimise the risk Download the What3Words app to help provide an exact location to the emergency services In the event of a fire, call 999. If possible, send someone out on to the nearest road to direct the emergency services to the fire Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity when out and about in farming and rural communities, around hay or straw stacks, is asked to call Northamptonshire or Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting Operation Clock. If anyone has any information about a deliberate fire-setting incident, please let us know via FireStoppers, which is anonymous by calling 0800 169 5558 or visiting www.firestoppersreport.co.uk. Anyone who witnesses a fire in progress should call 999 immediately. Leicestershire Police News Release 18/08/21

The countdown is on for the city’s brand-new festival which will play host to a live music stage, beer tent and food delivery from local restaurants, as well as a host of special craft beers available at pubs and bars across the city. Leicester’s first and only craft beer and music festival, Brew Beat, arrives in the city centre this August Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday 28th – Monday 30th August) with a jam-packed line up of beer from local and national breweries, emerging musical talent, and delicious hand-delivered food from local restaurants. As the debut craft beer festival, organisers have gone all out scouting out the very best of local and national breweries to provide festival-goers with over 100 carefully selected beers from master brewers. Beers you’ll be able to enjoy will be available from breweries like: Framework, Atom Beers, Thornbridge, Charnwood Brewery, Camden Town and many more. Non-alcoholic options and soft drinks will be available too. Across the weekend, over 40 talented local and national artists spanning musical genres from Urban to Funk, Hip Hop to Jazz, Soul and Rock will perform from 12pm and 9pm for a solid nine hours of live music entertainment each day. Situated in Green Dragon Square (behind Leicester Market), entry to the festival is free and will be open daily from 12pm – 9pm. And while the main stage will close at 9pm each day, the party doesn’t stop there, visitors can continue their night by taking a trip on the exclusive Brew Beat trail of great venues around the city that will be hosting their very own guest craft beers and other themed refreshments. Venues include Knight & Garter, Parcel Yard, The Exchange, 33 Cank Street, The Globe and many more of the city’s best-loved pubs and bars. See the current line-up below: Day 1 Saturday 28th 12-9pm Ninja Bob Flynny O’Flynn Queen Millz Strizzy Straus Maniscooler & Jafro Harri & The Well Behaved Young Men Maniscooler King Brasstards Day 2 Sunday 29th 12-9pm Funknation Uncle Eaf Ade Ige Fitz Dave Kerr Crowd Company Supergiant Soul Clique Takeover Day 3 Monday 30th 12-9pm Rich Bee – Afro Tropical Chris Long Soul Clique Takeover Marcus Joseph & Rob Charles Michael Vickers Maniscooler Carol Lemming Alice Kube Ffion Rebecca Jada O’Neill Stay tuned for additional line-up announcements. Follow @BrewBeat on Instagram and Twitter and check out the Facebook event page here. Those feeling peckish, fancying a snack or even a full dining experience will be able to enjoy food from local businesses with Dine in the Square, ordering food directly from their chosen restaurant to their table in the festival hub – all without losing your seat! Attendees can simply scan the QR code on their table with a smart phone, order and pay to get delicious food, delivered direct. The choice of restaurants on offer includes Mowgli, Chutney Ivy, Desi Street Food, Giggling Squid, Pai, Crafty Burger, Chinese Snack Box, Cocoa Amore and many more. “We’re excited to be presenting Leicester with its very first ever craft beer and music festival.” said Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, funders of the event. “We have, alongside local businesses curated an event that all can enjoy, with the best of the best beer, music and food on offer making it a perfect destination for your Bank Holiday festivities. Our night-time industries have had a difficult year and we want to shine the light on our incredible bars, pubs and restaurants by providing an event that will drive footfall back in to the city.” The festival site on Green Dragon Square will be free to enter, however once capacity is reached a one-in, one-out policy will operate. Attendees will be seated on a first-come-first-served basis and table service will operate throughout the site. The event has been initiated and is funded by BID Leicester and delivered by three local businesses: design work has been co-ordinated by agency Arch Creative; the music offer curated by HQ Recording LTD and Steamin’ Billy will be providing a selection of drinks from the festival hub on Green Dragon Square. Visit www.brewbeat.co.uk for more information. FU Media News release

Public consultations for the expansion of King Power Stadium’s capacity to 40,000 and significant developments to the surrounding areas are now open. Leicester City revealed development plans through public consultation from 2pm on Thursday 13 August Public consultation is taking place at King Power Stadium, while all material is also available online The proposals would see King Power Stadium’s capacity increase to 40,000 Plans also include a 220-room hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment arena The unveiling of the plans begins a period of public consultation, as well as giving the Football Club an opportunity to share its vision for significant enhancements to King Power Stadium and an evolution of areas that have potential to be of great benefit to the city of Leicester. In-person consultations are available at King Power Stadium during the below periods: Thursday 12 August | 2pm to 7pm Friday 13 August | 10am to 5pm Saturday 14 August | 10am to 2pm (Matchday vs. Wolves) All materials will also be available online for feedback until Thursday 2 September. Please click HERE to provide your feedback The plans will include proposals for the addition of 8,000 seats at King Power Stadium, taking the capacity to 40,000, as well as a 220-room hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment arena. There are also proposals for a new Leicester City retail space, residential and commercial space, and multi-storey car parking facilities – enhancements to the site that can further the evolution of both the Football Club and the city. The developments will further underline Leicestershire’s reputation as a home of world-class sport and create a 365-day destination that will support the regeneration of an area that has been the home of the Football Club for 130 years. The feedback obtained from the public consultation with the local community, local businesses, supporters and key stakeholders, will help inform decision-making as the plans evolve, in order to deliver a major events destination that can support the Club’s continued growth and become a major asset to the city of Leicester. Leicester City Football Club News Release 12/08/2021

Lively new poem and video encouraging people to once again safely enjoy the excitement of the city’s shopping, nightlife, entertainment and hospitality has been launched as part of a campaign announcing that Leicester is open for business. The work, entitled Let In The Light, by award-winning Leicester poet and Curve Breakthrough Artist Jess Green, brings to life all the reasons to get out and enjoy the city’s vibrant bars, restaurants and shops, as well as invoking the pleasures of dressing up for a much-needed night out with friends after so long under Covid-19 restrictions. It is accompanied by footage of the Leicester-raised actor, writer and film-maker Jassa Ahluwalia, who leads viewers through well-loved parts of the city including the historic Lanes and Old Town area, Evington and Belgrave, and savouring the everyday joys of gossip over a coffee with friends or planning epic nights out. It is all part of the latest stage of the city’s ongoing £120,000 “We’ve Missed You” campaign celebrating the easing of the last of the national lockdown restrictions, supporting businesses to reopen, reminding people what they have missed, and inspiring them to savour once again the diversity on offer in the city, in a responsible way. Since May 2020, Leicester City Council has been awarded £318k under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)’s Reopening High Streets Safely fund, as well as a further £318k from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, designed to help businesses in cities badly hit by the Covid-19 measures. The funding allows councils across England to put in place additional measures to establish a safe trading environment for both businesses and customers, as well as enabling campaigns such as “We’ve Missed You” to help local businesses by reassuring and encouraging people back into the city. Leicester City Council is working with businesses across the city on ensuring they can welcome back customers in a Covid-safe, friendly way, to help boost confidence and get the city up and running once more after more than 18 months of restrictions. Another specially-commissioned video launched earlier this summer, accompanied by the poignant poem ‘By The Clock Tower’, which was written by Arch Creative co-founder Joe Nixon, evoked memories of meeting friends at the city centre landmark and the excitement of being able to do so once again as restrictions began to ease. The latest poem and film now come at a time when the ending of national restrictions enable responsible socialising to take place once more. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Over the last few months we’ve seen the gradual lifting of national lockdown restrictions, meaning people can once again begin to enjoy the pleasures of going out and meeting friends for example, or visiting their favourite pubs or shops. “While it is vital to do this responsibly, it is also something that many people have been longing to do for much of the last 18 months, and it’s very good news for local businesses that people can once again make the most of them. “This latest video is a wonderful reminder of the simple pleasures we all enjoyed before lockdown, and showcases some of the best of what the city has to offer. “It is reassurance that the city’s businesses are ready to welcome people back after so long, in a safe, sustainable and responsible way.” The short film accompanying Let In The Light was directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster and Cara Nolan. The film was made by local creative firm Image Nova, which is based at the Cultural Quarter’s Phoenix arts centre. A poetry exhibition is also due to be held later this month, showcasing works by members of the public who took part in a series of workshops run by Curve, reflecting on the experiences of lockdown and the hopes for the future. Leicester City Council News Release.

A man has been jailed for six years after admitting modern slavery and fraud offences following a multi-agency investigation and operation. Following concerns being raised to police by partner agencies regarding exploitation of workers who were living in Leicestershire and working at a factory in Derbyshire, an investigation was launched. The concerns had initially been raised to partner agencies by the factory company itself and by an employment agency. This led to a large-scale enforcement operation being carried out across Leicestershire in December last year which saw Janos Sztojka and several others arrested. Man jailed for six years after admitting modern slavery and fraud offences Five victims were identified during the investigation with safeguarding measures put in place. Enquiries found it had been arranged for men from Hungary to come over to the UK with the promise of good pay. However the men did not receive their wages or were paid a fraction of what they had earned. An investigation, which involved a number of partner agencies including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and the National Crime Agency, found that Sztojka had arranged for the victims to work at the factory in Derbyshire, making himself the point of contact for the men and to assist with translation. He also set up accounts for the men to be paid into and placed them in accommodation in Leicestershire. Sztojka, who was in the UK in contravention of a deportation order, was found to be using the money paid into the accounts to fund his own lifestyle. He was also found to have set up bank accounts in the names of the victims and then used these accounts to carry out fraudulent activity including taking out loans or siphoning money. Further enquiries showed that one of the victims had also been made to live with Sztojka in poor conditions for several years, reporting to police that he was forced to sleep without a bed in a downstairs room along with the family dogs, was not allowed to use the toilet or shower - instead being forced to use the garden - and was shouted at or slapped if he refused to do something. A stun gun was also found at Sztojka’s home which had been used against the victim. Following a full investigation, Sztojka was charged. On Friday 23 July at Leicester Crown Court Sztojka, 33, previously of Westover Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiring to require another person to perform forced/compulsory labour between 1 October 2018 and 22 December 2020 one count of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation between 1 October 2018 and 22 December 2020 four counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation between 1 August 2018 and 22 December 2020 making or supplying articles for use in fraud between 1 October 2018 and 22 December 2020 – namely utility bills containing false details, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud. entering into or becoming concerned in a money laundering agreement between 1 October 2018 and 22 December 2020 – namely supplying fraudulently obtained bank accounts knowing or suspecting that the arrangement would facilitate the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property by persons unknown. possession of a prohibited weapon – namely a stun gun Today (10 August), at the same court, Sztojka was sentenced to six years imprisonment. He was also issued with a slavery and trafficking prevention order for 10 years. As a result of the operation another person was deported by Home Office Immigration and a further person received a caution in respect of fraud offences. Further investigation remains ongoing following the operation. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Daljinder Gill said: “This was a full team investigation involving a number of partner agencies working together following an allegation which had been made. “The investigation had to be handled carefully and sensitively in order to ensure the victims of this offence were safeguarded and that the full scale of the crime which the defendant had committed could be proved. “Thanks to the dedicated work of all of the team involved, Sztojka has had to admit his actions in court and his exploitation of vulnerable victims. “I would like to recognise the bravery and co-operation of the victims in this case who have helped us massively to ensure this successful prosecution as well as those who provided information in relation to the offending which led to the initial investigation. “Modern slavery unfortunately remains very much ongoing across the UK today. We urge people to be aware, to spot the signs and to report any suspicions they have to us. Signs include long labour hours, chaperoning, lack of personal possessions, malnutrition, and abuse. Anyone who is a victim of modern slavery should also report to us. Full support and safeguarding will be provided to you and we will take action to bring offenders to justice.”

A fleet of electric buses that have brought cleaner, greener travel to Leicester are now proudly bearing the names of the players who helped win the FA Cup for the city for the first time. The 11 bright green, zero-emission buses that operate on the city’s park and ride routes have been named after the Leicester City players who started the match at Wembley in May – with the substitutes’ names due to appear on four additional electric buses later this year. As City prepare to head for Wembley again – this time for their Community Shield clash with Manchester City tomorrow (Saturday 7 Aug) – people catching a bus into Leicester from the park and ride sites at Meynell’s Gorse, Birstall or Enderby will find themselves travelling on a bus called Schmeichel, Vardy or even Tielemans – the scorer of the sublime goal that won the cup for Leicester. The players’ names and numbers are prominently displayed beneath the windscreen of each bus, making them easy for people to spot. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “When we took delivery of our zero-emission electric buses earlier this year, we asked our followers on social media to come up with some names for them. “One of the most popular suggestions was that we should name the buses after the players, if Leicester won the FA Cup. “I am obviously delighted that Leicester did go on to win the FA Cup – and very pleased that the players were happy for their names to appear on Leicester’s first electric buses. “Whenever we see one of these electric buses on the streets of Leicester, we’ll be reminded of that electric performance at Wembley back in May.” Leicester City legend and club ambassador Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall said: “Seeing how much winning the FA Cup meant to the people of Leicester has been incredible and it’s fantastic to see these new 100 percent electric buses proudly displaying the names of the lads on their way around the city. “I’m sure in normal circumstances we’d have loved to be on an open-top bus tour with the trophy ourselves, but this is a fantastic way of celebrating that achievement as well as helping to reduce emissions. “Hopefully one day there will be an all-electric double decker with my name on to bring people into Leicester on a matchday!” The cleaner, greener buses – powered by 100% renewable energy – were introduced in May to replace diesel vehicles on Leicester’s three park and ride routes. The city’s park and ride services are run jointly with Leicestershire County Council and are operated by Roberts Travel Group. Managing director of Roberts Travel Group Jonathan Hunt said: “The passengers seem to love the buses’ new names – we’ve noticed people taking photos of them, as if they’re trying to spot the whole team. And the drivers love them too: it’s much more fun to say ‘I’m taking Schmeichel out’, than it is to call the bus by its registration plate!” The 11 buses are named as follows: 1 Schmeichel; 3. Fofana; 4. Söyüncü; 6. Evans; 8. Tielemans; 9. Vardy; 14. Iheanacho; 17. Ayoze; 25. Ndidi; 27. Castagne; 33. Thomas The Wembley substitutes – Albrighton, Maddison, Chowdhury and Morgan – will get their own buses in the autumn, when four more electric buses come into service. Leicester’s Park & Ride service costs just £3 return for a family/group ticket and is free for concessionary bus pass holders. The service is currently subsidised so that health workers can travel free of charge until further notice. The new buses represent the first phase of a £50m project that could see electric buses rolled out to a third of the city’s network by 2024. In total, 18 new electric buses will be secured for Leicester’s Greenline project, funded largely by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund. Eleven of the buses have been allocated to the park and ride routes, four will be introduced on the popular Hospital Hopper routes in the autumn, while three electric buses will operate on a brand new city centre shuttle service from autumn 2022. More information about the Greenline electric bus project is available at leicester.gov.uk/greenlines More information about Park & Ride in Leicester can be found at: https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/park-ride/greenlines/ Leicester City Council News Release

Hit and run driver leaves the scene after causing serious injuries to a cyclist in Coalville this morning. Leicestershire Police have release the following statement and appeal. At 5.50am today (Sunday 8 August) police were called to London Road in Coalville following a report of a collision involving a car and a cyclist. Officers attended and found that the car had left the scene. The cyclist, a man, was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre to be treated for serious injuries. The road was closed while emergency services attended and later reopened. Enquiries to locate the car are continuing and anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 119 of Sunday 8 August.

There's lots going on in Leicester this month – and with many events free of charge or low-cost, families with young children will be able to get out and about this summer without worrying about the cost. The city council's Summer in the City programme runs throughout August and includes family-friendly activities such as roller-skating on Jubilee Square, pop-up fitness and circus skills on Town Hall Square and a Spark Arts Fun Café at Highcross. There's also the chance to have a go at Parkour, enjoy a round of golf in Jubilee Square, or simply relax in a deckchair on land-locked Leicester's beach. The popular Ride Leicester festival is also under way, with lots of free events designed to get people on their bikes, while the annual Bands on Parks programme will bring the sound of music to a park near you this summer. For more details of events in Leicester this summer, go to visitleicester.info – and don't forget there's always free fun to be had in the city's parks, libraries and museums. SUMMER IN THE CITY 2021 Weds 4 Aug • Playday. Town Hall Square: 11am-3pm • Caribbean-themed fitness, Jubilee Square: 12.30pm-1.30pm • Golf in Jubilee Square: 10am-5pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Free guided walk: Thomas Cook - From Loughborough to Luxor: 10.30am. Free tickets must be pre-booked • Belgrave Hall gardens open: 11am-4.30pm Thurs 5 Aug • Cosmic Wonders Circus, city centre: 12-4pm • Cycle to Work Day • Seasons - a live acrobatic show by Upswing: tickets £10 for a 6-place family pod. Brite Centre (0116 299 5476): 11am and 2pm. • Golf in Jubilee Square: 10am-5pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! Fri 6 Aug • Seasons - a live acrobatic show by Upswing: tickets £10 for a 6-place family pod. St Barnabas Library (0116 299 5450): 11am and 2pm. • Curve on the Square – live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-9pm • Golf in Jubilee Square: 10am-5pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! Sat 7 Aug: • Virtual Caribbean Carnival: from 11am • Golf in Jubilee Square (last day): 10am-5pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Seasons - a live acrobatic show by Upswing: tickets £10 for a 6-place family pod. Town Hall Square (0116 299 5450): 11am and 2pm. • Curve on the Square, children’s workshops: 10am-12noon • Curve on the Square, family performances: 2pm-4pm • Curve on the Square - live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-8pm • Leicester City v Man City: Community Shield, Wembley: 5pm Sun 8 Aug • Southfields Concert Brass Band, Aylestone Hall Gardens: 3-4pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 11am-5pm Mon 9 Aug • Parkour with LCFC Urban Foxes on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10.30-3.30pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Discover Arts Award (ages 9-12) at Leicester Museum: Mixed Media – part 1: 10-12.30pm. Booking required. Tues 10 Aug • Railway Day, Abbey Pumping Station. Train rides 50p. 12-4pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Comedy Cavemen, city centre: 12-4pm • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Discover Arts Award (ages 9-12) at Leicester Museum: Mixed Media – part 2: 10-12.30pm. Booking required. Weds 11 Aug • Parkour on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10.30-3.30pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Group walk: Evington village to Shady Lane Arboretum: 11am. (Free, but booking required). • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm • Belgrave Hall gardens open: 11am-4.30pm Thurs 12 Aug • Medieval Madness, city centre: 12-4pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm • Drop-in art workshop at Leicester Museum (free, but tickets must be pre-booked): 11am-2pm Fri 13 Aug • Distant Drums, Orton Square: 1pm-4.30pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Outdoor film screening: Indian Summer presents Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Green Dragon Square: 6pm-9pm • Curve on the Square – live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-9pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm Sat 14 Aug • Outdoor film screening: The Jungle Book, Green Dragon Square: 2pm-4pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Distant Drums, Humberstone Gate: 1pm-4.30pm • Outdoor film screening: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Green Dragon Square: 6pm-9pm • Tigers’ Fun Bus, Mattioli Woods, 1 New Walk Place: 10-2pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm Sun 15 Aug • Free guided tours of the Guildhall (booking required): 11.30am; 1pm; 2.30pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Ratby Co-operative Mid Band, Humberstone Park: 3-4pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 11am-5pm • Homewalk, Phoenix: 12-5pm • Free guided walk: Happy Holidays! 11am. Booking required. Mon 16 Aug • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm Tues 17 Aug • Railway Day, Abbey Pumping Station. Train rides 50p. 12-4pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • Fun with the Pirates, city centre: 12-4pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! Weds 18 Aug • Parkour on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10.30-3.30pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Belgrave Hall gardens open: 11am-4.30pm Thurs 19 Aug • Fitness Disco Circus, city centre: 12-4pm • Skate Park on New Walk Place (Mattioli Woods): 10am-3pm (last day) • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! Fri 20 Aug • Curve on the Square – live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-9pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Fun Café, Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! Sat 21 Aug • Fun Café (final one), Highcross (near Samsung Shop), 10.30-4pm. Free tickets must be pre-booked! • Curve on the Square, children’s workshops: 10am-12noon • Curve on the Square, family performances: 2pm-4pm • Curve on the Square - live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-8pm • The Beach, Humberstone Gate: 10am-6pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Sun 22 Aug • Liquid Brass Band, Castle Gardens: 3-4pm • The Beach (final day: 11am-5pm) • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Mon 23 Aug • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Tues 24 Aug • Railway Day, Abbey Pumping Station. Train rides 50p. 12-4pm • Comedy Cowboys, city centre. 12-4pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Weds 25 Aug • Group walk (Victoria Park, Queens Rd, Welford Rd cemetery): 11am (free, but booking required) • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm • Belgrave Hall gardens open: 11am-4.30pm Thurs 26 Aug • Ugly Bugs Ball Circus, city centre: 12-4pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Fri 27 Aug • Curve on the Square – live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-9pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (daily until 28 Aug): 10-6pm Sat 28 Aug • Brew Beat, Green Dragon Square – 100 beers, 40 live musicians, DJs, free entry: 12 noon- 9pm • Street Art Festival, city centre: 11am-6pm • Curve on the Square, children’s workshops: 10am-12noon • Curve on the Square, family performances: 2pm-4pm • Curve on the Square - live music, dance & spoken word: 6pm-8pm • Roller Skating in Jubilee Square (last day): 10-6pm • BMX National Championships at Huncote Leisure Centre Sun 29 Aug • Brew Beat, Green Dragon Square – 100 beers, 40 live musicians, DJs, free entry: 12 noon- 9pm • Open Streets: 1pm-4pm, Green Dragon Square • Street Art Festival, city centre: 11am-6pm • Leicester in the 1950s – a talk at Newarke Houses Museum. Tickets £5. 2pm-3pm • BMX National Championships at Huncote Leisure Centre Mon 30 Aug • Brew Beat, Green Dragon Square – 100 beers, 40 live musicians, DJs, free entry: 12 noon- 9pm • Last day: Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Leicester Museum Tues 31 Aug • Comedy Cavemen, city centre: 12-4pm Other events: Ride Leicester: look out for events throughout August Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Leicester Museum – until 30 Aug Wild World Heroes – summer reading challenge (until 31 Aug) Leicester Pride Saturday 4th September in the City centre and Victoria Park Wish You Were Here at Newarke Houses Museum – until 26 Sept Rockets Round Leicester - until 26 Sept Curve on the Square (Friday evenings and Saturdays): Friday 6, Saturday 7, Friday 13, Friday 20, Saturday 21, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 August. NB: No performances or activities on Saturday 14 August. Every Wednesday in August (apart from 4 Aug): Fitness in Town Hall Square: 12.30-1.30pm (weather permitting) Every Friday in August: Yoga in Town Hall Square: 12.30pm-1.30pm (weather permitting) Free guided walks throughout August: details at the Choose How You Move website

Leicester City Football Club can confirm that initial plans for the expansion of King Power Stadium’s capacity to 40,000 and significant developments to the surrounding area will be shared with the public in August 2021. - Initial plans for expansion and development of King Power Stadium to be shared next month - Public consultations to take place over summer and autumn - The proposals would see King Power Stadium’s capacity increase to 40,000 - Plans also include a 220-room hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment arena The unveiling of initial plans, which are a key element of King Power International’s long-term commitment and vision for the Football Club, will be followed by a period of public consultation throughout the summer and early autumn. In addition to the increase in capacity, preliminary plans will include a 220-room hotel and a multi-purpose event and entertainment arena. There are also proposals for a new Leicester City retail space, residential and commercial space, and multi-storey car parking facilities – enhancements to the site that can further the evolution of both the Football Club and the city. The developments will further underline Leicestershire’s reputation as a home of world-class sport and create a 365-day destination that will support the regeneration of an area that has been the home of the Football Club for 130 years. Leicester City Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: “The unveiling of these plans represents a significant milestone in the long history of Leicester City Football Club, and one that we hope will continue to put our supporters and our community at the heart of its long-term future. “Through the consultation with our fans, our local community, businesses and stakeholders, we hope to achieve something that we can all be proud of for years to come. It’s these conversations that will help us communicate our vision to the people at its heart and take onboard the views of our community to help shape it. “While this vision is in its early stages, I know the prospect of additional capacity for more Leicester City supporters in King Power Stadium, has long been anticipated by us all, particularly after seven near sold-out Premier League seasons. “The plans to build on the Club’s recent growth – with a stadium expansion as part of an exciting wider site development – is a wonderful demonstration of the shared ambition of both the Football Club and the city of Leicester. It is a project with the potential to generate enormous social value, starting with a substantial number of additional jobs for people in the region. We will be working with our partners and contractors to ensure this is a central consideration from construction through to long-term operation.” Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, said: “These are ambitious plans that reflect the Club’s ongoing commitment to the city and constant desire to build on its incredible achievements. “LCFC has always been at the heart of our city, but thanks to the vision of the greatly-missed Khun Vichai, and his son Khun Top, it is now an integral part of our community that contributes to city life in so many ways. “There is obviously a great deal of consultation to be done, including through the planning process, but these are really exciting proposals. The development would be very good news for the city as well as for the Club, creating new jobs and a sought-after destination for visitors, locals and tourists." Current proposals for the site include the addition of 8,000 seats in the East Stand – which, if approved, would take King Power Stadium’s capacity to 40,000 – along with a wider proposal for a mixed-use destination including the following: - New Club retail megastore - 220-room hotel - Multi-purpose event and entertainment arena - Club and commercial office space - Residential tower - New multi-storey car park The feedback obtained from the public consultation planned in the next months with the local community, local businesses, supporters and key stakeholders, will help inform decision-making as the plans evolve, in order to deliver a major events destination that can support the Club’s continued growth and become a major asset to the city of Leicester. Leicester City FC News Release

A 39-year-old man who sexually abused four young girls in two force areas has today (Tuesday 27 July) been jailed for 14 years. Gareth Berry committed the offences at addresses in Leicester and Northampton between 2011 and 2016. The youngest victim was just 12 when Berry began abusing her. In 2016, two victims living in Northampton reported the abuse to police and an investigation began. As a result of enquires into the circumstances, two victims living in Leicester identified themselves to officers from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) and said they too had been sexually abused by Berry. Despite denying the allegations he was charged with a string of offences. On Thursday 22 July, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Berry – of Houldsworth Crescent in Coventry – was found guilty of: Six counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13 Three counts of sexual activity with a child One count of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration Berry is also subject to an extended licence period of one year, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Raj Pahal, from the CAIU, was one of the investigating officers. He said: “All four victims were children when Berry began abusing them. He took advantage of them for his own sexual gratification in the belief that they wouldn’t tell anyone about what he was doing. “However, as they got older they realised what had happened and reported his crimes to police. I hope the fact that he has been convicted of his crimes – and is now serving a significant custodial sentence – will provide some reassurance and allow them to begin to move on with their lives.” There are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Further information on these services and details can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/ Further information about online child abuse can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/online-child-abuse/ Leicestershire Police News 27/07/2021

Officers from the South Leicester Neighbourhood Police Area, which covers Aylestone, Eyres Monsell and Knighton, recently held three weekends of targeted activity aimed at reminding motorists about the dangers of drink and drug driving. Operation Frontier, which took place over three consecutive Friday and Saturday evenings in late June and early July, involved local officers along with special constables from the Safer Roads Team. Police officers stopped and engaged with over 150 motorists at the roadside, if they suspected intoxication then either a breath or drug test was conducted. Seven drivers were found to be over the drink drive limit and one driver was arrested for drug driving. A further six drivers were given words of advice regarding their breath test results, which were close to the legal limit. In addition other offences were also detected over a total of thirty hours of targeted Police activity including the seizure of seven vehicles, seven vehicle stop and searches and five other vehicles dealt with for other offences, including failing to stop. Sergeant Josh Norton, from the South Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area, said, “Operation Frontier was primarily aimed at community engagement and helped provide us with the opportunity to educate drivers about the dangers of drink and drug driving, particularly as we are seeing a rise in road traffic collisions as traffic levels return to near pre-pandemic levels.” “This is a particularly important reminder as the final COVID restrictions have now lifted and people will be taking advantage of the weather and socialising not only in pubs, bars and restaurants but also house parties and barbeques.” Watch a promotional video covering the operation at https://youtu.be/8Zy7yPNiRbo. If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or make a make a free and anonymous call to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Programme of festivals and events will help Leicester’s economy bounce back this year, with small-scale, COVID-safe events encouraging people back into the city centre. The city council has earmarked £365,000 from its COVID recovery fund to support a six-week programme of events this summer and a package of entertainment over Christmas – including the return of Leicester’s popular ice rink. While the Government looks set to lift the remaining restrictions on social distancing and mixing next week, the council in Leicester is adopting a more cautious approach, choosing to organise a programme of smaller events across multiple sites that will help disperse people across the city centre. Most events in the summer programme will be free of charge, including family-friendly activities such as roller-skating on Jubilee Square, pop-up fitness and circus skills on Town Hall Square and a Spark Arts Fun Café at Highcross. Costumed characters and strolling street performers – including some hilarious Cavemen and Pirates – will help create pockets of fun throughout the city centre. The Summer in the City programme gets under way on Monday (19 July), when Humberstone Gate in landlocked Leicester will get its very own beach – complete with fairground rides and ice creams. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We want to support Leicester’s economic recovery this summer by encouraging families to return to the city centre and enjoy our cafés, shops, cinemas, theatres and restaurants once again. “Summer in the City represents a gradual step towards a more familiar way of life in Leicester, but this programme is an example of our measured approach to navigating our way out of lockdown. “The events we’ve planned aren’t designed to attract large crowds – they’re small-scale events, many aimed at families with children, that will help to animate the city centre and put a smile on people’s faces. “We hope they’ll create an atmosphere that visitors and locals alike will enjoy when they return to Leicester this summer.” Summer in the City – which runs from 19 July to 31 August – is coordinated by the city council and supported by partners including BID Leicester, LCFC, CaddyShackers, Highcross shopping centre, Billy Bates Funfair, Spark Arts, Graffwerks, Enter Edem, Living Well Health Club, Space to Breathe Collective, Whispered Tales and Z Fitness. A full programme of events is available at visitleicester.info The COVID recovery fund will also support a programme of Christmas entertainment in Leicester. Leicester’s popular ice rink will be back in Jubilee Square – with a reduced capacity option to ensure skaters are kept safe – while Santa is set to return to his grotto in Green Dragon Square. Full details of Christmas in Leicester will be released in the autumn. Leicester City Council News Release