A new cycle track has been put in place to help key workers who are biking to work during the coronavirus lockdown. With traffic in the city having fallen to a fraction of its usual levels, highways bosses at Leicester City Council have created a temporary cycle route by coning off one lane of Aylestone Road between its junction with Almond Road and its junction with Welford Road, outside the Tigers rugby ground. The work simply involves putting cones out to mark off one lane of the carriageway to create a safer route, especially for key workers travelling to and from Leicester Royal Infirmary. A temporary cycle route will help link up existing cycling tracks around Freemans Common with the cycle route on Welford Road, and creates a direct route for cyclists living along Saffron Lane in Aylestone to LRI. Using part of Aylestone Road as a temporary cycle track is only possible due to the huge drop in traffic across the city since the lockdown came into effect on March. There are plans for a more permanent cycle route as part of the landscaping works linked to a new hotel and car parking scheme being carried out by Leicester Tigers at the former Granby Halls site. The city council is also looking at potential options to extend the link, for example on Saffron Lane, where similar cycle lanes can be easily introduced over the coming weeks to help in the current situation. Similar schemes have been introduced elsewhere in Europe. Authorities in Germany have temporarily enlarged city cycling and walking routes to allow riders and walkers to observe social distancing more easily while the streets are relatively free of other traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians in Brighton are now also able to use the seafront at Madeira Drive daily from 8am to 8pm. Some routes in Leicester have seen an increase in cycling since the coronavirus lockdown, with some people choosing to avoid public transport. The city council is keen to build on its Connecting Leicester scheme to construct a network of cycleways, to enable those who have used the temporary lanes to continue cycling or walking once the lockdown ends. In addition to the temporary lanes, timings at traffic lights have also been altered to give even greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists to cross normally busy roads. More information on cycling and walking routes is also being added to the Choose How You Move website to help people get around the city. Details are available at www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk Earlier this month the city council also announced Leicester Bike Aid – a new free bike hire scheme for key workers – working in partnership with local cycle shops and organisations to provide quality bikes to people needing them to travel to and from essential jobs. So far around 120 applications have been received mostly from health and care workers, and over 60 cycles have been made ready for use. More than 60 further cycles have been fixed for free thanks to the support of local bike shops, to be provided to those people still waiting. Leicester City Council’s cargo bike fleet is also being used to support food and other essential deliveries in the city. Leicester deputy city mayor for the environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “We are seeing more people cycling to get to work in key roles at the moment, including our own social care staff, staff at our hospitals, delivery workers and volunteers. We want to do all we can to enable key workers to get to where we all need them to be. “Given the huge reduction in traffic on the roads, the opportunity is there for us to create this route connecting the southern part of the city to Leicester Royal Infirmary. It is work which can be done easily and quickly, in line within the Government’s guidelines. We’re actively looking at extending this to other routes and potential connections to other existing or planned cycle routes. “We’ve had an amazing response to Bike Aid, the free cycle loan and repairs scheme, and anecdotally we are hearing that many of the people taking to bikes are not necessarily experienced cyclists, so providing a safe and protected route like this can only help.” The Leicester Bike Aid scheme is funded by the city council and supported by donations from local bikes shops, businesses, Sustrans, British Cycling and individuals. In addition to providing bikes on indefinite loan, the scheme provides essentials such as locks, lights and bike servicing. Key workers who are interested in the scheme can email cycle-city@leicester.gov.uk and then fill in a registration form. Bikes can be picked up from participating cycle shops a few days after you have successfully registered. The bikes are cleaned and sanitised before being handed over, and social distancing is observed at all times, including during collection. More information about Leicester Bike Aid is available at Choose How You Move, by clicking here Published on Monday, April 27, 2020 - Leicester City Council News Release

Small businesses across Leicester have begun receiving payments from a financial lifeline designed to help them survive in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 2,400 business in the city have been awarded financial help totalling over £28million under the Government’s Small Business Grant funding, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant funding, which were announced just before Easter. The first payments under that scheme were made to businesses this week. In all, 3,400 applications have been received from businesses, and payments processed to 2,363 of them. Further claims are being processed by the city council’s Revenues and Benefits team, who will also get in touch with eligible firms which have not yet been in contact. In all, the city council is expecting to work with over 6,000 businesses across the city to ensure they can access the package of financial help totalling £85million. Smaller businesses who get business rate relief can expect to apply for £10,000, while larger businesses who have been forced to close their doors could get up to £25,000. The £85m funding for Leicester is the largest amount in the East Midlands and one of the 10 highest city allocations in the UK. Charnwood was the next highest in the county at £32.5m which is expected to help around 2,700 businesses. Lesser amounts were also allocated to help the smaller number of businesses in Hinckley and Bosworth (£22m), North West Leicestershire (£20.3m) and Harborough (£19.1m), while Blaby, Rutland, Melton and Oadby each got between £10m and just over £12m. Responsibility was handed to local councils across the UK to organise the distribution of the funding. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “I am very happy to see that this much-needed money is getting to businesses across the city to help them in these extremely uncertain times. “Because we’ve had such a large sum and so many eligible businesses to work with, it has been a much larger job than it would have been in some other council areas. “However, the money is now getting to where it is needed and will hopefully help reassure businesses who were otherwise facing a bleak financial situation. “We still have many more businesses to work with, and will continue doing so to ensure this money gets to them in as straightforward and quick a way as possible.” The Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant funding are part of a wider package of help and support being made available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire who are concerned about their future. The website of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – a support network for businesses in the city, run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) – is being updated daily to give employers details of how to apply for financial help, business support, help for self-employed people and accessing benefits. The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP – an organisation involving the city, county and district councils and local business leaders – to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The LLEP has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Information including up to date news on what help packages are being made available both on a national and local level, to businesses struggling with the impact on their trade and staff is being made available. Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available here Find out more, or apply for a Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, here

£700,000 will go towards supporting the Hope Project More than £700,000 of funding has been awarded to help support survivors of domestic abuse. We are one of 75 councils across England that has been chosen to receive a share of a £16.6 million Government pot, which aims to strengthen protection for those who have suffered domestic abuse. The funds will go towards supporting the Hope Project, a multi-agency provision that delivers an all-round support service for men and women from all backgrounds with complex needs, together with dedicated specialist services for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups who may be at risk from honour-based violence and forced marriage. The funding will go towards services that include refuge provision for women and their children within the city and county, outreach domestic abuse support for men and women across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, mental health support to suit a variety of needs, substance misuse support and emotional management programmes. Anyone in need of outreach support can call 0800 055 6519 or email hopeproject@wallaction.cjsm.net

Leicestershire’s special constables have contributed a total of more than 2,000 hours to support frontline policing since they were asked to step up during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 136 special constables have completed 2,846 hours of deployment and responded to 398 incidents between Friday 27 March and Monday 13 April, as part of Leicestershire Police’s management of the impact of Covid-19. Under Operation Formidable, special constables have been working with regular colleagues to respond to emergency calls, as well as engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing the government’s guidelines on social distancing. Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “The commitment from our Special Constabulary over the last three weeks has been phenomenal. “We are lucky to have so many individuals in our extended policing family who are willing and able to step forward as front line officers, helping us to protect the public at this time of need. Each and every one of them is delivering an outstanding operational effort which is making a huge difference to our policing capabilities. “I must also acknowledge the brilliant support of the employers who have released their staff to concentrate on their policing duties. Thanks to you there are 136 extra officers out on the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “Finally I’d like to thank the families of our serving specials. Thank you for supporting your loved one to join us on the front line, I hope you feel as proud of them as we do.” Special constables are volunteer police officers who hold the same powers and responsibilities as full-time police officers and manage the role alongside their normal employment. Special Sergeant Bradley Atkins is among those stepping up to support frontline officers. His employer, Lloyds Bank, has supported him to work two shifts per week as an officer. “I’m so pleased to be able to serve the public at this time” he says. “It’s really rewarding to be able to put my uniform on, get out in the community and help to protect people. Lloyds have been hugely supportive towards me and I hope that I can use this time to really make a difference.” All 136 of the special constables working on Operation Formidable have pledged to work a minimum of two shifts per week, helping to manage the impact of Covid-19 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Police Sergeant Fabrizio Smargiassi has experienced first-hand the positive impact of having more special constables on duty. He said: “The officers who are deploying as part of Op Formidable have given us valuable extra assistance in light of the significant increase in demand during recent weeks. There was one evening in particular over the Easter period with exceptionally high demand, and the special constables were a real asset to the force. “Throughout the operation they have done a brilliant job enhancing the reputation of the Special Constabulary and demonstrating just how valuable they are to Leicestershire Police.” For more information and updates on Leicestershire’s Special Constabulary, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou or follow @LeicsSpecials on twitter.

It is business as usual at Leicestershire Police as far as training for new police officers and staff goes. The force is aiming to recruit hundreds of officers over the next few years and isn’t letting the current situation stop it from achieving those goals. The latest cohort of 34 students started earlier this month and will be out on the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by the end of June having undergone an intensive mixture of classroom and distance based training. Following this, they will learn on the job thanks to multiple teams and individuals – trainee assessors and our existing experienced officers. Initial training includes learning a plethora of relevant legislation so that effectively the new officers ‘know the law’. As well as this, they will undergo fitness tests, learn first aid and resuscitation techniques vital to the job, as well as how to actually arrest an individual, interview, and take statements. They will also be given a large number of real-life based scenarios to think their way through – from how to deal with threats of violence and weapon wielding to how to spot the signs of domestic violence or child neglect. “Given that social distancing is having to take place whenever possible, some of the training is now taking place remotely via a host of media platforms,” explained Sarah Taylor from Learning and Development. “We’re adapting wherever possible and we’re pleased that we haven’t had to stop training. Standards remain extremely high.” As well as fulfilling the application criteria, which enables the force to conduct background checks, prospective candidates must undergo rigorous assessment by a panel who scrutinise their decision making under pressure. Sarah added: “It’s not an easy process, but then the job isn’t easy. “Officers need to be able to handle all sorts of pressurised situations and deal with them. A huge part of that is learning how to communicate effectively so that they can diffuse situations as and when they arise. Of course we know that’s not always going to be possible, but I think people would be surprised at just how much it is. “There are so many opportunities available to people who join the police, whether that’s joining the firearms or dogs team or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Training never really stops – there’s always something new to learn and it’s something this force invests heavily in.” Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “It’s fantastic to see new recruits coming through and that the team delivering training can still do so. “We are taking every precaution necessary but if anything, this shows just how adaptable this force can be and the determination we have to continue with our day to day business, despite the difficult climate we now find ourselves in. Among the many skills these trainees will learn is to stay calm when those around them may not be. This is no ordinary job but it’s thoroughly rewarding and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who believe they have what it takes.” There are several cohorts who are about to or have started their training, including those pictured who took their oath to be sworn into Leicestershire Police this afternoon (15 April). The group were sworn in at Police Headquarters by a magistrate. The force is actively recruiting for officers and PCSOs now. Recruitment of PCSOs closes Sunday 19 April and Monday 11 May for officers.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has warned a campaign encouraging the public to light sky lanterns in a show of solidarity for NHS workers is ‘misguided’. All emergency services are currently under increased pressure due to COVID-19. NFCC believes the suggestion that people should set off highly flammable lanterns – at a time when wildfires are likely to be on the increase due to the weather conditions – should be highly discouraged. “NFCC does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances.” Roy Wilsher NFCC is urging the public to look for alternative ways to show their support to the NHS. Lanterns are a fire hazard; pose a risk to livestock, agriculture, thatched properties and hazardous material sites. Almost 90 local authorities across the UK have banned the use of lanterns. NFCC Chair Roy Wilsher said: “While I fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage people to find a different way to do this. “NFCC does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances. “All emergency services are currently under unprecedented pressure due to COVID-19, and I am concerned this type of activity could not only put additional pressure on the fire service, but further strain on the NHS. “If a sky lantern causes a fire, it could see firefighters spending valuable time dealing with what could be a complex and large-scale incident. Time which could be spent supporting vulnerable people in the community, as part of the fire services response to COVID-19.” A fire in the West Midlands caused by a lantern saw 39 fire appliances and more than 200 firefighters in attendance to tackle it over a number of days.

Plans to create up to 2,750 new homes, community facilities and business space near Lutterworth are set to be discussed by planners later this month. The 550-acre development on land east of the town – including nearly 250 acres of green space, two new primary schools, a community hub and a network of foot and cycle paths connecting to the town centre – would also generate 2,500 jobs. Leicestershire County Council’s proposal is due to be discussed by Harborough District Council’s planning committee on 21 April. Councillor Byron Rhodes, cabinet member for property said: New homes are in demand. And our focus is on creating quality, affordable and sustainable houses that will help people get on or move up the property ladder. Sustainable design, community and life-long living are at the heart of our plans. And from first-time buyers and families to people looking for retirement living, the development would offer a broad range of high-quality houses, including around 1,100 affordable homes. It also incorporates a wide-range of green features designed to maximise renewable energy and support low-carbon living, underlining our commitment to tackling climate change. The proposed scheme features: Over 50 per cent green space – including Swift Valley Community Park, playing fields, allotments, woodland, trees and hedgerows and new ecological habitats Foot and cycle paths – connecting with Lutterworth town centre, boosting walking and cycling Nearly 60 acres of retail and business space - creating 2,500 jobs Two new primary schools - and funding for extra secondary school places Roads and transport - improvements to main roads and M1 to boost capacity, a new M1 bridge, a new spine road to reduce town centre traffic plus new bus routes A community hub – that could accommodate shops, restaurants, cafes, health centre and community hall Ultra-fast broadband at each property

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend but for officers, who spend all day everyday with their furry four-legged companion, it’s more than just a friendship – it’s a bond like no other. And for one officer being able to work and play with these crime-fighting canines really is a dream come true. PC Darren Sewell has been a cop for nearly 21 years and has spent the last 16 years as a dog handler, but his passion for policing and pooches began many years before. “I’ve loved dogs since I was a kid and being a police dog handler was always my dream job. Even after all these years there’s nothing else I’d rather do,” he said. Darren is one of a handful of officers working in the role as part of Leicestershire Police’s dog unit. In the unit there are six breeds of working police dogs – German and Dutch Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois, who all work as general purpose dogs - tracking offenders, locating missing people and protecting officers in potential dangerous situations. As well as a Labrador, Cocker and Springer Spaniels, known as sniffer dogs, who can find illegal drugs, quantities of cash, explosives, bodily fluids and even digital media storage devices, such as SIM cards and hard drives. The job brings a whole new meaning to taking work home as the dogs also live with their handler and are responsible for their care and continual training fulltime. In Darren’s many years in the role he’s been paired with four dogs and has also helped to train three puppies, including the unit’s latest addition Jura. The 16-week-old will spend around the next 12 months training to become a general purpose police dog in the hope he will follow in the paw prints of Gilly, Darren’s current partner, when he retires next year. “The next 12 months are going to be very busy, out on the streets with Gilly but also preparing Jura. He’s already started some basic training – getting him used to a variety of sights, sounds and smells, as well as beginning to track different scents. “He’s making good progress and starting to show some real promise. I’ve got high hopes for this future as a working police dog,” added Darren. But until then Gilly will continue protecting and serving the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – and Darren feels very fortunate to have him by his side. “I feel extremely lucky to be doing my ultimate dream job. The talent and intelligence Gilly and all the dogs in our unit show is just incredible. The bond we share with these animals is definitely unique.” Leicestershire Police is currently recruiting for officers. If you are interested in a career with us, visit: www.leics.police.uk/joinus

SAFETY videos in 14 different languages have been launched today (Tuesday, April 7) to emphasise to communities across Leicester how to protect themselves from the coronavirus pandemic. Staff from Leicester City Council’s community languages service have translated the NHS ‘Stay at Home’ poster into some of the languages spoken widely in Leicester, including Gujarati, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Somali, Arabic, Polish, Slovak, Farsi and Mandarin, as well as a version in English. The council has been working with local company Shrinker to turn the information into a series of 40 to 45-second videos, to help get the public safety message to communities who otherwise might be hard to reach. The videos are available to view on Leicester City Council’s Youtube channel here, and will also be shared on its Twitter and Facebook accounts. The messages in the videos reflect the ongoing Government and NHS safety advice, reminding people to stay at home wherever possible, and only leave for urgent reasons such as getting food or medical supplies, daily exercise or medical care, or to work. It also explains the importance of continued social distancing – keeping two metres away from other people at all times – when doing so. Getting the public health message across to people in the most widely spoken of those languages across the city is a key concern. Shrinker, which is based in the city, provided its video making services free of charge to the city council, having previously worked with Leicestershire Police in making multi-language versions of anti-hate crime information available. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is vital that we get these public health messages out to people in neighbourhoods throughout the city, to give them the best chance to stay safe and well during this pandemic. “I am very grateful to Shrinker for working with us on producing these video messages so quickly so we can ensure the important information gets to as many people as possible. “These are incredibly difficult times for people everywhere, but if we pull together and focus on helping each other to stay safe and well by following the Government’s guidelines, we stand the best chance of getting through this.” To view the videos, visit Leicester City Council’s Youtube channel here

Retailers are being urged to act responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak by not charging vastly inflated prices. Leicester City Council’s Trading Standards team has received a high number of complaints about sudden price rises. However, the team is advising consumers to report any complaints directly to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA is the correct body for dealing with such complaints, and has set up a dedicated email address for people to report to - covid.monitoring@cma.gov.uk At present, there is no direct legislation that regulates the price of goods. But the CMA will consider any evidence that companies may have broken competition or consumer protection law by charging excessive prices or making misleading claims – for example, about the efficacy of protective equipment. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, who is responsible for regulatory services in Leicester, said: “It’s natural that people turn to our Trading Standards team when they want to report poor practice or possible law-breaking in this area – but the correct body is actually the Competition and Markets Authority. “It’s very disappointing that a small number of businesses should choose to act in this way and capitalise on the current situation. The vast majority of companies are, thankfully, behaving responsibly, with many going out of their way to help consumers. I’m sure people will long remember the businesses – particularly local businesses – which have helped them at this difficult time. “If you are buying something in the current climate, it’s wise to check carefully details like returns policy and delivery times. And think very carefully about what you are prepared to pay. Panic-buying can benefit unscrupulous firms.” Ron Ruddock, trading standards manager at Leicester City Council, said: “We would urge customers, wherever possible, to report these practices to the Competition and Markets Authority and to avoid using those businesses that are taking advantage of their customers.” To report a business of unfair trading practices, use the email address listed above, call the CMA on 020 3738 6000 or visit www.gov.uk/government/collections/cma-covid-19-response You can also contact the Citizens’ Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. Businesses seeking advice should visit www.businesscompanion.info Published on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Leicester City Council News

Leicester City Council has teamed up with local bike shops, projects and organisations to offer free bikes to key workers during the coronavirus crisis. The scheme – called Leicester Bike Aid – is being organised by the council’s Ride Leicester team, and is offering to loan bikes to people who need transport to keep working. Funded by the council and with donations from local bikes shops, businesses, Sustrans and British Cycling, the scheme has already provided 15 bikes for key workers – mostly from the NHS – since its launch on 3 April. Fifty more bikes are available, with plans to extend further, if required, to meet demand. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on transport and environment, said: “We want to do all we can to support the essential work of key workers in the fight against coronavirus. We’ve been able to draw on our well-established cycling team at the council to set up a quick, effective and free bike loan service for people who need to get to work and for whom a bike is the best option at this time. “As well as making bikes available on indefinite loan, we’re providing essentials such as locks and lights so that people have everything they need to start commuting by bike. We’re also offering a wider service from Leicester Bike Aid, which includes free bike checks for key workers who already cycle. Our experienced riders are also using the city council’s purpose-built cargo bikes to help distribute goods, such as food parcels, across the city.” Key workers who are interested in the scheme can email cycle-city@leicester.gov.uk and then fill in a registration form. Bikes can be picked up from participating cycle shops a few days after you have successfully registered. The bikes are cleaned and sanitised before being handed over, and social distancing is observed during collection. Ride Leicester project manager Andy Salkeld added: “We’re really pleased to be supporting key workers with this scheme. Bike projects have been great in donating bikes, local cycle shops are our distribution outlets and we’re using the city council’s Ride Leicester freight bikes to transport everything to where it needs to be – we’re using cycles to move cycles! This is the sort of team working that we all need at a time like this.” More information about Leicester Bike Aid is available at https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/bike-aid/ Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Leicester City Council News

‘One Prepared’ website will help direct people to advice and support’ We’re bringing together communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to support the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. A new website has been launched across the region today to assist in directing people to the help and advice available in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘One Prepared’ site aims to help visitors find support teams in their communities who can help with questions and concerns in relation to COVID-19 including help looking after vulnerable people and support for those suffering from financial hardship. Other help and advice includes extra support for local employers, information on health provision in each area, details on changes to council services and local business advice. The site will assist in directing people to the right organisation for this support and will also provide details for those wanting to offer voluntary help in their immediate community. The site, which is supported by the NHS, the emergency services and local councils and businesses, can be found at www.llrprepared.org.uk/one-prepared/ The One Prepared initiative is part of a network of community groups who have already had regional emergency action plans approved by the police and local authorities. The site is designed to reassure the community that help can be sought from different organisations which also helps to take some of the pressure off the emergency services at this time. The site is being promoted on the social media channels of those involved and people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are encouraged to use and share the site so it becomes the first point of contact for anyone in need of help or advice or who wishes to support their community. Deputy Chief Constable at Leicestershire Police, Rob Nixon said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have pulled together as one across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to prepare and help people during this emergency. “Together we are taking action and local councils, the emergency services and voluntary organisations are doing all we can to help you and to support our NHS at this perilous time. “I encourage people to use the new One Prepared site to seek the advice and help you need and to be directed to the right place to find this support. “If you would like to volunteer in your community and help to make a difference, please also visit the site for further details on how you can do this.”