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Leicester's Golden Mile will be lit up by 6,000 sparkling lamps from Sunday 29 October, when the city holds its annual Diwali lights switch-on event. This year will be the 40th anniversary of the switch-on, which started as a small neighbourhood celebration and now attracts people from all over the country and the world. The first switch-on ceremony was held in 1983 when the lights, stretching from Dorset Street to Loughborough Road, were switched on by the community’s oldest resident. This year’s event is expected to attract crowds of more than 30,000 people and will include a Diwali village on Cossington Street recreation ground, as well entertainment on stage on Belgrave Road. The Wheel of Light – an illuminated big wheel that offers riders a birds-eye view of the city – will also return to Belgrave Road from Friday 13 October to Sunday 12 November. Deputy city mayor for culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “What was once a small community gathering has become one of the highlights of Leicester’s festival calendar, and I’m proud that our Diwali celebrations bring together people of all ages and all faiths, from all over the country, and from other parts of the world. “If you haven’t joined us before for the festival of light, we look forward to welcoming you to the Golden Mile and to Leicester this year.” This year’s event is once again being supported by the University of Leicester. Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “The University of Leicester was founded by the local community and is a part of the community – that is why our participation in this wonderful showcase event is so important. It literally shines a light to the world about the multi-cultural wonder of Leicester – Britain’s foremost superdiverse city. Our support speaks to our pride in Leicester, our commitment to community harmony and our mission to create a better future for all. “I congratulate everyone involved for reaching this milestone 40th anniversary – it really is a spectacular achievement.” The celebrations will begin at 3pm on Sunday 29 October with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street recreation ground. Open until 9pm, the Diwali Village will include children’s funfair rides and food stalls. Visitors will be able to pop-in to Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre from 4pm to see the annual Rangoli exhibition, with its mixture of modern and traditional Rangoli styles. The stage programme on Belgrave Road will begin at 5.30pm and will include a programme of music and dance presented by the city council and Leicester Hindu Festival Council. The switch-on of 6,000 colourful lights at 7.30pm will be followed by a spectacular firework display – best viewed from Belgrave Road. Diwali Day will be celebrated on Belgrave Road on Sunday 12 November. Local arts organisation Inspirate will be providing new and exciting elements for this year’s event, including two stages for DJs and musicians, a lantern procession and walkabout theatre production consisting of two giant puppets, musicians and dancers. More information on both events and the Wheel of Light is on the Visit Leicester

Launch event for the My City My Shirt Leicester campaign & exhibition Calling for unity & celebrating the diversity of Leicester fans. Friday, 6 October The launch of the My City My Shirt Leicester campaign & exhibition at Leicester Sports Centre. An event calling for unity & celebrating the diversity of Leicester fans. Join Leicester For All, Fans for Diversity & Foxes Pride for an evening to view the exhibition & panel discussions on inclusion and football. Invited speakers and guests include the Lord Mayor of Leicester, the chair of Leicestershire FA, speakers from LCFC and our footballing community across the City and Leicestershire. For the launch we are asking guests to arrive at 6 for a prompt 6.30pm start. Some snacks and soft drinks will be available and the bar in the venue will be open. The exhibition will be open for viewing from 2pm for anyone who wants to view it in advance or any community groups - please let us know: lestaforall@gmail.com so we can manage numbers. Please do share the invite far and wide with your friends, families and communities. Football shirts encouraged, especially Leicester shirts but all welcome. More information https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-city-my-shirt-leicester-launch-panel-discussion-networking-tickets-725605303997

'Incredibly popular' support as children cycle, walk or wheel to school. A county council scheme, which reduces ‘school run’ congestion and improves air quality at two Leicestershire schools, has been so well received it’s now set to become permanent. In the final months of term-time earlier this year, ‘School Streets' were put in place at both Latimer Primary School in Anstey and Coalville’s Belvoirdale Primary School, creating safe and clear pedestrian and cycle zones at drop-off and pick-up times. This resulted in dozens of children and their parents walking, cycling, and wheeling to schools. " We’ve had some incredibly positive feedback from parents, who we surveyed during a second trial of the scheme, as well as the local community in and around the two schools. We’ve been contacting residents to make them aware of the decision to make the scheme a permanent one and I’m sure it will be welcome given the feedback received" Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport. The scheme will be made permanent, with associated signage displayed on site, following the October half-term week. Richard Dax, head teacher at Belvoirdale, said: “It’s creating a happy environment for our children and other pedestrians too – it’s been very positively received.” The schools have selected local volunteers to support the scheme with the necessary training so that roads can be cordoned off at specific times. Residents on the two streets will still be able to use the roads for access using a permit. Leicestershire County Council News

Camera enforcement has begun in Leicester’s Belgrave Gate to tackle motorists who illegally park in a bus stop. Over the last two weeks, 245 warning notices have been issued to drivers stopping to load, unload or park in the bus stop clearway near Haymarket Bus Station. The stop is part of the free, electric city centre Hop! circular bus route, which carries around 1,000 people a day around the city centre, and the frequent illegal parking there is causing congestion and slows down the Hop! service’s journey times. More than 17 people a day have been handed warning notices during the two-week period from September 4. From Monday, September 18, motorists using the bus stop are being issued with £70 penalty charge. At the same time, civil enforcement officers working for the city council have stepped up enforcement of the loading only bay immediately opposite the bus stop, which again is often used for free parking, blocking the route to other traffic. In all the work has cost around £25,000 for the CCTV installation and five-year operating contract, which is funded by the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). Leicester deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Keeping the city’s bus stops and bus lanes free of congestion is key to ensuring the buses remain reliable and run on time. “As the high number of warning notices issued in the last two weeks shows, this particular bus stop is regularly used by people as a free place to park, unload or drop off people close to the city centre. “Hopefully this enforcement action will help deter people from stopping there, meaning the bus stop remains clear and buses can pull right up to the kerb which is vital for passengers with mobility problems.” Camera enforcement is already in use to keep the bus clearway outside Leicester Station free of traffic. The city council launched the free Hop! service on an 18-month trial basis as one of its Leicester Buses Partnership commitments. The Leicester Buses Partnership was launched in April 2022 to bring together all the local bus operators and Leicester City Council, to work jointly on addressing both the city’s transport needs and its environmental responsibilities. Three zero-emission green Hop! buses – each of which features a distinctive frog “ribbit” effect bell – seat 21 passengers and operate every 10 minutes on an anti-clockwise loop, with 12 stops along the route. Running from 8am-6pm from Monday to Saturday, the new buses are fitted with electronic information displays, next stop announcements, WiFi and USB charging at each seat, with each of the stops offering real-time information displays and text-to-speech facilities. Moe details can be found at the Leicester Buses Partnership website here. Leicester City Council News

Music fans will be heading to Leicester this weekend to enjoy two days of live music in Victoria Park, as the city hosts this year’s BBC Radio 2 In The Park. The prestigious event, organised by the BBC, will attract around 35,000 visitors each day – and while it’s a huge boost for the city, it does mean that Leicester’s roads and car parks will be busier than normal on Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September. With around 3,000 parking spaces at dedicated ‘Park & Walk’ sites already pre-booked by ticket-holders, event organisers expect a further 4,000 cars to be heading for the city this weekend. Leicester City Council’s highways network asset manager Rupert Bedder said: “The BBC has developed a travel plan for the event, with ticket-holders encouraged to travel to Victoria Park as sustainably as possible, and with measures in place to mitigate the impact of the event on local people. “Residents’ parking schemes in Clarendon Park, for example, have been extended to cover the entire weekend, with temporary schemes introduced in streets off London Road and in Stoneygate to prevent unauthorised parking in the areas closest to Victoria Park. “The event organisers have also set up dedicated ‘Park & Walk’ sites, which will divert more than 3,000 cars to areas away from the city centre. “With more than 9,000 spaces available in our main city centre car parks, there’s plenty of capacity for the extra cars we’re expecting, but clearly demand for spaces will be higher than normal. “If you’re coming into Leicester city centre this weekend to shop, or to enjoy a day out, bear in mind that your usual car park may be busier than normal, so please be prepared to park elsewhere and allow extra time for your journey. “Look out for the real-time parking information that’s displayed on the approach roads to the city centre, which will help you find an available space. “And if you want a quick and easy journey into Leicester on Saturday, why not use one of the city’s Park & Ride services?” Green, clean, electric buses leave the Enderby, Meynell’s Gorse and Birstall Park & Ride sites every 15 minutes from 7am on Monday to Saturday. Parking is free and a return ticket for everyone in the car (up to five people) is just £4, with the last buses leaving the city centre at 7pm on Saturday. While Park & Ride services don’t run on Sundays, regular bus services provide cost-effective – and sustainable – travel options to the city centre. The multi-operator Family Flexi Day ticket, for example, costs just £10 and allows two adults and up to three children travelling together to have a day’s unlimited travel within the Leicester Flexi Zone. Once in the city centre, shoppers and visitors will be able to make use of Hop! – Leicester’s free electric bus service, which loops the city centre and serves both the Haymarket bus station and Leicester railway station. Hop! will be running an extended service during BBC Radio 2 In The Park, with buses running every 10 minutes until 10.30pm (last departure from Haymarket bus station) on Saturday 16 September, and with a special Sunday service operating from 10am until 10.30pm on Sunday 17 September only. A temporary Hop! bus stop will be placed on Tigers Way, just before the junction of Lancaster Road, for passengers travelling to and from the BBC Radio 2 In The Park event. Deputy city mayor for climate, economy & culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “The BBC has used an experienced traffic management company, that’s delivered many successful travel plans for major events in the city and across the country before, to help them understand how people will be travelling to this weekend’s events. “Based on their analysis of people’s travel plans, the organisers have assured us that the measures they’ve put in place will meet the demands of festival goers, while also ensuring that the rest of the city will be open for business across this exciting weekend. “With around 57% of ticket-holders living locally, I’d like to encourage them to choose green travel when planning their journey to Victoria Park. “Hop on one of Leicester’s green, clean electric buses, enjoy the city’s walking and cycling routes, and make use of the two free bike parks that will be provided at the event. “Let’s make sure that BBC Radio 2 In The Park is not only a sensational event for the city, but that it’s also a sustainable one.” More details about travelling sustainably in Leicester can be found on the Choose How You Move website – a one-stop shop that provides information about walking, cycling and public transport in Leicester, as well as a handy journey planner. Travel information for those with tickets for BBC Radio 2 In The Park – including details of the event’s free bike parks – is available here BBC Radio 2 In The Park runs from 10.30am until around 10pm on Saturday 16 September and until around 9.30pm on Sunday 17 September. More than half of all tickets (57%) sold across both days of the event have been bought by people with an LE postcode. To facilitate the event, a number of road closures will be in place over the weekend. • Regent Road (between Granville Road and Salisbury Road) will be closed from 6am on Saturday 16 September until 11.59pm on Sunday 17 September. • Regent Road (between Tigers Way and University Road) will be one way only eastbound from 6am on Saturday 16 September until 11.59pm on Sunday 17 September. • Granville Road will be closed from 6am on Saturday 16 September until 11.59pm on Sunday 17 September. • London Road (between Mayfield Road and Waterloo Way) will be closed from 9pm until midnight on both Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September. • Victoria Park Road (between St Marys Road and St Leonards Road) will be closed from 9pm until midnight on both Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September. • University Road will be one way only southbound from 6am on Saturday 16 September until 11.59pm on Sunday 17 September.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has published a formal report into the fatal accident involving a Leonardo AW169 (G-VSKP) helicopter which occurred at the King Power Stadium, Leicester on 27 October 2018 Summary At 1937 hrs the helicopter, carrying the pilot and four passengers, lifted off from the centre spot of the pitch at the King Power Stadium. The helicopter moved forward and then began to climb out of the stadium on a rearward flightpath while maintaining a northerly heading and with an average rate of climb of between 600 and 700 ft/min. Passing through a height of approximately 250 ft, the pilot began the transition to forward flight by pitching the helicopter nosedown and the landing gear was retracted. The helicopter was briefly established in a right turn before an increasing right yaw rapidly developed, despite the immediate application of corrective control inputs from the pilot. The helicopter reached a radio altimeter height of approximately 430 ft before descending with a high rotation rate. At approximately 75 ft from the ground the collective was fully raised to cushion the touchdown. The helicopter struck the ground on a stepped concrete surface, coming to rest on its left side. The impact, which likely exceeded the helicopter’s design requirements, damaged the lower fuselage and the helicopter’s fuel tanks which resulted in a significant fuel leak. The fuel ignited shortly after the helicopter came to rest and an intense post-impact fire rapidly engulfed the fuselage. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured in the accident. Investigation findings The investigation found the following causal factors for this accident: Seizure of the tail rotor duplex bearing initiated a sequence of failures in the tail rotor pitch control mechanism which culminated in the unrecoverable loss of control of the tail rotor blade pitch angle and the blades moving to their physical limit of travel. The unopposed main rotor torque couple and negative tail rotor blade pitch angle resulted in an increasing rate of rotation of the helicopter in yaw, which induced pitch and roll deviations and made effective control of the helicopter’s flightpath impossible. The tail rotor duplex bearing likely experienced a combination of dynamic axial and bending moment loads which generated internal contact pressures sufficient to result in lubrication breakdown and the balls sliding across the race surface. This caused premature, surface initiated rolling contact fatigue damage to accumulate until the bearing seized. The investigation found the following contributory factors for this accident: The load survey flight test results were not shared by the helicopter manufacturer with the bearing manufacturer in order to validate the original analysis of the theoretical load spectrum and assess the continued suitability of the bearing for this application, nor were they required to be by the regulatory requirements and guidance. There were no design or test requirements in Certification Specification 29 which explicitly addressed rolling contact fatigue in bearings identified as critical parts; while the certification testing of the duplex bearing met the airworthiness authority’s acceptable means of compliance, it was not sufficiently representative of operational demands to identify the failure mode. The manufacturer of the helicopter did not implement a routine inspection requirement for critical part bearings removed from service to review their condition against original design and certification assumptions, nor were they required to by the regulatory requirements and guidance. Although the failure of the duplex bearing was classified as catastrophic in the certification failure analysis, the various failure sequences and possible risk reduction and mitigation measures within the wider tail rotor control system were not fully considered in the certification process; the regulatory guidance stated that this was not required. Safety actions and recommendations AAIB Special Bulletin S1/2023, published on 14 November 2018 and AAIB Special Bulletin S1/2023, published on 6 December 2018, provided initial information on the circumstances of this accident. During the course of this investigation and as a result of the findings made, the helicopter manufacturer has issued sixteen Service Bulletins and EASA has published nine Airworthiness Directives for the continued airworthiness of the AW169 and AW189 helicopter types. Eight Safety Recommendations have been made in this report. These have been made to EASA to address weaknesses or omissions identified in the regulations for the certification of large helicopters - Certification Specification 29. The recommendations address the main findings of the investigation and include: validation of design data by suppliers post-test; premature rolling contact fatigue in bearings; life limits, load spectrum safety margin and inspection programmes for critical parts; and assessment and mitigation of catastrophic failure modes in systems. Chief Inspector’s statementSaid Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents: “This was a tragic accident in which five people sadly lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones, and everyone affected.“The AAIB has carried out an extensive investigation to establish why the accident happened and how safety can be improved. This involved a multi-disciplinary team of skilled investigators from the AAIB, supported by a wide range of experts from industry, academia, and safety investigation authorities from around the world. “As a result, safety action has already been taken for the continued airworthiness of the AW169 and AW189 helicopter fleets. “Today we are publishing our final report which sets out eight recommendations to enhance safety in the longer term, regarding the design, validation and in-service monitoring of safety critical components on large helicopters.”

Students of dance and musical theatre will be learning their craft in Leicester’s Haymarket Theatre from next month, thanks to a partnership between the city council and one of the largest performing arts colleges in Europe. Leicester-based Addict Dance Academy (ADA) – which delivers foundation and degree-level courses – will use the theatre’s auditorium, stage, studio and foyer areas for teaching purposes from 11 September, initially for a period of one year. In exchange, ADA will pay the city council a licence fee to cover the costs associated with reopening the theatre, which has been mothballed since the COVID pandemic forced it to close in 2020. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Since the Haymarket Theatre closed during lockdown, we’ve been looking for a sustainable solution that will guarantee the future of this wonderful building. “Using the theatre as a teaching venue for dance and musical theatre students will bring the building back into use in the short-term and could even be part of a more permanent solution, so I’m really pleased to announce our partnership with Addict Dance Academy. “In the longer term, however, I’m determined to reopen the theatre to the public, and look forward to working with partners to create a programme that will attract new audiences and complement what’s on at Curve and De Montfort Hall. “While that will require some further modest investment, to allow us to replace outdated equipment and carry out further upgrades, we remain committed to reopening the theatre fully and making sure that the lights stay on at this iconic Leicester landmark.” The licence with ADA will run for one year initially, but over the next 12 months, both parties will be able to assess whether a longer-term arrangement would be viable. Established in 2012, ADA currently operates from two sites in the city – Imperial House, on St Nicholas Circle, and premises on Wellington Street. Founder and principal Gareth Chown (pictured left) said: “We’re already one of the largest performing arts colleges in Europe, with around 600 students on our books, but demand for our courses at both further and higher education level is huge. Last year, for example, we had to turn down applications from more than 1,000 would-be students because we just couldn’t accommodate them. “Having the Haymarket Theatre as our teaching base means there’s potential for us to expand our remit and work towards developing a wider range of complementary courses covering subjects such as sound, lighting, wardrobe and make-up. “The opportunity to teach our students on one of the biggest theatre stages in the country is amazing and we can’t wait to move in on 11 September, in time for the start of the new academic term.” Antony Flint, venue director at De Montfort Hall – which will take over the day-to-day running of the Haymarket Theatre – said: “The cultural ecosystem in the city is quite finely balanced so it’s important that the Haymarket Theatre works alongside other arts organisations in the city rather than competing against them. “The mixed use model for the theatre that we hope will develop out of the partnership with ADA should help support culture in the city, while also making sure the venue is financially viable. “Having an education company using the theatre during the daytime provides a really solid base to work on and, importantly, doesn’t prevent us from exploring further opportunities that could help ensure the Haymarket Theatre has a bright, and sustainable, future.” Work to prepare the building for the students’ arrival will soon get under way, while on-going works to complete the theatre’s entrance and lift area will continue until the end of next month. The Haymarket Theatre will celebrate its 50thanniversary on 17 October 2023.

The following locations have been added to the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland community concern sites, the full this can be found here: https://speedorsafety.com/camera-locations/community-concern-sites Jonathan Clarkson, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership spokesperson said, “Local residents are encouraged to contact us if they think they have a problem with excessive speeding in their communities. This helps us identify those locations which will then be subject to a covert speed survey and if they meet our criteria they will qualify for mobile speed enforcement. B640 Stamford Road, Oakham B641 Uppingham Road, Oakham B668 Burley Road, Oakham A606 Stamford Road, Empingham (national speed limit) Normanton Road / Coleorton Road, Packington Church Lane, Ravenstone Grange Road, Hugglescote Leicester Road, Ashby Station Street, Castle Donington Desford Road, Kirby Muxloe A6004 Belton Road, Loughborough Shilton Road, Barwell A47 Clickers Way, Earl Shilton / Elmesthorpe Manor Road, Oadby Dorset Avenue, South Wigston Braunstone Lane (nr. St Marys Ave), Braunstone Town Main Street Normanton (nr. Bottesford) Barkbythorpe Road, Leicester A607 Melton Road, Waltham on the Wolds (30mph in the Village) Main Street, Cossington Main Street, Newtown Linford Lutterworth Road, Gilmorton Mill Lane, Gilmorton

Results revealed today to the first cohort of students to complete T levels at Leicester College. Leicester College welcomed students who have completed T levels to collect their results on Thursday 17 August 2023. The overall pass rate for this cohort is 95 per cent with 67 per cent of students achieving merit and distinction grades and 19 per cent achieving distinction grades.T level results. This is the first cohort of students to complete T levels at Leicester College, since the courses were first launched in September 2021, in the subjects of Education and Childcare, Construction, Digital and IT, or Health and Science. Students from these subject areas collected their results from the College’s Abbey Park Campus following the two-year courses. This is the first results day for T level students in Leicester and several students have already secured job offers or a place on a university course since completing their courses in June. Their case studies can be read on the Leicester College website. T levels are a new type of technical-focused qualification for students who want a vocationally-based qualification and are equivalent to three A levels. T levels in Engineering and Manufacturing, Legal, Finance and Accounting and Management and Administration are also now available at the College. Alfie Ibbot, a construction T level student, said: “I would highly recommend a T level course to other learners. It has given me so much confidence in myself and my ability, as well as improved my attention to detail. If you have your heart set on a career, then a T level can help you get there – go for it!” Vice Principal at Leicester College, Debi Donnarumma, said: “We’re excited to welcome students to the first T level results day to collect their results. The courses have proven very popular and the feedback that we’ve had from students, about the courses and the opportunities that have now opened up for them, has been really positive. “We’re looking forward to introducing more T level subject areas in the coming years, helping young people to progress into a range of exciting careers.” Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon said: "T levels provide a unique ladder of opportunity for young people to gain the knowledge and on-the-job experience needed to progress into work, an apprenticeship or higher education. All the courses have been co-designed with employers to ensure that students get the skills they need to succeed. "From this September, there will be even more high-quality T levels available including agriculture and legal services, with more providers coming onboard, helping thousands of young people to progress into rewarding careers." Designed by employers with The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, T levels are two-year qualifications that combine classroom study and industry placements, giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge for which employers are looking. Students who successfully pass all parts of their T level will gain UCAS points, like A level students, which will allow them to go on to university. If you would like to know more about the T level programmes offered by Leicester College, visit www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/t-levels

The Leicestershire homebuilder put on an all-expenses-paid afternoon tea for 35 members of the support network for people with Parkinson’s disease in Melton Mowbray. Jessica Beasley (Marketing Manager) and Dawn Mellors (PA to the Sales Director) from Barratt Homes joined the group at the Sysonby Knoll Hotel for a cuppa and a chat, as they were able to meet the group’s members and learn about their experiences. Together, the housebuilder’s representatives and the support group were able to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and refreshments. Paul Stammers, Co-Ordinator of the Melton Mowbray Parkinson's Support Group said: “We are a self-funding group and spend a great deal of our time raising money to allow our group to function and support the needs of our members. When Barratt Homes approached us and offered to provide an all-expense-paid afternoon tea, we were delighted for our members. “It’s gestures like this that make us feel appreciated in the community. “It has taken time to recover after Covid and the group is now back on its feet and are again able to offer our members monthly meetings with guest speakers, weekly exercise classes, outings and treats like an afternoon tea. “We would like to thank Barratt Homes and its staff members for providing the group with a very enjoyable and much appreciated afternoon.” Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, which means it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. According to Parkinson’s UK, around 145,000 people live with the condition in the UK, and one in 37 people alive in the UK will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s, but the main three are a tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity, or muscle stiffness. The support group in Melton Mowbray offers friendship and a network for people with Parkinson’s through regular meet-ups in the town. The support from Barratt Homes, based nearby at Kings Meadow, was to ensure the group could get together without the need for added expense. Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “We were delighted that Jessica and Dawn had the chance to attend the afternoon tea for the Melton Mowbray Parkinson’s support group, as it provided us with the opportunity to get to know the group and the experiences of its members. “The support network of the group is extremely important, as with all community groups, and it was pleasing to hear how well-received the afternoon tea was for those getting together during the afternoon.” For more information about the network and its contact details, visit the website. Parkinson’s Support Group. For more information about any nearby developments, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Leicestershire.

Traders on a market in Beaumont Leys that was due to close next month have been told that the market can remain open until the end of the year. The city council announced last month that Beaumont Market would close on 3 September in light of current and predicted trading losses. But now City Mayor Peter Soulsby has decided that the market should remain open until after the busy Christmas shopping period. It will now close at the end of trading on Sunday 31 December. The City Mayor said: “I listened to the traders' concerns and became aware that many of them had already invested significant sums in their Christmas stock. "It therefore seems fair to keep Beaumont Market open until the end of the year, so the traders don't miss out on the busy Christmas trading period. “Our markets manager has already called most of the traders to let them have the good news. “I hope that this extended period of notice will give the traders more time to plan for the future.” Changes in shopping habits and declining customer numbers have resulted in fewer stallholders and a reduction in the income needed to give the market a viable future. Just 15 traders currently operate from Beaumont Market. The council is looking at options for selling the land on which the market operates, which is next to Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre.

A business-like operation producing and distributing cannabis products has been shut down after two people were jailed for a number of offences. The offending of one of those people spanned over nearly 12 years. In March 2020 the force launched an investigation after postal packages of cannabis and THC based products were intercepted in Northamptonshire, having originated from Leicestershire. The investigation identified an illegal business that produced and distributed cannabis-based products across the UK, containing THC (a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis). Amrit Pal was identified as the man behind the operation and the investigation revealed his offending went as far back as 2011. Detectives uncovered the true scale of his criminality after they recovered numerous promotional videos and images of cannabis production. The cannabis was then being used to manufacture various products on a long-term commercial scale. He rented two factory units in Leicester for his drugs operation and used social media to promote the manufactured products his company - known as Purple THC or HighgradeSingh. Some of the THC products produced and supplied were advertised as having CBD health benefits, putting people’s lives at risk. Over 12 years he is estimated to have had an income in excess of £800,000. A number of PayPal accounts in Pal’s name were identified and were used by customers to pay for their orders. When officers searched premises associated to 34-year-old Pal they recovered drugs with an estimated street value in excess of £172,000. The evidence recovered during the investigation showed his lavish lifestyle funded through criminality including stays in high-end hotels, lavish holidays abroad and purchasing designer jewellery and clothes. At Leicester Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 9 August), Pal, formerly of Brent Knowle Gardens, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to production and supply of class B drugs between July 2011 and February 2023. During the investigation Manjeet Behal, was identified as having links with Pal. A warrant was executed at his home address in Uppingham Road and a number of cannabis plants and cultivating equipment was discovered. At a previous hearing, 36-year-old Behal pleaded guilty to producing a controlled class B drug, being concerned in the supply of a controlled class B drug and acquire/use/possess criminal property between June 2020 and January 2022. He was also sentenced yesterday to 18 months imprisonment. Detective Constable Owen Bird is the investigating officer in the case. He said: “To say this has been a lengthy and complex case is putting it lightly. The visual evidence we recovered following searches at properties associated with Pal was vast and it took a considerable amount of time for us to piece together his offending and how far back it went. “The whole business was set-up on a professional level and the promotional material we recovered showed the lengths Pal went to promote and sell his products, even enlisting the support of social media influencers. “The case itself generated more than 450 evidential documents, including witness statements, financial paperwork and forensic reports, as well as more than 5000 images and over 600 videos. “During the investigations he continued to offend despite being released under investigation. He had no regard for his actions and the health risks his products posed to customers. Often, promoting the products of having medicinal benefits, such as curing hair loss and skin conditions. “This case is believed to be one of the longest time periods of offending to be prosecuted in the UK for these types of offences. “We are pleased Pal and Behal pleaded guilty to their part in this business-like operation. The evidence against Pal was overwhelming and he had no choice but to admit his guilt. “While this is a great result and a testament to all the hard work that has gone into securing this outcome, we are no way complacent. We know where there is one gap others are waiting to fill it. Our commitment to tackling the misuse of drugs continues and we will bring perpetrators of such offences to justice. “Anyone who has any information about the misuse of drugs or has any suspicions about an individual’s activity is urged to report it to us. The easiest way to report information is via www.leics.police.uk or Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.”