10th Year of Leicester Pride in our city Leicester Pride Event Since 2009 the current Pride team lead by Martyn Parker and Craig Thorpe have organised an annual festival in Leicester, UK aimed at celebrating the great diversity in our city. In particular we promote equality and education whilst eliminating discrimination against the LGBT community. 2018 is the 10th Year of Leicester Pride. This years the Pride Parade through our great diverse city of Leicester, ending up on Victoria Park. with lots of diverse entertainment throughout the day, DJ Tent. Bars, food and community and Market stalls. this is a family event and you are all welcome, and Its a Free.. and being its our 10th Year we would like to make it the biggest and best event yet. Please visit our website www.leicesterpride.com Check out the Pictures and Videos of Leicester Pride www.facebook.com/leicesterpride

UHL is proud to have been included in the Sunday Times’ top 100 UK apprenticeship providers list, for the second year running. The Trust is named in the 2026 list, which celebrates organisations that demonstrate excellence in apprenticeship recruitment, training, diversity and completion outcomes. UHL is ranked tenth out of the health and social care providers included, and 86th overall. Apprenticeships support a wide range of areas across UHL, including business administration, operations management, nursing, healthcare science, pharmacy services and other professional healthcare pathways. The programmes provide opportunities for colleagues at all stages of their careers, from entry-level roles to higher-level professional development. At the time of recognition, 640 colleagues were enrolled onto UK Apprenticeship Levy-funded apprenticeship programmes at the Trust. Head of Learning and Development, Julie McCarthy said: “This achievement reflects the contribution of apprentices, managers, educators and support teams across the organisation, and shows that apprenticeships are a core part of UHL’s workforce development strategy. “By supporting people to learn while they earn, the Trust is able to attract new talent, retain and invest in our experienced colleagues, and develop the skills needed for future healthcare services.” 33 UHL apprentices who have recently completed their programme of study attended the 2026 Leicester Employment Hub graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall, celebrating their achievements alongside apprentices from other organisations in Leicester and Leicestershire. Among those attending was Stewart Walker, a gardener from the estates and facilities team at the Leicester General Hospital, who has achieved the level three team leader apprenticeship. Stewart said: “I wanted to challenge myself and get ready for the next stage in my professional development. It was a great course for anybody who’s looking to open their wings and go further. “I was a bit wary about going back into education, especially at my age. But I had an excellent supervisor, Lee Hines, who helped me all the way through. And there’s an excellent learning and development team at UHL, who were absolutely fantastic. Even at difficult moments, people were always there to lift me up and help me through. “If you are thinking about an apprenticeship, go for it. I’d recommend it to anybody.” A group of colleagues who completed the level three data technician apprenticeship also attended the ceremony. Research and Innovation Information Analyst, Menaga Vinothkumar; Office Administrator, Rebecca Gardner and Patient Pathway Navigator, Caroline Wilford have all graduated from the one-year programme, which gives colleagues the technical and presentation skills to turn data into actionable insights. Rebecca said: “Things that I do which used to take hours can now be done in minutes. So there’s a lot of additional time to use on analysing the data to add value. But I think the biggest thing I’ve got out of this course is that I feel so much more confident with what I’m doing.” Menaga added: “Thanks to the apprenticeship, we’re looking at data differently and are better able to interpret the story it is telling. We’re much more confident now in how to present the data for business needs. It’s been an amazing journey.” Caroline said: “I’ve done presentations of the data that I’ve gathered to do consultants and senior management teams, and I would never have dreamt of doing that before I started the apprenticeship. It’s a brilliant course.” You can find out more about apprenticeships at UHL on our apprenticeships webpage. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News - 9 July 2026

A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in Loughborough. The body of a man was found on the evening on Monday 6 July in a caravan parked in a layby on the A6 Derby Road, Loughborough. East Midlands Ambulance Service attended, and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Subsequent enquiries found that the deceased man – who was in his 40s – reported being involved in an altercation in the days leading up to being found. As a result, a murder investigation was launched and a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Last night (Wednesday), a second man, aged 42, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is now in police custody. There is a cordon in place at the layby on the A6 northbound while forensic work is being carried out. Detective Inspector Mike Chander from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) is leading the investigation, and said: “We will continue our investigations today to work to understand the sequence of events that lead to this man’s death. “There is significant work going on including forensic enquires, talking to witnesses and any CCTV opportunities. “Anyone with any information, contact us on 101, quoting crime number incident 26*398136.” Read related post Murder investigation launched following discovery of body Leicestershire Police News - Published : 13:29 09/07/2026

People struggling with substance misuse who come into police custody will receive expert help to recover from addiction and turn their backs on crime thanks to a step up in drug testing. Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is increasing funding for the area’s Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA) service to boost testing capacity to divert more vulnerable people into treatment. The PCC is investing £200k in the service over the next two years. It will play a critical role in the PCC’s preventative work to reduce theft-related offences linked to substance misuse, often committed to fund drug use. The upgraded service, provided by health and social care charity Turning Point, will fund two experienced recovery workers from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, with flexible Saturday morning cover. This is a significant uplift of existing arrangements which have delivered limited rather than full-time cover throughout 2025/26 after additional funding from the Home Office ceased. This will leave the service better placed to meet demand and will reduce missed opportunities to identify people needing treatment. The recovery workers will be based at Euston Street Police Station in Leicester and will travel to Keyham Lane Police Station as required and according to demand. The service will officially go live in September and will run until May 2028. All individuals with a positive drug test will receive an initial assessment and will be supported and offered a clear pathway into treatment. Additionally, detainees identified as opiate users will be offered the overdose prevention drug Naloxone which has saved countless lives since it was rolled out across England and Wales. Data shows that a significant proportion of those testing positive for drugs upon arrest are involved in theft, with one study indicating that theft accounted for 43% to 48% of positive drug tests in certain areas. Preventing and Tackling Crime and Harm is a key mission in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to diverting vulnerable adults and young people away from the criminal justice system to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities and to reduce pressure on public services. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Drug addiction is all too often at the heart of criminal behaviour, driving people to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Punitive measures are usually futile in these circumstances and unless individuals are supported to recover from the source of their problems, they will become trapped in the revolving justice loop. "There are no quick fixes to addiction, but with the right treatment and sustained support, people are far more likely to recover and rebuild their lives. That is the principle behind the DTOA scheme: by helping people overcome addiction, we not only improve their prospects and wellbeing, but also tackle the root cause of the offending behaviour that their addiction often drives, thereby preventing repeat offences. “For some individuals, this scheme will involve confronting their addiction for the very first time in their lives - but importantly they will not be doing it alone.” Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews DToA was initially introduced to Leicestershire Police in 2021, supported by extra funding made available from the Home Office over the course of three years. Leicestershire Police was identified as an ‘expansion force’ with a remit to build and innovate the existing nationally recognised DToA framework. In the first year of the scheme, 240 individuals entered drug treatment over the 12-month period, many of whom would otherwise not have had the opportunity and encouragement to do so. Over the next three years, the programme provided clear evidence that custody-based assessments/interventions delivered immediately after any positive drug test provided the best chance of a successful outcome, rather than relying on community-based appointments set weeks in advance. Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. News release 09/07/2026

A Film that features four local people whose lives are being changed by a coordinated programme of help and support will have its first public showing in Leicester tomorrow (Friday 10 July). The 30-minute film by Dear Albert focuses on the stories of Nina, Laura, Elise and Mark – individuals who have all experienced multiple disadvantage in their lives, such as homelessness, poor mental health, drug and/or alcohol dependency, contact with the criminal justice system, and domestic abuse. The film shows how Leicester City Council and its partners are helping all four to stabilise their lives through the Changing Futures programme – a national initiative that’s been running in Leicester for the past four years. Delivered by a multi-agency partnership that includes lived experience workers, the programme is transforming support for vulnerable adults, where traditional approaches have often failed. The new film, which takes viewers into the heart of Changing Futures in Leicester, is part of the evaluation of the first phase of the programme, providing perspective from the beneficiaries of the programme as well as from those delivering it. Jon Roberts, director of Dear Albert, said: "We made the film to share what people go through and the help that is available. “It's important to know that the city residents suffering the most disadvantages are not forgotten. "This film - Through the LERO Lens - shows that when city services work together with those possessing lived experiences of the challenges we're striving to resolve, it really is possible to start changing people's futures." Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin said: “Individuals navigating multiple disadvantage, from homelessness and substance reliance to mental health struggles, are often failed by fragmented systems. “This short film shows how a coordinated approach, that ensures that people get the right support at the right time, really can change lives.” Earlier this year, Leicester received more than £3m from the government to fund the next phase of the Changing Futures programme. The second phase of the programme will run until 2028-29. The new funding will continue to pay for a local multi-agency team that provides intensive and specialist support to the people in most need. Cllr Cutkelvin added: “Over the next three years, this funding will enable us to strengthen integration and collaboration across all sectors – and deliver sustainable, long-term improvements for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.” Dear Albert’s Through the LERO Lens will be shown at the The Stairway Project at 68 Humberstone Gate at 2pm tomorrow (Friday 10 July). Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved in advance at eventbrite.co.uk Dear Albert is a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO). LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Ambitions to transform an underused area of a Leicester estate have reached an important milestone with the appointment of a construction partner. Following a competitive tendering exercise, Leicester City Council has selected Clegg Construction as its delivery partner for the major £18.8 million redevelopment of the Stocking Farm estate, in the north-west of the city. The city council has worked closely with the local community over recent years to shape proposals for the area, which will see 50 new energy-efficient family council homes built on the 3.34-acre site, along with new community facilities. An additional five existing council maisonettes will also be improved as part of the scheme. All the new homes will be built to the highest energy performance standards and feature a range of energy efficiency measures, meaning cheaper energy bills for council tenants and significant carbon savings. The existing locally-listed Stocking Farm farmhouse building – which dates to the 19th century – will also be redeveloped to provide six much-needed supported living apartments. An additional 16 supported living apartments will be created in the grounds. Major landscaping will also be carried out to provide attractive community outdoor space, with improved footpaths, sustainable drainage and space for wildlife to flourish. There will be another opportunity for residents to be involved in the design of the new community open space in the coming months. A new road will also be constructed connecting Marwood Road to Packwood Road. Existing pedestrian links between the new homes and shops will also be improved. Designs will be finalised over the coming months with construction of the new homes expected to begin by winter 2026. The first homes are expected to be complete by mid-2028. Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on housing, economy and neighbourhoods, said: “We are committed to investing in our council estates and local neighbourhoods. Stocking Farm presents an opportunity to make lasting and ambitious improvements that will transform this neighbourhood, provide much-needed new council homes and bring real benefits to the area. “I’m pleased that we have now appointed Clegg Construction as our delivery partner for this ambitious scheme which will help bring unused land and property back into use, improve life for local residents, and help kickstart the regeneration of this important part of the city.” Michael Sims, managing director of Clegg Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Leicester City Council to deliver much needed new homes in Leicester. This is a significant project that will provide modern new homes, and we look forward to working closely with the council and the team to bring the development forward and deliver a scheme that everyone involved can be proud of.” Christian White, pre-construction director of Clegg Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council to deliver new sustainable homes in the heart of the Stocking Farm estate. “Utilising modern methods of construction, these new homes will be delivered to exceed benchmark industry targets for embodied carbon, and we will use renewable technologies to deliver sustainable homes which will be fit for future generations and meet the growing demand for new affordable housing. “We will also work closely with project stakeholders, local community groups and businesses to ensure that we deliver tangible social impact within the local community and surrounding areas.” The cost of the Stocking Farm regeneration scheme will be covered using money from Leicester City Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) which includes rent income, government funding and capital from Right to Buy receipts. Unused Right to Buy money is returned to the Government unless it is spent, so housing schemes like this help ensure the money is reinvested locally into much-needed affordable housing. The city council was also awarded £500,000 of government funding from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme to support delivery of these high-quality council homes, including demolition and site preparation costs. LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Motorists are being advised that traffic restrictions will be in place on a busy Leicester road from next week as traffic calming measures are introduced. Leicester City Council will be closing part of Gipsy Lane, between its junctions with Northfield Road and Oliver Road, for up to seven weeks while works are carried out. The aim is to help reduce traffic speeds alongside North Mead Primary Academy and improve road safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren. Two existing 20mph zones will also be linked with a short extension of the regulations to cover a short stretch of Gipsy Lane, between Oliver Road and Naseby Road. The improvements are being made in response to concerns raised by local ward councillors and residents. Works will involve raising the two existing zebra crossings onto raised tables, installing speed cushions and widening parts of the footpath between Huntingdon Road and Marsden Lane. The road closure will be in place from Sunday 12 July. Well signposted diversions will be in place during the works. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport, said: “This road closure is required while important road safety improvements are carried out to this busy route which runs alongside a local school. “The work will be carried out during the school summer holidays when traffic is considerably reduced, and we will do all that we can to ensure that work is completed quickly and that the road reopens in good time.” The improvement scheme will cost £250,000 and will be funded for the transport improvement works budget as part of Leicester City Council’s capital programme. LCC News - Published on Thursday, July 9, 2026

Residents across North West Leicestershire can soon benefit from several improvements to Fox Connect, Leicestershire County Council’s on-demand transport service. FoxConnect allows users to book a journey via the app or by phone to travel to local centres, services and areas of interest. Coming into effect from Wednesday (15 July), enhancements include; the addition of Ashby-de-la-Zouch as a new destination within Zone 11, to give passengers better access to employment, education and healthcare in the area. Alongside this, a number of Family Hub locations across the Coalville area have been added as stops, making it easier for families to access support services, activities and community facilities. These include: Coalville Children and Family Centre Coalville Library Family Hub Greenhill Family Hub The changes are part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity across the district and help residents travel more easily to the places and services they need. In total, there are now 11 FoxConnect zones across Leicestershire, offering improved access to public transport and better connectivity for residents. Journeys can be booked through the Leicestershire FoxConnect app, or by calling the telephone booking line on 0116 216 7756. Rides can be booked up to seven days in advance. More information on the improvements, as well as a full list of villages served by FoxConnect can be found on the Choose How You Move Website. Leicestershire County Council News - Thursday, 9 July, 2026

A man has been charged after a number of offences of robbery and theft in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Jack Moore, 33, of Montvale Gardens, Leicester has been charged with: One count of theft from person relating to a theft in Sweetbriar Road, Leicester on 31 May 2026 One count of theft from store relating to a store theft in Exploration Drive, Leicester on 22 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Granby Street, Leicester on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Lower Parliament Steet, Nottingham on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Stephenson Drive, New Parks on 2 July 2026 Two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence relating to the Lower Parliament Street and Stephenson Drive robberies One count of possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place relating to the Granby Street robbery Moore has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 9 July). Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:54 09/07/2026

A murder investigation is under way after a man's body was found in a caravan in a lay-by in Loughborough. Leicestershire Police have released the following statement. A murder investigation has commenced following the discovery of a man's body in a caravan located in a lay-by in Loughborough. Enquires are being carried out following the death, which was initially reported to police on Monday (6 July) at around 11.40pm. East Midlands Ambulance Service attended and was pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. UPDATED VIDEO V2:00 09/07/26 12:45 Subsequent enquiries have found that the deceased man – who was in his 40s – reported being involved in an altercation in the days leading up to being found. A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. Enquiries are in their early stages to establish what has happened and to determine what has led to this man’s death. Detective Inspector Mike Chandler, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) is leading the investigation. He said: “I’ve got a dedicated team of officers working to understand what’s happened in this altercation and the events that led to the death of this man. “Officers will be in the area of Derby Road over the coming days, carrying out enquiries and forensic investigations. A cordon will remain in place while these enquiries are carried out. “Anyone with any information, contact us on 101, quoting incident number incident 26*398136.” Pictures and Video by Leicester Media Online (PICTURES UPDATE 10:00 09/07/26) Leicestershire Police News - Published: 19:07 08/07/2026

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a driver involved in a serious collision in Thrussington passed away. Officers were called to Ratcliffe Road on Friday 26 June after a report of a collision around 10.48pm involving a black Renault Laguna and a red Massey Ferguson tractor which was pulling a trailer. The driver of the car and a passenger were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Two further passengers in the car sustained minor injuries. On Friday (3 July) the force was notified of the death of the driver, who had died on Sunday 28 June. The passenger has since been discharged from hospital. It is believed the Renault was travelling in the direction of Thrussington and the tractor was travelling in the opposite direction when the collision occurred. Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or saw either vehicle beforehand. They would also urge anyone who may have captured footage on their dashcam equipment to get in touch. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable 4224 Anna Andrew on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk quoting incident 980 of 26 June. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:00 09/07/2026

Residents are set for safer journeys on Oadby’s busy Harborough Road junction, as £400k funding from local developers has been used for new crossings and traffic signals. In line with Leicestershire County Council’s transport policy and taking into consideration local feedback, we have made changes to traffic direction and narrowed unnecessarily wide carriageways to make crossing the road safer and easier for road users in Oadby. New signalled crossings on Uplands Road, Harborough Road and New Street will make journeys to and from nearby Launde Primary School safer and easier for children and their parents or carers. Andrew Hamilton-Gray, Lead Member for Highways and Transport said: "Making road safety upgrades in a busy area like Oadby is so important for all road users and helps keep this thriving community moving. Using developer funding for this project also delivers excellent value for taxpayers." Based on extensive traffic modelling, a left turn ban from the A6 northwest bound to the B582 Southwest bound will work in tandem with signalled crossings to improve traffic flow and reduce delays for motorists. Existing traffic signals in this area were 19-years old and at the end of their useful life and so developer funding was also used to replace these with a new, more efficient model. Residents are thanked for their patience throughout these essential works. Traffic changes went live on 2 July. Leicestershire County Council News - Wednesday, 8 July, 2026