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

Royal Mail today announced that 2,019 dog attacks on its staff were reported over the past year, marking an 8% decrease compared to the previous reporting period. Whilst the company welcomes the drop, attacks remain unacceptably high. The figure equates to an average of 38 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries. ROYAL MAIL’S DOG AWARENESS WEEK 2026 OVER 2,000 DOG ATTACKS ON POSTIES LAST YEAR THAT'S 38 DOG ATTACKS ON POSTAL WORKERS EVERY WEEK Over half (52%) of dog attacks took place at the front door Leicester is on the top Ten listing at number 9 and appears on the list of highest risk locations for the first time, with 34 attacks recorded — a 31% increase on the 26 incidents reported in 2024/25. This year also saw a reduction in attacks causing serious and significant injury to postal workers. There were 61 significant injuries recorded in 2025/26, compared with 74 the previous year — a 17% reduction. However, the number of serious injuries The figures have been released at the start of the 14th annual Dog Awareness Week, which will run from 6-12 July and actively encourages responsible dog ownership. Royal Mail is appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the devastating impact of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen and take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery postal workers, or the community at large, through responsible dog ownership. For the second consecutive year, the S (Sheffield) postcode recorded the highest number of incidents, with 61 attacks reported. Although still the postcode area with the greatest number of attacks, the total figure was down 8% on last year when 66 attacks were recorded. Two postcode areas were ranked joint second for dog attacks on postal workers — DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford), each recording 53 incidents. They were followed by NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) postcode areas in third place, with 50 attacks each. There were 1,048 (52%) attacks at the front door, a 4% increase on the 1,005 last year. These figures highlight that the majority of incidents happen on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are under control at all times to prevent harm to authorised visitors. A further 511 (25%) dog attacks took place in the garden, drive or yard. There were 135 (7%) attacks in the street or road. There were 324 injuries suffered through the letterbox - accounting for 16% of attacks on postal workers. Letterbox attacks were the subject of a 2020 High Court ruling that stated dog owners (or those in care of a dog) can be prosecuted if their pets have free access to the letterbox and cause injury to any delivery operative, whether the owner is at home or not. Dog attacks on Royal Mail colleagues resulted in 3,442 days of absence in 2025/26 - with the longest period ongoing at 300+ days. There are approximately 15.5 million pet dogs in the UK, according to UK Pet Food’s Pet Data Report 2026. Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “While it’s encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress. Every attack is one too many. “We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep. We’re urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe.” Top postcode areas for dog attacks on postal workers: 1st The S (Sheffield) postcode area was ranked the highest risk location for Royal Mail postal workers for the second consecutive year, with 61 dog attacks reported. This marks an 8% decrease from the 66 attacks recorded in 2024/25. Notably, the S postcode area has appeared on every high risk list since postcode-specific data began and, for the fifth time, tops the ranking for dog attacks. 2nd The DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford) postcode areas are the second joint highest-risk locations with 53 dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers reported in each location. The DN (Doncaster) postcode has seen a 26% increase in dog attacks, appearing in the top 10 most dangerous locations for the second consecutive year and for only the second time since Royal Mail began publishing these figures. Attacks have risen from 42 reported in 2024/25. The GU (Guildford) postcode area appears on the high-risk postcode list for the seventh time since Royal Mail began publishing postcode-specific figures. The total represents a slight 2% decrease from 54 attacks reported last year. 3rd The NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) postcode areas are the third joint highest-risk locations with 50 dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers reported in each location. The NE (Newcastle) postcode area saw an 11% increase on dog attacks this year, up on 45 in 2024/25. This is the 5th time the area has appeared in the high-risk locations. Dog attacks in the PO (Portsmouth) were down on last year –compared to 60 for 2024/25 – equating to a 17% drop – but attack numbers are significant enough that it remains in the high-risk list. The postcode area came joint top of dangerous locations for dog attacks in 2023/24. The PO postcode area has featured in the top, most high-risk areas for dog attacks for nine consecutive years and 10 in total since Royal Mail began publishing attack figures. 4th The NG (Nottingham) postcode saw 48 dog attacks on postal workers this year. This is a 2% decrease on the 49 attacks in 2024/25. This is the sixth consecutive year that the NG postcode area has appeared in the list of most dangerous locations for dog attacks – last year it was the 5th most unsafe location in the UK for dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers. The postcode area has featured in the high-risk locations 10 times since Royal Mail began reporting postcode specific figures. 5th The SA (Swansea) postcode area is in fifth place for dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers with 44 attacks reported. This is the third time the SA postcode area has featured in the top 10 list for dog attacks. Dog attacks have risen from 25 last year, marking a 76% increase. 6th The BT (Belfast) postcode area reported 37 dog attacks this year - an 18% drop on last year compared to 45 incidents reported in 2024/25. Last year the postcode area was the 8th most dangerous place for attacks. The BT postcode area has appeared in every dog attack hot-spot list since Royal Mail began releasing location specific date in 2013. It has been the most dangerous location for attacks five times. 7th The ME (Rochester) postcode area reported 36 attacks on postal workers during 2024/25 making it the 7th most dangerous postcode area in the UK for dog attacks on postal workers. This figure represents a 38% increase on the 26 attacks reported in the previous year. This is the third time the postcode has appeared in the most high-risk list since Royal Mail began reporting postcode specific figures. 8th The TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) and YO (York) postcode areas are the eighth joint highest-risk locations with 35 dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers reported in each location. The TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) postcode area recorded a 38% decrease in dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers this year, following a 33% increase in 2024/25. The TN postcode area has appeared on the list of most dangerous areas for dog attacks for 12 consecutive years and ranked as the most dangerous location for postal workers in 2022/23. The YO (York) postcode area has appeared on the list of dangerous postcodes three times since Royal Mail began reporting postcode specific figures. The last time it appeared was in 2014/15. This year’s figure represents a 25% increase on the 28 incidents reported in 2024/25. 9th The LE (Leicester) postcode area appears on the list of highest risk locations for the first time, with 34 attacks recorded — a 31% increase on the 26 incidents reported in 2024/25. 10th The ST (Staffordshire) postcode area has featured on Royal Mail’s list of most dangerous areas for the second consecutive. This year, 31 dog attacks on postal workers were reported—a 23% drop on the 40 incidents recorded in 2024/25. Case study: Katy's Story: Katy has worked as a postie in Bristol for around three years and has been on the same delivery route for more than two and a half years. In January 2026, Katy was seriously injured in a dog attack while out delivering mail on her usual route. Katy says: I love my job. I know my customers really well and feel part of the wider community. I meet lots of lovely dogs on my round, and the vast majority are well behaved and kept under control. In this case, the dog was one I knew well and had been aware of since it was young. It had always been friendly towards me and had never shown any signs of aggressive behaviour before. That was one of the most shocking things about the incident. But dogs are naturally territorial animals and, however well behaved they may normally be, they can sometimes react unpredictably. I was out on my round when I turned a blind corner into a shared driveway area. The dog approached me at speed from behind and everything happened so quickly that I had no time to react. I suddenly felt the impact as it clamped onto my lower leg, knocking me off my feet. Before I knew it, I was on the ground in severe pain. The dog bit me just below the knee, causing five puncture wounds, three of them very deep. Two required stitches and the attack also caused tendon damage that I still live with today. The injuries were far worse than I initially realised. There was significant bleeding from the wound and some of the deeper bites had torn the skin, requiring urgent medical treatment. The physical injuries were serious. I couldn't walk unaided for around three weeks, couldn't drive for approximately three months and was off work for three months while I recovered. The wounds later became badly infected, which made an already painful recovery even more difficult. One of the puncture wounds took weeks, if not months, to heal properly, and I still live with the effects of the injury today. The physical injuries were painful and frustrating, but the biggest impact was psychological. I became very anxious and depressed after the attack. Even now, six months later, it still affects me. I'll never quite be the same person I was before. The scars on my leg are permanent, but the mental scars run much deeper. I'm not frightened of dogs, but the incident has made me much more cautious. It showed me that these situations can happen unexpectedly, even with dogs that have never shown any signs of aggression before. I now take extra care whenever I hear a dog barking or see a dog near a property. I make additional checks and ensure it is safe before approaching a door. It has definitely made me more vigilant. My message to dog owners is simple: please don't take any risks. Your dog may be the friendliest dog in the world, but animals can act unpredictably. Keeping your dog safely secured before opening the door or accepting a delivery can prevent serious incidents from happening. If you know your dog is excitable or boisterous, take extra precautions such as using dog gates or an external letterbox. These simple steps can make a huge difference. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I experienced. It was a horrible ordeal and something that continues to affect me today. By taking a few simple precautions, dog owners can help keep posties, visitors and their dogs safe. *Top Tips for Dog Owners: Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their owners, they can become unpredictable. Here are some ideas to help your postman or postwoman deliver your post in safety: • Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives. Place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room. • Never open the door when your dog is behind you. • Please ensure your dog is prevented from accessing or approaching our postman or postwoman when they call. This includes securing any access between the back and front garden and ensuring dogs in front gardens are safely contained and unable to reach the postman or postwoman. • Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to sign for an item. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack. • Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered. • Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible. • If your dog likes to attack your mail, consider installing a wire letter receptacle. It will protect your post, and your postman’s or postwoman’s fingers. • If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property. Please visit www.royalmail.com/dogawareness for more information on dog safety. UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL00.01 MONDAY 6 JULY 2026 BST GRAPHIC CONTENT Content Cover a media assignments agency

The existing yellow heat-health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West will be escalated to amber The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued updated heat-health alerts (HHA) for all regions in England, warning that rising temperatures this week may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. The existing yellow heat-health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West will be escalated to amber and will be in place from 9am on Wednesday 8 July until 9pm on Sunday 12 July. The yellow heat-health alert will remain in place until then. A yellow heat-health alert has also been issued for the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber and will be in place for the same time period, from 9am on Wednesday 8 July until 9pm on Sunday 12 July. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk.If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice.Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather. UKHSA will continue to monitor and update alerts if necessary. Last updated 6 July 2026

Trades at Leicester Market are to have their rents waived until the end of this year, as works to complete the new market square gather pace. City Mayor Peter Soulsby met with the traders’ representatives today (Wednesday) to warn them that disruption on site would be intensifying from next Monday (13 July), as work to install the market’s new electricity substation gets under way. Works to create an enclosure for the new substation at the rear of the Corn Exchange could take up to 24 weeks – with works to install the new transformer, and connect it to the power network, expected to continue into the new year. Access to the food hall will be maintained throughout the works, with three of the hall’s four entrances open at all times. Hoardings will be put up around the site compound to create a safe corridor for shoppers using the entrance close to the Alice Hawkins statue, while the doors on Market Place North and the entrance closest to the Corn Exchange pub will be unaffected by the current works. The food hall traders have already had to deal with disruption caused by works to create a new electrical switch room – and will face more challenges when work to lay the new porphyry surface gets under way. There will be further inconvenience for the market traders before Christmas, with a demolition team set to start work on Market Place North to create a new pedestrian link through to Cank Street. “I am acutely aware of the difficulties that both the outdoor traders and those inside the food hall are facing, as we drive forward the transformation of our market place,” said City Mayor Peter Soulsby. “Running a business from a building site certainly brings its challenges, and it’s clear that the works are having an impact on footfall. “As we make this final push towards completing the scheme, the disruption will inevitably intensify – and I recognise the impact this will have on traders who are already struggling. “So today we have written to all the existing licensed traders – both indoor and outdoor – to tell them that rent on their existing stalls will be waived from Monday (13 July) until 31 December 2026. “I hope this gesture shows that we want these businesses to survive – and that we want them to continue to prosper when these long-awaited improvements to the market have been completed. “I would like to remind everyone that both the outdoor market on Green Dragon Square and the indoor Food Hall are open, and will remain open for business, throughout the works – and I sincerely hope that the traders’ loyal customers will not be put off by the inconvenience of the building works and will continue to support them through these difficult times.” The City Mayor will invite the traders’ representatives in for a further meeting in the autumn, when they will discuss the timing for their preferred return to the market place. While a significant proportion of the new square will be paved before Christmas, the traders have previously expressed a preference for moving back to their original site after the Christmas trading period. Picture caption: An artist's impression shows how the brand new market stalls could look on Leicester's new market square Leicester City Council News - Published on Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Yesterday (Tuesday 7 July) officers arrested a man suspected to be involved in a courier fraud offence. Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts victims by telephone claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The caller sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily. In September last year an elderly woman was contacted by someone claiming to be a bank official who said he was investigating fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank card and that he needed to send a courier to collect the card. The card was subsequently collected by a courier then used to purchase items. The incident took place in Oxfordshire and was reported to Thames Valley Police. The investigation was later transferred to Leicestershire when it was identified that the suspect may be residing in the area. PC Clifford from the force’s Specialist Crime Unit, was the investigating officer, she said: “Following extensive enquiries we executed a warrant at two addresses in East Leicester and arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. He has subsequently been released on bail pending further enquiries. “This type of offence is of great concern to us. Suspects are targeting elderly or vulnerable people. They sound genuine and gain the trust of the victims. “The police or banks would not contact people in this way. If you get a call like this hang up. Don’t be pressured into agreeing to anything. Discuss the call and any requests made of you with a family member or trusted friend, even if the person on the phone tells you not to. “Please consider contacting your bank on a known official number, preferably via an alternate number to verify any calls directly with your bank. Your bank cards are yours and neither the banks, nor the police would ask you to hand them to somebody for safekeeping. “We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents. “Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity. “At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to collect bank cards or transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately. “Further advice about the scam can be found on the Report Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ and the steps people can take to protect themselves.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:15 08/07/2026

The family of a man who died following a collision in Shepshed have paid tribute to a ‘devoted husband’ and ‘amazing father’. Police were called to Charley Road just after 8.45am on Sunday (5 July) following a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a red Yamaha MT07 motorcycle. Officers attended with colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service but the rider, Douglas Burton, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement, Mr Burton’s family said: “At 84 years old, he was still doing what he had loved since the age of 16. Motorcycling was his lifelong passion and he spent countless hours restoring and renovating motorcycles with incredible skill and dedication. “He was the devoted husband of Martha for 63 wonderful years. As childhood sweethearts, they built a lifetime of love together. He was an amazing father to his three children, always encouraging and supporting us throughout our lives and careers. “He was also an outstanding grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren, who adored him and will forever treasure the love, guidance, and kindness he gave so freely. “He was a true gentleman – kind, caring, humble and respected by everyone who knew him. His gentle nature touched so many lives, and he will be forever loved and deeply missed.” Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about this incident – including motorists with dashcam footage – to come forward. You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting reference 26*394176 or calling 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published :10:08 08/07/2026

East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, is advising customers to travel only if essential for the rest of the week, as high temperatures are expected to impact rail services across the region. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert across six regions of England, from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 July 2026. As a result, EMR will introduce temporary timetable changes to help keep services running safely and reliably. Customers who need to travel are strongly encouraged to do so before 12:00 noon, avoiding the hottest part of the day wherever possible. To help reduce disruption Intercity services will operate with the removal of some services, while regional services between Nottingham and Worksop, and Nottingham and Leicester will be suspended from 12:00 noon. These changes are being made to reduce the impact of the extreme temperatures on the railway, with some services also expected to operate at reduced speeds for safety reasons. Customers should expect disruption across the network, with longer journey times and an increased risk of delays and short-notice alterations. The operational plan for Thursday and Friday remains under review, and customers are encouraged to check their journey before they travel. Customers who need to travel are encouraged to plan ahead and take simple steps to stay safe and comfortable. As well as travelling before 12:00 noon, customers should carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and wait in shaded areas or station waiting rooms. Customers are encouraged to check the latest travel information before setting off via the EMR website or app. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "The hot weather means we'll need to make some temporary changes to our services to keep the railway operating safely. "If you do need to travel and the journey is essential, we'd recommend travelling before midday and checking your journey before setting off. "We appreciate these changes may inconvenience some customers and we'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to keep people moving safely." EMR News - 07 Jul 2026

Community leaders who are passionate about Leicester have been appointed to lead roles in the Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). The Government has selected three parts of Leicester – covering Braunstone Park West, Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, and Eyres Monsell – to be part of the Programme, which will see £20 million invested in each area over the next ten years. The Programme represents a long-term investment in local communities and aims to ensure local voices are at the heart of decision-making. Leicester City Council has worked with local MPs to recruit independent chairs for each Pride in Place neighbourhood board. The chairs will now lead the formation of their neighbourhood boards, bringing together local residents, business, and partners to help shape plans for their communities. The chairs bring a range of local knowledge, community connections and leadership experience to the programme. In Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, Mohammed Lockhat and Derry Hand have been appointed as co-chairs of the local Pride in Place neighbourhood board Mohammed is co-founder of the Peace Centre, based in Thurncourt. From there, he co-ordinates the local food bank and is also lead Imam at the centre’s As Salaam Mosque. He said: “I look forward to working with residents, partners, and local groups to build a transparent, community-led vision for Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall that reflects our shared priorities and creates lasting, positive change for everyone. “My approach is simple: listen to people, understand their needs and work with others to find practical solutions. I am committed to helping residents feel heard, supported, and proud of the place they call home.” Derry Hand currently serves as chairman of Leicester Navy Cadets, based at Thurnby Lodge Community Centre, where he helps oversee activities that support young people to develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. He has been involved in a number of local initiatives, including supporting the annual Thurnby Lodge Remembrance Parade. Derry said: "Supporting young people and strengthening communities has always been at the heart of what I do, and I look forward to building on the strengths of Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, creating new opportunities, and working with residents and partners to help us all feel proud of the area.” In Braunstone Park West, Dave Bennett MBE has been appointed as chair for the Pride in Place neighbourhood board and Daisy Richards as vice-chair. Dave is headteacher at The Winstanley School, as well as a member of One Church and a trustee for Leicester’s Open Hands charity. Dave said: “My work at The Winstanley School has made me aware of the many challenges that people in the Braunstone area face. I am very excited about my role as chair of the neighbourhood board in Braunstone Park West and having the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of those living in the area.” Daisy, who was born and raised in Braunstone, works as a communications and engagement manager at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and also supports local youth organisations and charities, leading on bid-writing, public engagement and marketing materials. She is a passionate advocate for grassroots community action. Daisy said: “I am excited to take up the role of Pride in Place vice-chair in Braunstone, working alongside local people and partners to strengthen community engagement and ensure that those in the area feel valued and heard as part of this important programme. Together, we will deliver lasting, locally-led change from the ground up, supporting what matters most, where it matters most.” For the Eyres Monsell Pride in Place Programme, the new chair is Robert Martin, who is chief executive of Menphys, a local charity supporting disabled children and their families. He has worked across health, charity leadership, SEND advocacy, governance and community development, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families who are too often left out of decision-making. He said: “I am committed to supporting a community-led vision that reflects local strengths, listens carefully to the residents and helps turn long-term investment into lasting, visible change.” Dan James is vice-chair in Eyres Monsell. He has lived in Eyres Monsell since 2013 and has developed strong connections across the community through his work in education, faith and local engagement. As a former teacher at Rolleston Primary School and currently pastor of Eyres Monsell Community Church, he has extensive experience working with local children, families and community organisations. He said: “I am passionate about Eyres Monsell and proud to call it home. I am delighted to take on the role of vice-chair and I look forward to helping deliver lasting improvements that reflect the priorities of the local community.” Andrew Shilliam, director of corporate services at the council said: “I’m delighted to welcome these leaders to the Pride in Place Programme, bringing with them a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and local knowledge. “Pride in Place is community-led and will be shaped by local residents and organisations. Now that chairs have been appointed, the next stage is to set up neighbourhood boards. Once established, the boards will listen and learn about the views, experiences and aspirations of people living and working in the area to develop a long-term plan for the neighbourhood and its communities.” Led by the independent chairs, Pride in Place neighbourhood boards will be formed of mainly local people, including residents and representatives from local businesses, community organisations and other partners. The local MP and at least one ward councillor will also be members. Chairs are now inviting people living and working in the three Pride in Place areas to submit an expression of interest to join the board. Anyone interested can find out more by filling in the form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0PGU84YFd9 by the closing date of Wednesday 29 July. Alongside this, there will be opportunities for everyone to help shape local priorities through a programme of community engagement. More information about how to get involved will be released over the summer. The Government announced in September 2025 that Leicester would receive funding from its Pride in Place Programme. The city council was not involved in the selection of areas, but has been asked to act as accountable body on the government’s behalf, which means it will provide the governance, financial oversight and administrative support needed to help deliver the programme. More information on the programme is available on gov.uk and at leicester.gov.uk/pride-in-place Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, July 7, 2026