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Our future hospitals are quickly becoming a reality, with groundwork now officially underway on the new £12.8 million Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The site has been set up, hoardings are in place, and excavation has begun to prepare the foundation area for the new facility – a visible and exciting step forward for the project. This marks a significant milestone in improving urgent care services for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The new UTC was announced in December 2025 and is expected to open in 2027. It will replace the existing Minor Injuries and Minor Illnesses (MIaMI) unit and will provide a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of patients requiring same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive, said: “The start of groundwork on our new Urgent Treatment Centre is a really important and exciting moment for our Trust and for local communities. Seeing activity on site brings this investment to life and demonstrates our commitment to improving urgent care. This new facility will support our colleagues and significantly improve the experience for patients when they need us most.” As work gets underway, patients, visitors, and colleagues will begin to see changes across the Leicester Royal Infirmary site. The new Urgent Treatment Centre forms part of our future hospitals programme, which is focused on modernising hospital facilities and ensuring services are fit for the future. It will complement the £39m of funding secured in December last year from the national New Hospital Programme. This will fund essential enabling works to start this year, including the relocation of services such as the hearing and balance service from the Knighton Street campus to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre in early 2027. These works will support plans for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with building expected to start in 2032. It is expected to bring maternity, neonatal, gynaecology and children’s services together into a single, state‑of‑the‑art building. Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer of the New Hospital Programme said; “It’s great to see work starting on site at Leicester Royal Infirmary, marking real progress for local patients and communities. This new Urgent Treatment Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built space that supports faster, more effective care closer to home. We’re proud to be working with local partners to deliver facilities that meet the needs of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland now and into the future.” Dr Saad Jawaid, Consultant in Emergency and Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine at UHL, said: “The new Urgent Treatment Centre will give us a purpose-built space that reflects how urgent care is delivered today. It will help us improve patient flow, provide care in a more appropriate environment and deliver a better overall experience for patients.” The UTC builds on a period of significant investment across our hospitals over the past 12 months, including the East Midlands Planned Care Centre and Endoscopy Unit at Leicester General Hospital, the Preston Lodge rehabilitation unit in North Evington, and the Hinckley Community Diagnostic Centre. These developments are helping to deliver world‑class services closer to where patients live, supporting improved access to care, and contributing to the Government’s 10‑year plan for the NHS. Construction work is being delivered by Henry Brothers, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “Breaking ground on this new Urgent Treatment Centre marks a significant milestone. We’re proud to be working at the forefront of the health construction sector, helping to bring a vital and inspiring community resource to fruition. Once complete, these facilities will make a real difference to how local people access urgent care close to home.” University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Press release

Get a sneak preview of some of the fascinating object found during construction of Pork Pie Way Residents and visitors are invited to uncover thousands of years of history at a special one-day pop-up exhibition showcasing remarkable archaeological finds discovered during the construction of the Melton Mowbray distributor road – now officially named Pork Pie Way. Taking place at Melton Carnegie Museum on Friday 22 May from 10am to 3pm, the free, family-friendly event will offer a rare glimpse into how the local landscape has evolved, from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and invites visitors to explore the hidden stories beneath Leicestershire’s landscape in an engaging and accessible setting. It will feature an extraordinary range of artefacts unearthed during construction work on the £131 million road project, revealing a rich and varied past. Highlights include prehistoric flint tools such as a Palaeolithic hammerstone dating back to around 12,000 BC, a Late Mesolithic blade, a Neolithic knife, and an Early Bronze Age barbed and tanged arrowhead. Visitors will also be able to view pottery spanning centuries, including an Early Bronze Age Beaker vessel, Late Prehistoric and Roman Iron Age (Belgic) pottery from around AD 40, Samian ware stamps, and Saxon pottery dating to around AD 600. Other fascinating finds include Roman coins, a brooch, a bone pin, a glass bead, and Saxon loom weights and a spindle whorl – and oldest of all, a fossilised vertebra from a Jurassic ichthyosaur -an enormous marine reptile that swam in the area’s ancient seas over 200 million years ago. Visitors attending the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet archaeologists and specialists involved in the project, learn more about the excavation process, and ask questions about the discoveries. Most of the artefacts on display will also be available to handle. Friday’s event offers a unique “sneak preview” of the finds before they are sent away for cataloguing and conservation, ahead of being allocated a permanent home, which is yet to be determined. Alongside the artefacts, a series of display boards and visual materials will help tell the story of the excavation and bring the site to life. Visitors are encouraged to drop in throughout the day to explore the exhibition and uncover the fascinating stories hidden beneath Melton Mowbray’s landscape. The one-day exhibition complements the fascinating permanent displays on show in the museum, which tell the story of the area from pre-history to modern times. More information about Melton Carnegie Museum, including opening times and further details of the permanent displays, is available on the Melton Carnegie Museum

Maintenance work on a bridge on a busy road in Leicester is due to take place later this month. Repairs and maintenance will be carried to the St Barnabas Road bridge, which crosses the Bushby Brook in the North Evington area of the city, from Monday 26 May. Planned works will include repointing brickwork on the bridge parapets, repairing and repainted the structural metalwork, renewing the waterproofing system and resurfacing the carriageway across the bridge. The maintenance work is expected to take about eight weeks to complete. To ensure the work can be carried out safely, part of St Barnabas Road, between Gough Road and Stonebridge Street, will be closed to traffic in both directions for the duration of the scheme. Well signposted diversions will be in place using St Barnabas Road, Uppingham Road, Coleman Road, Green Lane Road and East Park Road. Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council highways director, said: “This essential maintenance work needs to be carried out to ensure the St Barnabas Road bridge, which is part of the city’s main road network, remains usable for commuters and large goods vehicles for many years to come. “The nature of the repairs means we will have to close part of this busy route to traffic for around eight weeks. We will do everything we can to help minimise disruption and diversions will be clearly signposted.” Along with the planned road closure, some temporary parking and loading restriction may be required along nearby roads to help keep traffic flowing. Residents and businesses in the area have been advised of the forthcoming roadworks by letter, and advance warning signs will be place on St Barnabas Road before works starts on site. The bridge maintenance works will cost about £130,000 and will be funded through the council’s highways maintenance capital budget. Leicester City Council News - Published on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Police officers investigating a robbery in Leicester are appealing for the victim to come forward. A third-party report was received in relation to a robbery that they witnessed on a canal towpath on Riverside Way, between 12.50pm and 1.10pm on Tuesday 5 May. The victim was riding his bike when he was assaulted with a crowbar, causing him to fall off, two suspects then stole his bike. The incident is believed to have taken place near Ellis Meadows foot bridge. Extensive enquiries have been carried out to identify the victim and ensure he is ok but so far officers have not been able to locate him. He has been described as an Asian man, wearing blue trousers, high vis vest and woollen jacket. If this was you then we would urge you to contact us. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail pending further enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about the victim is asked to contact 101 or report via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference number 26*258327. Published: 14:47 19/05/2026

Families looking for a free or low-cost day out this half term should head for Leicester’s parks, libraries and museums. The city council and its partners have organised a range of indoor and outdoor activities that children and young people of all ages will enjoy – and they’re all listed in a handy online guide. This year’s Spark Festival is running performances, workshops and activities until Sunday (24 May), with many of them completely free of charge. Families, for example, can pop into the Phoenix for a Paper Movies workshop on Saturday 23 May, while Curve will also be open that day for a free Family Community Day Leicester’s libraries are offering a wide range of free half-term activities, from Lego codingworkshops at Knighton Library and a Learn to Knit Club at the Pork Pie Library, to storytelling and craft sessions. On Tuesday 26 May, award-winning storyteller Tim Ralphs and community storyteller Jos Razzell will lead families into a magical world that will be brought to life by the youngsters’ own craft creations. Life’s Full Of Stories takes place at the Central Library on Tuesday 26 May and pre-booking on the two sessions is required. Also on Tuesday (26 May), Abbey Pumping Station opens its doors for its popular Half Term Railway Day, when rides on the narrow gauge railway will cost just £1, while there’s a chance to meet mermaids and a larger-than-life octopus at the Haymarket shopping centre’s free Under the Sea event. On Wednesday (27 May), the city’s Newarke Houses Museum and its beautiful gardens will be open for half-term. Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of crafts at Fairies & Bugs, when youngsters can make a ladybird hat and a flying fairy or follow the bug hunt trail around the gardens. Tickets are £4 per child when booked online (£5 at the door). Accompanying adults are free of charge. Wednesday also sees the return of Funky Feet and Wacky Wheels to Abbey Park. Children of all ages are invited to bling their wheels at the annual celebration of walking and wheeling, before taking part in the grand parade around the Oval. There’s messy, creative fun at the Guildhall on Thursday (28 May), when youngsters can make their own masterpiece from air-drying clay. Admission to Clay Play Day is £4 per child when booked online (£5 at the door). Accompanying adults are free of charge. On Saturday (30 May), there’s an open invitation to young cyclists to take part in Bike Fest at the Leicester Cycle Circuit. Bring your bike and enjoy unlimited free laps of the traffic-free circuit at the Herewoode Academy on Glenfield Road from 1pm-4pm. Open Streets (pictured) returns on Sunday (31 May) with the Graffwerk Street Art Jam, when artists will create live street art alongside spray‑paint workshops and hands‑on upcycling activities. The Art Jam will also include bike fix‑it workshops, accessible cycling sessions from Wheels 4 All, and high‑energy live music. Head to Graffwerk HQ on Jarvis Street, LE3 5BN, from 1pm-4pm to join in the fun. Other ideas for things to do during the half-term break include visiting the animals at Pets’ Corner in Abbey Park, craft activities at Leicester Cathedral, and an exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery that will go down a storm with Star Wars’ fans of all ages. Open daily, May The Toys Be With You features more than 400 exhibits representing five decades of Star Wars toys and memorabilia. And no trip to the museum would be complete without marvelling at the mummies in the Ancient Egypt gallery or popping into the Dinosaur gallery to gaze up at the enormous cetiosaurus. The city council’s list of ideas for free and low-cost half-term fun in Leicester can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/half-term-fun

Residents and tourists in Melton Mowbray and Leicestershire will benefit from more than £49 million in Government investment to reduce congestion, improve air quality and provide faster local journeys, the Roads Minister Richard Holden announced today (Thursday 9 March). The new road scheme – part of a £115.2 million total investment between the Government, local council and private investors - will help unlock the full potential of Britain’s “Rural Capital of Food”, stamping out “rat running” car and lorry traffic from Melton Mowbray and making it easier for residents and tourists to access its historic town centre. With the town famous for its Melton Mowbray pork pie heritage – a protected status - the project will generate an estimated £144 million in economic opportunities by boosting local tourism and supporting over 3,400 new jobs. This will help level up local communities and deliver on one of the Government’s five priorities to grow the economy. The scheme consists of a single carriageway road and extends from the A606 Nottingham Road at the north-western edge of the town to the A606 Burton Road in the south, crossing Scalford Road, Melton Spinney Road, A607 Thorpe Road and B676 Saxby Road to Burton Road. Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “For too many years, Melton has been plagued by disruptive and polluting traffic congestion which has made it difficult to reach its historic town centre, grow our economy, and savour its delicious pork pies and Stilton cheese. “That’s why we’re investing nearly £50 million to boost local connectivity and tackle congestion, supporting more than 3,400 jobs to help Britain’s ‘Rural Capital of Food’ truly reach its full potential.” Melton Mowbray’s historic town centre network is at the convergence of six major routes and sees some of the highest congestion levels on a per mile basis in Leicestershire, mainly because of a high number of heavy lorries passing through the town centre. The new road will take traffic away from the town centre, allowing residents and tourists to visit Melton’s celebrated Market Place more easily while boosting local air quality and connectivity. The project will pave the way for better active travel opportunities by providing a 3m wide combined cycle and footway along almost all of the scheme’s length. It will also improve bus punctuality by taking lorries and heavy traffic away from the town centre. As local authorities predict growing demand for travel into Melton Mowbray, local traffic congestion is expected to increase which could seriously affect the attractiveness of the town to tourists and hamper economic growth. This scheme is just one part of a wider transport strategy for the town which will include other measures to address localised traffic issues, public transport improvements, as well as walking and cycling connectivity. The new single carriageway road will be funded by £49.5 million in Government investment, alongside £51.7 million by Leicestershire County Council and £14 million by private funding. Roads Minister Richard Holden and Councillor Deborah Taylor, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, on site in Melton Councillor Deborah Taylor, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Shorter journey times and reliability are absolutely crucial in securing new business investment, and this new road is vital to support the future growth of the Melton economy “I’m very pleased that, by approving our Full Business Case, the government recognises the importance of this road with the award of this hugely significant funding. “We’re delighted to welcome the Minister to Leicestershire and we can now look forward to the major construction work starting in the next few weeks.” With the opening scheduled for Summer 2025, the project will create new junctions with the radials on its route and provide crossings over the railway line and the River Eye. This measure aligns well with national policy objectives to tackle congestion, encourage economic and housing growth as well as delivering better bus services and improved infrastructure to boost cycling and walking. Leicestershire County Council is working hard to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses, with a “meet the contractor” event being hosted by construction group Galliford Try on Friday and Saturday 17th and 18 March where attendees can find out more about the project. Paul Bennell, Managing Director, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain, said: “This announcement is good news for Melton, helping to reduce traffic congestion and delays. Much work has also been undertaken to position Melton Mowbray as a successful ‘Rural Capital of Food’, including by our team at the Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe. This development will help the town further build on its successful efforts in this area and create more economic benefits.”

The Great Central Railway has been awarded a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking a major milestone for the railway and reflecting the continued strengthening of its long-term relationship with the funder. Thanks to National Lottery players, the grant will support a programme of activity focused on enhancing the railway’s volunteer experience, enriching visits for passengers and visitors, and advancing environmental sustainability across the organisation. Image Credit: John Bagshaw A significant element of the funding will be dedicated to volunteers – the lifeblood of the railway. Investment will support the recruitment of a Volunteer Ambassador role, alongside improvements to induction and training, stronger support arrangements, and outreach work with schools and underrepresented communities. The aim is to make volunteering at the Great Central Railway an even more rewarding experience while helping to attract and retain the people who keep Britain’s only double-track main line heritage railway running. The grant will also support the development of future visitor experiences, with pilot projects linked to the railway’s long-term vision as Britain’s Living Railway. These initiatives will explore new ways of bringing the railway’s rich stories to life, with early concepts including enhanced interpretation, immersive living history experiences, and the use of heritage buses to encourage visitors to discover more of the railway and the surrounding area during their visit. In addition, funding has been secured to develop an Environmental Sustainability Plan. This work will help the railway better understand its environmental impact and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and support biodiversity across the estate. This successful bid also strengthens the railway’s ability to pursue larger strategic heritage projects in future, including those connected to Reunification and the continued long-term development of the line. The achievement reflects the dedication and commitment shown across the organisation by its staff and volunteers. From operating trains and maintaining infrastructure to restoring locomotives and rolling stock, supporting administration, serving customers and representing the railway to the public, the collective effort of the Great Central Railway team has played a central role in securing this significant investment. Work on the funded projects will begin in the coming months, with further updates to be shared as each initiative progresses. Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Visit Leicester has officially announced its Green Days, Green Stays and Green Ways campaign, a major initiative designed to highlight the benefits of regenerative tourism and encourage eco-friendly travel throughout the city and county. Tourists the world over are increasingly aware of the impact of their travel and want to know that their choices make a positive difference, rather than leave a negative impact. Moving beyond traditional sustainability, the campaign focuses on "regenerative tourism" - an approach that allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, eat food grown and made nearby, reconnect with nature, and support independent businesses while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. As the UK’s first Environment City, Leicester is uniquely positioned to lead this movement. The campaign showcases the region's diverse "green" assets: Green Days: celebrates authentic experiences, from exploring the city’s 190+ parks, gardens and open spaces that offer an oasis of calm, visiting an attraction that is taking initiatives to reducing its carbon footprint to getting back to nature in the countryside or learning traditional woodland skills in the National Forest. Green Stays: Highlights accredited, eco-friendly accommodation, including Green Key certified hotels and tech-free rural hideaways. Green Ways: Promotes low-impact travel via an extensive network of walking routes, National Cycle Route 6, and the city’s signature green e-buses. The initiative spotlights local businesses and attractions leading the way in carbon reduction. This includes the National Space Centre, which explores humanity's impact on the solar system and Earth’s ecosystems, and local breweries that use solar energy to produce over 100,000 pints of beer annually. City attractions at King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jewry Wall both use systems to reduce energy usage and selected planting in the gardens that does not need additional watering. There are cafés on national cycle routes that only source local ingredients to reduce food miles and tech free hideaways where you can immerse yourself in nature for a while and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place marketing at Leicester City Council, said: “People want to know that their choices make a difference. Through this campaign, we are showing visitors how they can support local people and experience our real, authentic culture while preserving the environment for future generations.” For more information on how to plan your sustainable visit, go to https://visitleicester.info/green/ Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June. What's On Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today. Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Windrush Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today. The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition. Headlining This Year’s Celebration: This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration. They will be joined by incredible live performances from: Contrast Steel Band Attraction B Angela’s Angels Sam Harris Plus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre. Caribbean High Tea For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere. For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist. With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you. As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices. Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place . PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition. By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come. Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember! For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, visit www.opal22.co.uk Event Details: Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026 Time: 12pm - 8pm. Location: Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester. Entry: Pay What You Can Afford. High Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required) Press release via FU Media - Fraser Urquhart

Former carer gives top tips on supporting someone with dementia A former carer has written a heartfelt leaflet with tips on how to support a loved one with dementia. Ken Swale 88-year-old Ken Swale from Loughborough was a carer for his wife Dorothy who was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia for many years, before she sadly passed away in 2022. He became part of Leicestershire County Council’s adult social care engagement panel to help give input on dementia services that the council provides. Since losing his wife, Ken has dedicated time to educate other carers in as many ways as possible, including his ‘Ken’s Top Tips’ leaflet - full of practical advice on caring for a loved one living with dementia. Ken said: “When Dorothy passed away, of course I grieved, but after two weeks I woke looked up to the ceiling and said 'Thank You Dot" the way she thanked me for looking after her every day until her passing. “Today I walk to her tree I chose - to touch a branch and say ‘thank you Dot for looking after me. This helps to put a smile on my face as my Dorothy would approve. “The Ken’s Tips pamphlet helps those to avoid the stress of being a carer for their loved ones.” Councillor Michael Squires, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “What Ken has done is selfless and incredible, and he is one of many who care for loved ones living with dementia every day. “It can be a daunting time when a dementia diagnosis is made, but there is so much support available, including the dementia support service we help to fund and is delivered by Age UK and, of course, Ken’s own leaflet.” Dementia Action Week (18–24 May) highlights the importance of early recognition, diagnosis and support for people affected by dementia. Dementia often remains undiagnosed in its early stages, but timely identification can significantly improve support available. The Dementia Support Service, provided by Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland offers free information, support and guidance for people with memory issues and/or a diagnosis of dementia, and their carers. For more information visit the Living with Dementia page, call 0116 223 7363 or email the Age UK dementia support team.(link sends email) Ken's leaflet is available to view and download here.(Link is external and opens in new window) Leicestershire Country Council News - Monday, 18 May, 2026 Leicestershire Matters

The North East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road will fully open to traffic from today (18 May), with the new route – now named Pork Pie Way. The £131m, 4.5-mile road runs from the A606 Nottingham Road near St Bartholomew’s Way around the eastern edge of Melton Mowbray to the A606 near Burton Lazars. It is designed to reduce congestion in the town centre, improve journey reliability and support future housing and economic growth. The scheme also includes new walking and cycling routes. Delivered by Galliford Try on behalf of Leicestershire County Council, the scheme marks the completion of the council’s largest ever highways project. Some minor works will continue off‑carriageway following opening including operational monitoring to be completed in line with standard highways practice. Drivers are asked to take care and follow signage as the route opens. The name "Pork Pie Way" Was chosen by local residents in a decisive public vote, Leicestershire County Council’s road will be known as Pork Pie Way. The bold and distinctive name celebrates Melton Mowbray’s world-famous food heritage and its identity as the Rural Capital of Food. Nearly 4,000 people took part in the poll, with the winning name receiving overwhelming public backing, making the reveal a proud and memorable moment for the town. Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be in Melton Mowbray today to mark the opening of Pork Pie Way – a name that embraces the history and heritage of the town – which has been backed by nearly £50 million in government investment. "It’s a proud moment that puts Melton Mowbray firmly on the map, while creating a road that will support new jobs, homes, and opportunities for years to come.” Total votes: 3,968 Pork Pie Way - 2,563 (65%) Wolds Way - 286 (7%) Lazars Way - 256 (6%) Farrier Way - 229 (6%) River Eye Road - 174 (4%) Military Way - 167 (4%) Veteran Road - 130 (3%) Victory Road - 104 (3%) Wreake Road - 59 (2%) For more information on the history of the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road, visit the webpage. Leicestershire County Council News

Police officers, police staff and members of the public were commended for their remarkable acts of bravery, professionalism, courage and determination at the Chief Constable’s Awards on (Thursday 14 May). Picture credit - Leicestershire Police A wide range of awards were presented to police officers, Police Community Support Officers, police staff, volunteers, Special Police Constables and members of the public. From showing courage in emergency situations to protecting the public and securing justice for victims - everyone was a worthy winner. The evening was opened by T/Chief Constable, David Sandall, with our Deputy Chief Constable, Michaela Kerr, and Assistant Chief Constables, Adam Streets and James Avery, presenting a wide range of awards to police officers, Police Community Support Officers, police staff, volunteers, cadets, Special Police Constables and members of the public. Highlights included; Chief Constables Commendations for Bravery: Two PCSOs who ran into a house that was in danger of catching on fire to rescue the owner and his dog; a call handler who was off duty and intervened when she witnessed a violent domestic incident, she called the police and waited with the vulnerable female victim until the police arrived and three police officers who responded to a scene where an unconscious woman had been stabbed multiple times. They provided life-saving first aid and bravely pursued and detained an armed suspect. Crown Court Commendations: An incredible 20 investigative teams were presented with Crown Court Commendations by the High Sherriff of Leicestershire, Mel Thomas. A Crown Court Commendation is a formal recognition given by a high court judge to acknowledge a thorough or complex investigation and exceptional conduct or contribution in connection with a case. Royal Humane Society Awards – presented to five officers who saved the life of a man who was found unconscious after taking drugs when they carried out a warrant at a property in Loughborough. The man has since made a full recovery and is now helping other addicts. Members of the public, and a National Highways officer, who rescued a family from a burning car on the motorway and two members of the public who came across a man bleeding heavily on the pavement. They made a makeshift torniquet to prevent further blood loss and called for help, saving his life. Unsung Heroes Award – presented to the force’s three amazing premises officers who carry out day to day repairs on all our force buildings. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they receive frequent praise for their professionalism, positivity and high quality workmanship and the force’s archivists, who are both volunteers, were recognised for ensuring that our story, our people and our legacy are never forgotten. Dozens of people were invited to attend the awards last night and the evening featured a wide variety of awards - including bravery; lifetime achievement; innovation; road safety; wellbeing, diversity and sport – as well as well-established ‘of the year’ awards for neighbourhood policing, special constables, response policing, volunteering, dog handling and contact handling. T/Chief Constable David Sandall said; “Our annual awards are the pinnacle of our calendar, and it’s always an incredible opportunity to come together and recognise the outstanding dedication, bravery, and commitment of officers and staff who make up ‘Team Leicestershire’. Every year, the nominations we receive are nothing short of exceptional, and this year is no different. “We heard stories of courage, professionalism, and selflessness which never fail to inspire, and our awards celebrate everyone who has gone above and beyond to keep our communities safe. We have people doing amazing things every day and our award winners are the pinnacle of that and they should be very proud. “Huge congratulations to all those who were nominated, highly commended, and, of course, our winners!” Leicestershire Police News Published: 12:42 15/05/2026