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Officers have warned about the potential dangers of overtaking while driving after a 79-year-old woman was left with serious injuries following a head-on collision. Sajid Mahmood, 53, of Burton Road, Branston, Burton-on-Trent, was driving a taxi – a Peugeot car - along Swepstone Road, Measham, on the afternoon of Friday 24 September 2021 when he attempted to overtake a tractor with an attached trailer which was travelling in front of him. The tractor and trailer measured around 18ft in length. As Mahmood attempted the overtake, he was just ahead of a bend in the road. As he carried out the manoeuvre, he collided head-on with a Skoda car which was travelling on the other side of the road. A woman, aged 79, who was travelling in the front passenger seat of the Skoda had to be airlifted to hospital from the scene after suffering serious injuries in the collision. Following treatment, the woman has since been discharged from hospital. The male driver of the Skoda and a female passenger in the taxi vehicle suffered minor injuries. Enquiries at the scene, including speaking with witnesses, led to Mahmood being charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving following the collision. He previously pleaded guilty to the charge at court. On Wednesday (11 January), at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was also placed on a three-month curfew from 7pm to 7am and ordered to carry out 210 hours of unpaid work across the next 12 months. Mahmood was also disqualified from driving for three years. Officer in the case, Police Constable Anthony Brewin said: “Mahmood’s actions to try and get ahead on the road led to a woman suffering serious injuries and being airlifted to hospital. I know that the injuries caused have had a significant impact on the victim and my thoughts do remain with her. “Overtaking a vehicle while driving can be extremely dangerous if not carried out in the correct and safe manner – as this incident has shown. Please ensure that you always only ever overtake when it is safe and legal to do so, that the road is sufficiently clear ahead and that there is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake. More information about the correct way to overtake a vehicle while driving is available on the Highway Code - Using the road - Overtaking (162 to 169) - THE HIGHWAY CODE (highwaycodeuk.co.uk)"

Two Leicestershire Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who risked their lives to protect members of the public and police colleagues from being seriously injured have been shortlisted for a national bravery award. Without consideration for their own safety, PCSOs Jonny Davies and Tim Jones climbed into a car being driven by an aggressive man who it was believed was attempting to escape from police. Their swift action led to the man being safely arrested and their selfless act is being recognised as part of a national event being held by UNISON and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to celebrate 20 years of PCSOs and the huge contribution they make to policing. The incident occurred while the pair were on duty during the evening of Tuesday 7 June 2022 in Leicester city centre. They were responding to a call from a man who it was reported was in distress in the area of St Augustine Road. When they arrived, it is alleged the man attempted to leave the area by hijacking a taxi that was stationary at nearby traffic lights and climbing into the front passenger seat. Due to the reported aggressive nature of the man, the taxi driver and his paying passenger got out of the car. As the two PCSOs approached the front doors of the taxi, it is reported the man climbed into the driver’s seat and drove the car forward, colliding with officers in the police vehicle in front - who had arrived to provide backup. In order to try and prevent the man driving any further, the PCSOs got into the car and took hold of his arms. It was at this stage it is alleged the man reversed the vehicle over the central reservation, across the other side of the carriageway before colliding at speed with a barrier. The man then drove forward again, still with the PCSOs inside the car, colliding with a tree and a metal fence before stopping next to a bridge close to Bath Lane. Officers nearby were then able to remove the man from the car. A 34-year-old man, from Leicester, was arrested in connection with the incident and is currently on police bail. PCSO Davies said: “It is such an honour to have been put forward for a bravery award. I wouldn’t think twice about stepping forward in a dangerous or difficult situation if it meant ensuring the safety of the public.” PCSO Jones added: “I feel very proud and honoured to represent the force and Leicestershire PCSO on a national scale. Like Jonny, I wouldn’t think twice about taking the same action if a similar situation arose.” The winners of the national PCSO awards will be announced at a celebration event in London this evening (Thursday 12 January). Temporary Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall, who is accompanying the PCSOs to the event tomorrow, added: “The actions of these dedicated PCSOs undoubtedly prevented this incident turning into a tragedy. “Despite the challenging situation in the vehicle, they attempted to safely restrain the man and their actions prevented him from injuring any motorists, pedestrians or police colleagues at the scene. They deserve to be recognised for their outstanding quick thinking and bravery. “It has been 20 years since the Police Reform Act introduced the PCSO role, and they have played an integral part in policing ever since. “They offer a visible and reassuring presence across our force area, are vital in helping to build strong relationships between the police and the communities we serve, as well as supporting officers in helping to solve crime. “I’m very proud two of our PCSOs are being recognised at a national event but the force is grateful for the work all our PCSO colleagues continue to do across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

A Leisure centre gym which has undergone a major refurbishment has reopened its doors to visitors. The gym at Braunstone Leisure Centre has been transformed as part of a wider £4.7 million city council investment programme which has also seen improvements made at Spence Street Sports Centre, Cossington Street Sports Centre, Evington Leisure Centre and two phases of work at Aylestone Leisure Centre. The £500k revamp at Braunstone features an 80-station gym, new virtual group cycling studio, a functional training space, up to date cardiovascular equipment and a dedicated free weights area. Gym members have access to the new equipment and have the opportunity to be shown around by a member of the leisure centre team. It was officially opened on Tuesday, January 10, by City Mayor Peter Soulsby and deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair. The work is the latest investment by Leicester City Council in its gyms and sports centres across the city. In November, Spence Street Sports Centre in Spinney Hills, reopened following a £1million refurb which saw it equipped with a new 50-station gym, large group exercise studio and training space, a free weights area, new signage and updated cardiovascular equipment. Leicester deputy city mayor for heritage, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair, said: “These improvements to the gym at Braunstone Leisure Centre represent a real investment in ensuring fitness and sport facilities are accessible to all in the community. “We’re upgrading sports facilities in centres across the city, to make sure what wherever people live, they have the opportunity to make the most of high-quality sports and leisure equipment.” To tie in with the relaunch, customers are also able to get 50 percent off the cost of their first three months of membership. City Mayor Peter Soulsby added: “Across the city this refurbishment programme is really transforming sports facilities, and ensuring equipment and training spaces are up to a high standard. “I was very impressed with the recently-completed scheme at Spence Street, and the ongoing work at Aylestone Leisure Centre is the latest of two phases to bring those facilities up to date too. “It is an investment which will hopefully pay dividends for years to come.” For more information on Braunstone Leisure Centre, visit the city council’s website here.

Leicester's City Mayor has praised the work of social care teams who have continued to work closely with Leicester’s hospitals to ensure patients can be safely discharged over the Christmas and new year period, and provided rapid support to avoid people being admitted to hospital in the first place. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “In spite of the national situation regarding pressures on hospitals and challenges in discharging people, Leicester’s social care staff have been providing exceptional support to our hospitals. As a result, many people have been helped to get home quickly and safely, and the volume of delays reported elsewhere has been avoided. “I would like to thank them and all of the staff working tirelessly across the whole of the NHS and in care services, who are doing a remarkable job during this crisis.” Staff from the city council’s hospital discharge and reablement service worked every day over Christmas and the new year period. When the University Hospitals Trust declared a critical incident on 30 December, some staff cancelled annual leave to support with discharges. More than 30 city residents were discharged with care packages on the bank holidays alone. The team ensures that people can safely be discharged from hospital by finding care services they can have at home, or by finding places in care homes where needed. Many of those needing care when leaving hospital are not already known to social care services, so staff provide rapid care and an assessment of their needs. In most cases support is provided within 24-48 hours of help being requested with the discharge. The numbers of people requiring support with discharge changes on a daily basis, but in the case of Leicester residents there are rarely more than 14-18 people waiting at any one time for support for discharge, which is usually achieved within a few days depending on the complexity of their needs. “Cllr Sarah Russell, deputy city mayor for social care said: “In addition to hospital discharge pressures, we know that nationally, many thousands of people are waiting for support at home and as a result, are at risk of needing hospital admission. In Leicester, the number of people in the community awaiting a social care package any one time was under five for all of December. This compares to more than 30 each week in the same period last year. We achieved this by working closely with the independent sector care agencies in Leicester, who also went above and beyond over the Christmas period.” The council’s integrated crisis response team, which works closely with colleagues in community health services, carries out a vital role in helping to avoid people being admitted to hospital. In the event of a fall for instance, the team visit swiftly to assess the situation and can often safely lift people and provide care at home to help them get well again. Cllr Russell said: “In the run up to winter our reablement and crisis services have consistently delivered high quality, rapid care to people to get them home safely, and very importantly – to avoid hospital admission in the first place. “In November, which is a typical month, the crisis team supported 465 people at home, achieving their two-hour hour arrival target for urgent cases by 100%. Staff from the crisis team have also been working in the A&E department during times of acute pressure to identify people who don’t need to be admitted if care can be provided at home. “I would like to thank all of the staff involved for their hard work and commitment to making this happen.” Support staff in the brokerage team – which finds packages of care for people in the community, to avoid hospital admission – also worked over the holiday period. In December the city council launched a staff reward scheme which gave a bonus to private sector home care workers who stayed in employment over the winter period. This helped to stem the numbers of people leaving to find higher paid jobs.

A 27-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the murder of his grandfather has been sentenced life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 15 years. Benjamin Dunlop, of no fixed address, appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday) to be sentenced for the crime he admitted at the same court in November 2022. Ronald Dunlop, 75, was found dead at the address where Ben Dunlop was staying with his grandfather temporarily in Hart Drive, Measham, just before 5pm on Wednesday 1 December 2021. Police were called to the address by East Midlands Ambulance Service. East Midlands Ambulance Service were at the address following a call of concern about the welfare of the two men and worries Ben had harmed himself. At the address, Ronald was found dead along with a cat, which was also dead, belonging to a neighbour. Benjamin returned to the address a short time later, and made admissions to harming both his grandfather and the cat to the attending ambulance crew. Benjamin Dunlop was charged two days later with murder. He was also charged with criminal damage in relation to the death of a cat. For this he was ordered to serve a six-month sentence concurrently. Senior Investigating Officer for the case, Detective Chief Inspector Nicole Main from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “Firstly my thoughts remain with the family of Ronald. “While this sentence doesn’t bring him back, or repair the tragic situation this family has found itself in, knowing that Ben is serving his time for what he did, will I hope allow them to move on from what has been a lengthy wait for justice.”

Two improvement schemes are due to take place in the new year on Leicester’s Narborough Road and Braunstone Gate. Leicester City Council is carrying out work as part of two ongoing projects designed to make both areas more pedestrian friendly, and in the case of Braunstone Gate, remodelling it as part of a “Mini Holland” scheme to installing safe walking and cycling infrastructure and reduce car access. Maintenance work on Narborough Road has been carried out in stages over the last two years. The latest phase is due to start on January 8 and will take about 10 weeks. It includes making pavements more pedestrian-friendly by installing new bollards and cycle racks to prevent pavement parking, as well as replacing broken or loose slabs and tackling drainage problems on a section of the outbound side of Narborough Road between its junctions with Ruding Road and Roman Street. It will mean some temporary disruption to parking and waiting in the area while works are taking place. Work will also continue at Braunstone Gate as part of a larger £1.5m redevelopment scheme financed by the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). The latest phase, will begins on January 23, will focus on the junction of Braunstone Gate and Narborough Road and will include removing the existing left-turn lane from Braunstone Gate onto Narborough Road, resurfacing and creating a new footway. The existing pavement will be re-laid with new high-quality block paving, while three trees whose roots are damaging the footway will be removed and replaced. A bus stop at the southern end of Braunstone Gate will also be moved onto Narborough Road. Letters are being sent to residents in both the areas concerned, ahead of the work taking place. Leicester Deputy City Mayor for transport, clean air and climate emergency, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “These works both in Braunstone Gate and Narborough Road aim to improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and make it easier to access these shops, bars and other local businesses safely. “Some of the work is straightforward repairs and improvements to pavements and street furniture such as cycle racks and bollards, whereas in Braunstone Gate we are working on the latest phase of a more comprehensive redesign to transform the street for the better.” The redevelopment work at Braunstone Gate began in May 2022, to help create a more people-friendly place and give more priority to cycles and pedestrians by limiting vehicle access, closing the road to unnecessary traffic at busy times and creating wider pavement areas for visitors to the shops, cafes and bars in the area. New, wider footpaths have been created and a section of the street has been repaved in high-quality block paving. A new red asphalt road surface and tree planting also form part of the scheme. Access to Braunstone Gate from Duns Lane and New Park Street is now restricted to buses, taxis and cycles only, and the left turn from Western Boulevard has been closed to traffic, except cycles. Most on-street parking on Braunstone Gate has been removed, with the extra space used to create wider pavements. Businesses will be able to apply for street café licences and outside seating areas. Disabled parking bays will be retained and additional pay-and-display parking spaces will be included on neighbouring Bede Street and Western Road.

Leicester City Council will not be making any changes to the waste and recycling collection days over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Collections will take place as usual on all days over the festive season this year. All bins and orange bags should be put out for collection by 7am on the correct day. Households can put out as many orange recycling bags as they need for their recyclable waste. Festive items like sweet and biscuit tins and tubs, glass bottles and jars, cardboard boxes, and non-glittery wrapping paper and greetings cards can all be bagged for collection as recycling. Electrical items, in particular those containing lithium batteries, can cause fires and explosions when mixed with other items, so it is important that any item that is rechargeable is taken to a recycling centre to be disposed of safely. However, there will be some changes to the opening hours of the city’s two household waste and recycling centres over the holiday period. Both the Gypsum Close and Freemen’s Common Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The sites will be open from 8am until 2pm on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) and New Year's Eve (31 Dec), and from 8am until 6pm at all other times. Details of opening times for the Gypsum Close trade recycling centre are available on the city council’s website. For more information visit www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling

Bus lane enforcement is due to begin on a busy main road into Leicester next month. The A50 Groby Road is a major bus route but services often become delayed due to heavy traffic and a pinch point at which the road itself narrows. A designated bus lane has been in place on Groby Road since July 2022 and Leicester City Council is now bringing in camera enforcement to ensure only permitted vehicles – buses, Hackney carriages and cycles – use it. It will come into effect from January 2, 2023. The enforcement camera will be on the city-bound section of the A50 near Medina Road. During the first two weeks – January 2 to 15 – drivers will receive a warning notice, informing them they would be fined for driving in the bus lane once enforcement begins. Drivers who continue to flout the law after the two-week grace period – from January 16 onwards – will be fined £70 if caught driving in the bus lane. The camera will be active 24 hours, seven days a week, including bank holidays. Bus lane camera enforcement is already in place at several other sites across Leicester, to ensure that important bus routes are not obstructed by other vehicles, delaying vehicles and adding to traffic congestion. Enforcement on Groby Road is the latest measure designed to improve safety and traffic flow on that section of the A50. The 30mph speed limit has recently been extended to cover more of that section of road, to manage traffic flow and to cut the number of traffic accidents. The A50 bus lane camera enforcement is costing around £60k, from the Government’s National Productively Investment fund. Leicester deputy city mayor for transport, clean air and climate emergency, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The city’s bus network is a key part of our transport infrastructure, providing people with reliable, affordable and convenient public transport. “However, people depending on bus services need to know they will be on time – congestion caused by other vehicles using bus lanes can cause unnecessary delays and disruption. “We’ve been working closely with local bus companies to improve the city’s vehicles, services and infrastructure to ensure passengers have the best possible service, as part of the Leicester Bus Partnership. “The A50 Groby Road is a vital part of the jigsaw, and therefore camera enforcement will help ensure traffic flow continues to move freely for the benefit of all road users.” More details of the Leicester Bus Partnership are available at its website here. Leicester City Council News

Leicestershire Police has a new crime-fighting duo on paw-trol this Christmas. PC Kier Wilson and his furry four-legged companion, police dog (PD) Nash, are the latest partnership in the force’s dog unit after recently passing their eight-week training programme. The 16-month-old German Shepherd is now a fully-fledged general-purpose police dog – responsible for tracking offenders, helping to locate vulnerable people and protecting officers in potentially dangerous situations. Following in the paw prints of his older brother three-year-old PD Jura, who is also part of the Leicestershire Police pack, PD Nash has already been able to put a lot of his training to use. Since hitting the streets with PC Wilson on Saturday 10 December, the crime-fighting canine has attended a number of incidents and had success in tracking a suspect found hiding under a hedge, as well as preventing a burglar from running from officers. And when not on shift PD Nash is settling very well into life at home with PC Wilson and his family. Having worked for the force since 2009, it was always PC Wilson’s ambition to become a dog handler. In April 2021 he was given the opportunity to make his dream a reality and for the first year of his career he was paired with PD Tia - before she retired in April of this year. He said: “I have a passion and love for dogs and consider myself extremely lucky to do the job I do. “I had a great first year with Tia and although we’ve only been together a few months the bond between myself and Nash is already incredible and continues to grow every day. “It makes me very proud to see him putting into practise what we’ve been training extensively for these past couple of months and after a long shift it is great to be able to take him home with me and do all of the things other dog owners do with their family pet.”

Over the last few weeks, the detectives investigating the disorder in East Leicester have made a number of arrests. The investigating team are working through the evidence and have identified a number of suspects and carrying out enquiries to work up to making arrests. There have been a further 12 men arrested or and one voluntarily interviewed, with three men being charged with offences relating to a number of disorder offences. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Arthur is leading the investigation team. He said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scene reviewing the CCTV footage and all the hours of body worn video from officers who were working and making IDs of those who may be involved. “This work has led us to be able to make these arrests and bring these people into custody in order to get their accounts. “It’s work that has taken time, due to the nature of it, and it’s work we’ll be continuing to carry out.” Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall added: “Identifying the number of people that are involved is a significant investment but these arrests and charges are a step closer to bringing those responsible for the disorder to justice.” On 8 December, a 30-year-old from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to an incident in Harewood Street, Leicester, on 22 May 2022. He was released under investigation pending further investigation. On 12 December, a 27-year-old man from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of breaching his court bail conditions. His original arrest was in connection with disorder in the city on 5 September. He was released on police bail pending further enquiries. On 13 December, a 32-year-old man from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in relation to disorder in the city on 17 September. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. On 15 December, two men were arrested for their alleged part in the disorder on 17 September. A 36-year-old man, from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and subsequently released on police bail to allow the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to make a charging decision. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a section 4 public order offence and subsequently charged. Zakir Umarji, of Gwendolen Road, Leicester, will be appearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2023. On 19 December, three men were arrested for their alleged roles in the disorder on 17 September. A 29-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of section five public order offences. He was released with no further action to be taken. A 30-year-old man, from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of a section 4 public order act. He was released on bail to allow the CPS to make a charging decision. A 42-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of section five public order offences. Jadved Patel, of Leicester Street, Leicester, was subsequently charged with the same offence and released on bail to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 11 January 2023. On 20 December, three men were arrested. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 4 and section 5 public order offences relating to disorder on 18 September. Hassan Chunara, of Morley Road, Leicester, has been charged with a section 4a public order offence. He will be appearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 12 January 2023. A 22-year-old man was interviewed on suspicion of affray in relation to the disorder on 22 May 2022. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries. A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a section four public order offence relating to disorder on 17 September and has been bailed pending a CPS charging decision. On 21 December, a 38-year-old man from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of a section five public order offences on 17 September. He was subsequently released with no further action to be taken. On 22 December a 25-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the disorder on 17 September. He has been released with no further action to be taken.

Warm and friendly places to meet, hot meals and Christmas dinners are being offered to people who are homeless, and other vulnerable people, over the festive period. Local charities, faith groups, the city council and other organisations in Leicester will be providing a wide range of services throughout the festive period to help ensure that anyone at risk of sleeping rough can get the support they need but also enjoy some Christmas cheer. A full programme of support and activities has been coordinated by Leicester’s Homelessness Charter, which brings together a range of local organisations working together to tackle homelessness in the city. Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor for housing, said: “Our aim is to ensure that no-one needs to sleep rough at any time of the year and our Dawn Centre is open every day – including Christmas day – to offer emergency accommodation and support. “Local charities and faith groups in Leicester provide invaluable support all year round and at Christmas they go the extra mile to make sure that some of the most vulnerable people in the city can have a Christmas meal and enjoy good company in a warm and welcoming place. “We’re very grateful for the work they do and to Leicester’s Homelessness Charter which helps bring together these fantastic organisations. It really does make a huge difference to people’s lives and is needed more than ever at this time of the year. “Unfortunately, sometimes people will refuse our offers of help – even when its freezing – but outreach support will be running seven days a week and will persist in getting everyone in and making sure that they receive the support they need.” Rebecca Pawley, project coordinator for Leicester’s Homelessness Charter, said "Leicester's Homelessness Charter was established to bring those who work with people experiencing homelessness together in partnership. It is really heart-warming to see organisations working closely to ensure that anyone experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping will be able to find a place of warmth and safety, access support and enjoy some festivity." Services and extra support on offer for homeless people, rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people over the Christmas period include: The Dawn Centre, in Conduit Street, will be open every day throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Help the Homeless, in Abbey Street, will be providing help with food, clothing and toiletries, as well as guidance and advice on an appointment basis. It will also be open on Friday 23 December (from 12noon-4pm) for warm food, mince pies and hot chocolate. The Bridge Homelessness to Hope charity, 43 Melton Street, offers hot food in a warm and friendly place to meet and chat on weekdays (except Wednesdays, and both bank holiday Mondays) from 9.30am to 2pm. It will also be hosting a special lunch on Christmas Day from 10am to 2.30pm. For details email David@BridgeLeicester.org Rachel’s Table will be offering food, hot drinks, toiletries and other essentials from its base in Calais Hill throughout the festive period. It will be open on Mondays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays (except Christmas day) from 3.30-4.30pm. It will also be offering a Christmas meal on Thursday 22 December from 3.30-4.30pm. Triangle at Holy Trinity Church, off Upper King Street, will be offering a Christmas meal, with gifts and a food hamper, on Friday 16 December from 6.30pm. The group will also be offering a free hot evening meal on Friday 23 December from 6.15pm, and runs a foodbank on Wednesday mornings from Turner Street Rooms (closed on 30 December). Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) will be providing freshly cooked hot meals from the following three locations over Christmas and New Year: Wesley Hall, 76 Hartington Road – Friday (16 Dec), Monday (19 Dec), Wednesday (21 Dec), Friday (23 Dec), Wednesday (28 Dec) and Friday (30 Dec) from 12noon-1pm. St Peter’s Highfields Church – Saturday (17 Dec), Saturday (31 Dec) and Sunday (1 Jan) from 5.30-6pm St Margaret’s Church, St Margaret’s Way – Sunday (1 Jan) from 5.30-6pm MLSS will also be offering a takeaway festive meal, with Santa hats and treats, from St Peter’s Highfields Church on Christmas Eve (5.30-6pm) and Christmas Day (11.30am-12noon) Robert Hall Memorial Church, 147 Narborough Road, will be providing a warm festive dinner on Wednesday 21 December from 5pm, and a takeaway Christmas meal on Christmas Day, from 11.30am. No5, at 5 Hill Street, and The Y Support project, 165 Granby Street, will be offering flexible access arrangements for support, advice and guidance over Christmas and New Year, with a free breakfast available for rough sleepers. To help identify people who are sleeping rough, the city council’s homelessness outreach team is out in the early hours seven days a week, ready to offer a bed and other support. Full and up-to-date details of all services available over the festive period, including opening times and addresses, are available online at www.leicester.gov.uk/homelessservices and at www.leicesterhomelessnesscharter.co.uk If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can report it online at streetlink.org.uk and the city council will send an outreach team to offer a bed and any other help they may need. Anyone who has been made homeless or is rough sleeping can call the city council on 0116 454 1008 during working hours from Monday to Friday. This will enable a homeless prevention officer to properly assess their needs. In an emergency situation only – at weekends and out of hours – people can call the Dawn Centre on 0116 221 2770. Leicester city council news

“You’ve called 999, what’s your police emergency? Yes, I want to report my fridge is too noisy.” A part of our focus on the force’s Contact Management Department, we have today released examples of inappropriate and misused emergency calls received by the force in the past year. So far since the beginning of 2022, Leicestershire Police has received over 187,000 999 calls. Calls to police on the 999 system should be for emergencies only when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. Calls to 101 should be made to report a police matter which does not require an immediate response or attention. This year, examples of calls made on the 999-emergency line to the force include: A caller reporting a noisy fridge A caller reporting it was too cold to wait for a train A caller reporting there were flies in her house in the summer A caller reporting they had forgotten their keys and they were locked out A caller who had no phone credit and wanted police to make calls for them on their behalf A caller, who admitted he had been drinking, but did not require police assistance. He later made two further calls and during one, he asked the call handler what her bra size was A child calling and asking the call handler if they like gummy sweets. A child calling and swearing to the operator before hanging up An abusive caller who spent the entire call swearing and talking about how much he hated the police A caller who had missed his bus stop in Shepshed and had arrived in Coalville instead A caller who he had lost his dog before hanging up. A caller also called the 101 non-emergency number to report they had bought a car and was now not happy with it. Superintendent Steve Durrant, from the force’s Contact Management Department, said: “We have released the details of a number of calls so the public get a real understanding of the types of matters reported to us and the issues our call handling staff unfortunately have to deal with. “Some members of the public do call 999 without knowing instead they should be calling 101, the non-emergency line, but we do also receive many calls from people who do not need the police at all and have made the call with blatant misuse and disregard. “Every minute that our call handlers spend dealing with an inappropriate emergency call, means those with real emergencies may experience a delay in getting through, potentially putting lives at risk. “Our call handlers do a very often stressful job under immense pressure and demand. They are there to help the public when they need us most and should not have to be exposed to abuse or frustration when the caller has called 999 unnecessarily.” Only call 999 in an emergency. In a non-emergency, call 101 or make an online report at www.leics.police.uk Leicestershire Police News