Two ambitious Leicester City Council development projects have been recognised at this year's Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards. The city council took top spot in two categories at the annual regional awards ceremony, which recognises the contributions made by architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other key players in the construction sector. Hillview children’s home – the city council’s first purpose-built children’s home to be constructed for more than 40 years – was named the Residential Scheme of the Year. Canopy – the ambitious regeneration of five former factory buildings in Leicester city centre into a home for the creative industries – took the Regeneration and Conservation Project of the Year award. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is fantastic recognition for two brilliant projects. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved in these quite different but equally ambitious schemes. “The new Hillview children’s home has been purpose built to provide wonderful new facilities and dedicated support for those children and young people in the city who need it most. “And, Canopy is another wonderful example of how heritage led regeneration can bring new life and purpose to buildings from Leicester’s industrial past, and help play an important part in the city’s future economic prosperity, “Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the hard work and expertise of the teams that have designed and delivered these often-complex projects, and these awards are a credit to them.” Hillview, located in the west of the city, opened in November 2025 and provides accommodation for five young people between the ages of seven and 17. The purpose-built children’s home has five bedrooms with ensuite facilities, as well as two semi-independent living flats, to help young people leaving care learn to live independently. There is also a kitchen, lounge, sleeping quarters for staff and a games room with 'street art' wall. The £1.8m scheme was supported with a contribution of £800,000 from the Department for Education. Canopy, in King Street, is the result of the ambitious regeneration of five heritage buildings on the former Pilot House. The imaginative redevelopment now provides more than 30,000sqft of high-quality workspace. The innovative new development will support the city’s creative and design sector, becoming a base for businesses with a focus on enterprise and innovation, and helping to support around 250 jobs in the city centre. As well as contemporary office accommodation, Canopy’s tenants will have access to attractive meeting rooms and conference facilities, a co-working lounge, a reception area, an outdoor courtyard and Public – the popular coffee shop and bakery. LCC News - Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Leicester’s renowned programme of festivals and events is to be boosted with an additional £105,000 of council funding. City Mayor Peter Soulsby has approved the permanent increase to the festivals budget, which will allow more community-led events to receive grant-funding from the council, while supporting popular events such as the Abbey Park Bonfire and the Eid celebrations on Victoria Park. The new funding includes an extra £65,000 for the festivals and events grants programme, which attracted 68 detailed applications this year. By increasing the grants programme’s annual budget from £165,000 to £230,000, and after a thorough process of shortlisting and evaluation, the council will be able to support 20 high-quality bids that met its funding criteria this year. There will also be an extra £15,000 for the Abbey Park Bonfire to ensure that ticket prices for Leicester’s biggest and best fireworks display are maintained at 2024 levels, despite rising costs. And with funding already in place for the city’s Diwali and Christmas celebrations, new funding of £25,000 has been earmarked to support the community-led Eid Prayers and Festival that attracts thousands of people to Victoria Park each year. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “This additional funding means that we can look forward to even more high quality festivals and events in the city that people can enjoy free of charge or at an affordable price. “All of our festivals and events are a celebration of our community – and it’s really important that they are accessible and welcoming to all. “But they also help to build Leicester’s reputation as an attractive destination, drawing in both visitors and investors. “With 20 festivals receiving council grants this year, alongside our established programme of popular events that includes the Riverside Festival and Light Up Leicester, I hope this investment will give the city a real boost.” City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Our internationally renowned festivals programme is not only extremely popular with local people, it also brings recognised economic benefits to the city. “This additional investment will support a wider range of established, large-scale and community-led festivals and events that will attract many more visitors to our city – providing a boost for local businesses and supporting the vitality of the city centre.” Picture caption: The annual Abbey Park fireworks display will benefit from increased funding this year Leicester City Council News - Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Detectives investigating the supply of drugs in the Vale of Belvoir have released an image of a man they want to identify. At around 11pm on Thursday 4 June, officers noticed a vehicle parked in Belvoir Road, which they believed was being used to supply drugs. Following a search of the vehicle 22-year-old man and 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of nitrous oxide with intent to supply for wrongful inhalation. They were later released on bail and an investigation is continuing. Detective Constable Sophie Rowell, the investigating officer, said: “I believe the man pictured may have information about this incident. “If you recognise him and know who he is, or that person is you, then please get in touch as you may be able to help with our enquiries.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*325746. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:45 29/06/2026

The drivers of two vehicles have been involved in a collision on the A46, following a police pursuit. At 4.10am today (Monday 29 June), officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) attempted to stop a white Mercedes van reported to have been stolen. After the driver failed to stop and left the scene, the van was spotted again a short time later and a police pursuit was authorised. At 4.40am the van was observed travelling from the M1 onto the A46 on the wrong side of the carriageway. The van then collided with another vehicle – a blue BMW 1 Series. Crews from the fire service and the East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene. The driver of the BMW, man in his 20s, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in hospital in a stable condition. A 26-year-old man was arrested from the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and theft of a motor vehicle. He is not believed to have suffered any serious injuries but has been taken to hospital as a precaution. The southbound carriageway of the A46 from the A50 roundabout to junction 21a of the M1 remains closed while the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) carry out enquiries at the scene. Following the collision, the force’s Professional Standards Department was informed, and the incident will be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 91 of 29 June. Leicestershire Police News - Published : 12:42 29/06/2026

Police are appealing for motorists with dashcam and any other witnesses to come forward following a serious collision on the M1 northbound yesterday (Sunday 28 June). Police were called at 8am following a report of a collision involving a red Ford Focus and grey BMW 5 Series just north of junction 20, for Lutterworth. The driver of the focus – a man in his 60s – was taken to hospital where he is continuing to receive treatment. The driver of the BMW, who is also in his 60s, suffered injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing. No-one was arrested and enquiries are continuing. Detective Constable Maddie Hayes, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who was on the M1 yesterday and saw what happened. “This includes anyone with a dashcam in their vehicle, anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle beforehand. Any information or footage you’re able to provide could help our investigation.” 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 incident 222 of 28 June. Alternatively call 101. Leics Police News - Published :09:45 29/06/2026

Police are present at a bookmaker's in Glenfield this evening. The bookmakers on Stamford Place is cordoned off by police tape tonight. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a robbery took place earlier. We have reached out to Leicestershire Police for further details on the ongoing investigation. More to follow. Police update. https://www.leicestermedia.online/post/investigation-into-armed-robbery-at-glenfield-bookmakers Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Police officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for any witnesses to come forward following an incident in North Kilworth on Friday (26 June). Police were called to Station Road, at the junction with Kilworth Road, just before 3.45pm following a report of a collision involving a red Ducati Multistrada motorcycle and a white Mercedes Vito van. The rider of the motorcycle, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition. No other injuries were reported and no-one was arrested. Detective Constable Maddie Hayes, from the SCIU, said: “Our investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident is continuing and I’m appealing for anyone who can help to get in touch. “This includes anyone who witnessed the collision, saw either vehicle beforehand and in particular, who captured it on a dashcam. “Anything you’re able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could assist us.” 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*374883. Alternatively call 101. Leics Police News - Published : 18:02 28/06/2026

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) has this afternoon declared a critical incident (as at 14.30 hours, Saturday 27 June 2026). The declaration follows a period of sustained pressure on ambulance services across the country, including within the East Midlands. Over the past 24 hours, EMAS has experienced a significant increase in demand for its services, alongside ongoing pressure within the wider NHS, and the additional challenges created by this week’s extreme heat. These factors have combined to create a situation that has led to this level of escalation. In response, EMAS continues to work closely with NHS partners to help reduce risk to patients and maintain emergency ambulance availability. Actions include: Working with our hospitals to support the timely handover of patients so ambulance crews can return to responding to 999 calls. Working with healthcare providers to direct patients to the most appropriate care for their needs when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Continuing to prioritise our response to the most life-threatening and serious incidents. Like many across the NHS, EMAS colleagues have been working tirelessly to respond to patient need. All available internal actions to mitigate risk have been taken. Therefore, a critical incident has been declared to secure additional support and help reduce the risk of avoidable patient harm. The public is asked to help by using NHS services wisely and by taking regular medication to manage long-term conditions. If your illness or injury is not immediately life-threatening, please seek alternative care via a pharmacy, urgent treatment centre, or general practitioner (including out of hours services) – visit the NHS website for services near you. Given the additional weather-related pressures being responded to, please act responsibly and do not take unnecessary risks. EMAS News - 27 June 2026

Police are appealing for witnesses following fatal collision in Narborough Road A motorcyclist has died following a collision in Leicester. Police received a call just after 2.45pm yesterday (Friday 26 June) regarding a collision on Narborough Road near to the junction with Somerville Road. It involved a blue Toyota Auris and a Yamaha YZF R6 motorbike. The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota suffered minor injuries. At the time of the collision the motorbike was travelling towards Braunstone Lane. Officers from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating the collision. Anyone who may have seen the incident, or the vehicles involved beforehand, is asked to contact police. Officers would like to also speak to any motorists who captured the incident on a dashcam or other camera. 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*374417. Alternatively call 101. Road closure for several hours Pictures by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:23 27/06/2026

A Serious collision has closed Narborough Road here in the city this afternoon. Due to a serious Road Traffic collision Narborough Road is currently blocked outbound and inbound just after the Fullhurst Road junction. Local diversions are in place. The Collision involves a motorcyclist. We have no details of any injuries at this time. Air ambulance in attendance. Please find alternative routes and updates will follow. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for more on this incident. UPDATE SEE UPDATE HERE 27/06/26 15:45 click here Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Today Saturday (27 June), Leicester held its annual Armed Forces Day parade in the city center to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The parade was led by the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders, made up of serving military, reservists, veterans, and cadets, and started off from Belgrave Gate, at 11 am. It made its way past the Clock Tower, onto High Street, and fell out in Jubilee Square. A saluting dais was set up on High Street across from Carts Lane, where the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire and Lt Cdr James Callender from HMS Daring, the Royal Naval ship recently associated with Leicester and Leicestershire, took the salute. Leicester’s Armed Forces Day Parade and Service was organised by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Lieutenancy Office and Leicester Cathedral. You can share and download the pictures for free click share and save Video and Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Severn Trent records third day with some of the highest ever demand for water as heatwave continues. As the Midlands enters the fourth day of temperatures above 30C, Severn Trent is producing enough extra water for over 3million people - enough to supply a city like Nottingham, 10 times over. The company has been steadily producing over 20% more than usual, 400 million litres extra a day, as teams are working hard so everyone can keep safe and hydrated. It is reminding customers to not waste water and reuse it, like with paddling pools. It also suggests filling up a jug for the fridge for a ready cold drink and switching out the hose for a watering can. Severn Trent also encourages customers to report any leaks they spot, to make sure a team can be there quicker to fix it. Doug Clarke, Water Resource Manager at Severn Trent said: “We’re into the fourth day of the heatwave, and as expected, we're seeing some of our highest ever demand days, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all close to the highest ever levels. “As the temperatures rise, so does the need for water, but we are asking that people are being sensible and not waste it. A few tips like keeping a jug of water in the fridge with ice cubes means you can have a cold drink topped up all day, avoiding the need to run the tap. People cooling off with paddling pools, keep a cover on them and use again. Lawns and grass are great survivors of heat, so when the rain comes back on Sunday, it will soon bounce back. “We’re of course playing our part too, producing 400 million litres more water takes a lot of effort from our teams. We’re also ready with over 100 tankers across our region should be any issues on the network, so we can make sure water is where it’s needed. Our engineers are also out and about as usual finding and fixing leaks, but if you come across one, let us know so we can be sure we get a team there to fix it fast.” 24/7 emergency line at 0800 783 4444, Severn Trent Water News - Friday 26th June 2026