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Preparations are now well under way for the switch-on of Leicester’s famous Diwali lights on Sunday (9 October) – and bus users and drivers are reminded that the event will require road closures in the area. Belgrave Road will be partially closed between Belgrave Circle and Garfield Street from 10am on Sunday. Vehicles, however, will still be able to access the rest of Belgrave Road from the Melton Road/Loughborough Road end until 5pm. Belgrave Road, and the junctions with its side roads, will then be fully closed to traffic from 5pm until around 9.30pm. In order to maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles through the Belgrave area, parking will be suspended on a number of streets in the area from 6am until 10pm on Sunday. ‘No waiting’ cones will be laid out on Loughborough Road, Holden Street, Ross Walk, Macdonald Road, Hildyard Road, Marjorie Street, Abbey Park Street, Harrison Road, Surrey Street, Doncaster Road, Cossington Street, Rothley Street, Rendell Road and Portsmouth Road. Any vehicles parked on these roads between 6am and 10pm on Sunday, and any vehicle causing an obstruction on any road in the Belgrave area, will be ticketed and towed away. People are strongly advised to join Sunday’s celebrations on foot, by bike or by public transport. A special Diwali park & ride service will be running on Sunday, with buses leaving the Birstall Park & Ride site – located at LE4 4NN – from 4pm until 10pm (no service between 7pm and 8pm). Passengers will be dropped off, and picked up, on Belgrave Road, close to Lower Willow Street. A return journey for a group of up to five people in one car costs just £6. The last bus to the Birstall Park & Ride site will leave Belgrave Road at 10pm on Sunday. People using regular bus services are advised that buses will be diverted when Belgrave Road is closed to traffic. Service 4 to Rushey Mead, 6 to Thurmaston and 5/5A to Melton will use Marfitt Street and Catherine Street. Services 25/26 and 54 to Beaumont Leys/Mowmacre Hill, and the 126/7 to Loughborough, will use Abbey Lane. During the road closure, the closest stops to Belgrave Road will be at Belgrave Roundabout and Melton Road at Marfitt Street. The switch-on event, featuring a Diwali Village – which opens at 3pm – a live stage programme, a glittering big wheel and a spectacular aerial firework display, is expected to draw crowds of around 40,000 people. A packed programme of live entertainment from 5.30pm will be followed by the switch-on of 6,000 colourful lights at 7.30pm, culminating in a stunning firework display. Leicester’s deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair, said: “Our world-famous Diwali festival is a Leicester tradition that brings our communities together to celebrate the Festival of Light. “I am delighted that the event is back for 2022 and would like to invite everyone to the Golden Mile on Sunday to enjoy the magic of one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.” This year’s event is being supported by the University of Leicester, with Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, having the honour of switching on the lights at 7.30pm. Diwali Day, on Monday 24 October, will also be marked with a day of special events. Full details of Leicester’s Diwali celebrations are available at visitleicester.info/diwali Switch-on of Leicester’s Diwali Lights: Sunday 9 October Key times: From 10am Partial closure of Belgrave Road From 3pm Diwali Village opens (Cossington Street recreation ground) From 5pm Full closure of Belgrave Road From 5.30pm Stage programme 7.30pm Switch on of Diwali lights, followed by fireworks 9.30pm approx. Belgrave Road reopens

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has welcomed plans by the Government to electronically tag more criminals leaving prison to keep people safe. Under proposals announced by the Justice Secretary, Brandon Lewis MP, this week, a further 2,000 offenders will have their whereabouts monitored on leaving custody - signalling a growing use of technology to drive down reoffending rates. The move represents an expansion of Government's Acquisitive Crime GPS tagging project which includes a number of police forces across England and Wales. Under the current initiative, only criminals with sentences of a year or more can be monitored via electronic tags on release from prison. The new changes will mean offenders with sentences of 90 days or more will also be eligible for tagging - cutting the existing sentence threshold by nine months. The announcement has been welcomed by Mr Matthews, who has prioritised the delivery of High-Tech Policing in his Police and Crime Plan as part of his efforts to strengthen local policing. He said: "I'm hugely supportive of the expansion of this project which not only serves to improve the detection of crime but also tackles reoffending, serving as an important part of the rehabilitation process for offenders - an issue that is very important to me. "It is vital we take advantage of new technology to support the work of the police in protecting people and driving down crime - this is why I have included High-Tech Policing as a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. "Law-abiding citizens expect for criminal justice agencies to use every tool in the book to keep them safe. If criminals can't be persuaded to toe the line with an electronic tag, then they can most certainly expect to be caught and punished through this courts thanks to this scheme." Electronic tags trials for acquisitive crimes including theft, burglary and robbery were introduced by the Government last year. They work by tracking the physical movements of offenders so police can determine if any tagged offenders were in the vicinity of a crime. They can also be utilised by probation officers to monitor the whereabouts of an offender under their supervision. The expansion forms part of the Government's unprecedented £183m investment in expanding the use of electronic monitoring technology.

Officers are carrying out further enquiries following an attempted robbery in Leicester’s Thurcaston Road – and are appealing for witnesses who were in the area to make contact. The incident happened between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 24 September. The victim – a man in his 20s – was approached by two men who tried to take his pushbike and punched him in the face. However, two or three people who were nearby shouted at the men, causing them to leave the area. PC Daniel Jarman, the investigating officer, said: “I’d like to speak to the people who shouted at the group, as they may have information about this incident that could help my investigation. “They have not yet come forward. If you were one of those people, please get in touch.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 22*558289. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police appeal 06/10/2022

Diwali starts on Sunday 9 October with the famous lights switch on and culminates with a firework display and entertainment on Diwali Day and Bandi Chhor Divas on Monday 24 October. Despite recent events in East Leicester, we are encouraging people to prepare for Diwali as usual. Assistant Chief Constable Adam Streets said: “There will be visible and dedicated police presence as normal throughout the celebrations. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Diwali celebrations take place safely for the enjoyment of our communities. “We’re proud of our city and its rich culture of diversity and cohesion. We will not let a small minority, who seek to cause division, spoil this for others and will take robust action to deal with them as our investigations progress. “I would ask those celebrating to follow our simple advice to celebrate safely. Make sure if you are leaving your property empty that you secure your homes and that valuables are not left on display. Please don’t use fireworks in a public place. “In the interests of public safety a no drone zone will be operating over Cossington Park and surrounding one nautical mile radius from October 9 – 10 between 2pm and 2am and October 24 – 25 at the same time. “This Airspace Restriction has been authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport and makes it a criminal offence to fly a drone within this area at the designated times, irrelevant of weight. “Police will be operating drones at the event in the interest of public safety and will be ensuring that this restriction is complied with. Those who do not comply are liable to prosecution and to having their drone seized. “Lastly, I would ask people to help us help you by reporting any suspicious behaviour on the 101 number or reporting online. In an emergency always call 999.” In a joint statement, PC Rajan Popat chair of the force’s Hindu Police Association (HPA) and Sergeant Parminder Kang, vice chair of the Sikh Police Association (SPA), said: “We’ll be celebrating Diwali along with our families and many of our colleagues. Recent events have emphasised the need to celebrate all faiths in our multi-cultural city. Both the HPA and SPA wish everyone a Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas and a safe celebration.” Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, added: “I’m looking forward to Diwali enormously, just as I have in other years. Belgrave Road is always a delightful mass of colour with tasty foods, colourful costumes and amazing entertainments. I have confidence in our communities to come together and let the festival season pass off peacefully.” For more information on Diwali please visit the VisitLeicester website.

On Tuesday 5th October, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland officially launched The Bradbury Centre, a dedicated Information, Advice and Carers hub in the heart of Leicester city centre. Located on Humberstone Gate, the centre is a hub for older people in the local community to access vital information, advice and support with matters including care and housing, benefit check entitlements, carers rights and support. During this time of unprecedented pressure on household finances, the centre will see around 200 people a day in need of help through the latest crisis affecting older people. Pensioners are already feeling the pinch and the latest research from Age UK shows that 2.8million older people will still be living in fuel poverty this winter despite the winter fuel cap, leaving millions in need of support to face the costs of daily living 1 *. Carol Tattersall, Information & Advice Worker at the Charity said, “Some (people) are at breaking point. People come in and sometimes they are actually in tears because they don’t know what to do next. They can’t think of a way to make their ‘ends’ stretch any further.” In the last year around 3,000 people have used the Information Hub to access telephone, face to face or online support and the charity expects to see an increase in demand this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis. Around 2.4 billion pounds of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit goes unclaimed each year, 2 money which could help support those desperately struggling to pay their bills. To support older people, each year the charity answers over 14,500 enquiries, many of which are related to benefit entitlement checks, resulting in 2 million pounds in successful benefit claims for older people. Louis Fernandis, a service user, is grateful for the support he received: “I didn’t even know you could get state pension or anything. I need a lot of help and I have got bad eyes as well… Age UK helped me to claim State Pension and Attendance Allowance. I never knew you could get that as well.” To celebrate the launch of this vital resource for the local community, Leicester City Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer Susan Whelan lent her support alongside Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Executive Director Tony Donovan to officially open the building with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Tony Donovan, Executive Director at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “The hub is a greatly needed resource particularly at this key time, when everyone’s finances are under pressure and older peoples’ in particular. This new hub will enable us to help even more people this winter.” VIP guests, staff, volunteers and older people who have directly benefitted from using the centre and the services the charity offices were invited to join the charity in marking and celebrating this momentous occasion.

Be dazzled by Leicester's biggest bonfire & firework display. Abbey Park will once again host the city's official fireworks display and bonfire night festivities with a fun-packed programme of events for all ages, including live entertainment, funfair and plenty of hot food stalls.  The children’s firework display takes place at 6.45pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire. There will be no cash sales on the gate and all tickets should be purchased in advance. Firework fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to take advantage of our early bird offers, the best-value way to enjoy the fun. Kids four and under can go for free, no need for a ticket, but must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets available from demontforthall.co.uk Early Bird prices Adults: £8 Concessions - Seniors / Students / Under 16s: £6 Group ticket of 4: £20 4 & under: free (accompanied by a paying adult On the day prices Adults: £10 Concessions - Seniors / Students / Under 16s: £7 Group ticket of 4: £28 Free bike parks on site. For information on public transport telephone Travel Line on 0871 200 2233. For walking/cycling routes and car shares visit choosehowyoumove.co.uk No parking in Abbey Park, Abbey Park Road, St Margaret’s Pastures car park or the surrounding areas. Abbey Park is a short walk from the city centre so please follow directions for city centre car parks. Click Here to take a look at our Arrival & Access map. To make this a safer event members of the public will not be allowed on the park with fireworks, sparklers, alcohol or dogs (except assistance dogs).

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has welcomed support from the counties' Police and Crime Panel to equip Special Constables with Taser on the streets. Earlier this year, the government authorised the use of the weapons, which deliver an electric current to temporarily incapacitate a suspect, on the condition the volunteer police officers meet strict training and eligibility criteria. The move, which followed the passing of the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, is part of a plan to better protect the policing volunteers who face the same risks as warranted officers. Leicestershire Police has since set out detailed plans to implement the new rules in Leicestershire which have been backed by Mr Matthews At a recent meeting of the Police and Crime Panel, members supported the approach and agreed to the robust processes outlined by the Force to ensure candidates are suitable to use the devices. It means the Force can go ahead with its plans to offer 12 spaces for Special Constables to be Taser trained during this financial year. Commenting on the proposals, Mr Matthews said: "Special Constables are a crucial part of our frontline policing presence and face the same risks and threats as regular officers. I am pleased we are extending the same protection to those volunteers who meet the necessary experience levels and safety checks to be trained in carrying these devices. "Our police volunteers do an incredible job to keep local people safe. I have made it clear in my Police and Crime Plan that I will support the Force and its officers to take strong and robust action to tackle violent crime and keep themselves safe. The wider roll-out of Taser is part of that commitment and I welcome the stringent measures being implemented by the Force to ensure only the right candidates are selected before being armed with these tools." To be eligible for training, Special Constables must have achieved Directed Patrol Status (DPS) - a stage of professional development when the individual has demonstrated sufficient competence in role, have completed 12 months service since achieving DPS, have completed 200 hours on duty since achieving DPS, be subject to a Professional Standards Department (PSD) check, hold current personal safety training and first aid qualifications, and have attained the required fitness standard. Leicestershire Police will impose an additional requirement for Special Constables to have maintained their 200 operational hours before their refresher course every 12 months. It will also be mandatory for all interested Special Constables to attend an information evening led by the Force's chief taser instructor. The Force is proposing to trial two types of training courses over the next 12 months, with one Taser course specifically for Specials due to take place in the Autumn and a regular course in the Autumn/Winter. Feedback will be used to determine the best training option for future recruits. Mr Matthews has made it clear in his Police and Crime Plan he supports police volunteering in all its forms and has asked the Chief Constable to revitalise the spirit of volunteering throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland's communities, which includes increasing the number of Special Constables. Mr Matthews added: "I am enormously proud of the work our Specials do to support my mission to make Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer and I'm glad the law now recognises the exceptional professionalism they bring to their duties."

Running club wants more participants to join the competition to support Lamp. A group of running enthusiasts, known as The Misfits Run Club, is set to take part in the Leicester Half Marathon and 10k on 30 October 2022 to raise funds for the Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (Lamp) charity. The Misfits Run Club consists of a group of runners who suffer from, or have experienced poor mental health. The Club is the brainchild of Adam White-Whittaker who founded the group by attracting members from the recently-opened Social Coffee Club (SCC) that he owns on Welford Road in Leicester. Adam is joined by Fern Beard, a freelance festival producer. Fern and the rest of the group share Adam’s passion for running and have taken up the sport as a way to de-stress, get fit and spend time with health conscious friends. Donations towards the Misfits’ fundraiser for Lamp can be made through its JustGiving page. Runners who want to support Lamp by joining the half marathon/10k challenges on 30 October – where runners from The Misfits Run club will also be participating - can email matthewbarton@lampdirect.org.uk. Lamp will provide competitors with running vests on the day of the marathon. Anyone wishing to join the running club on a Thursday evening can contact Fern on 07791 072479 for further details, or follow and get in touch on Instagram at @socialcoffeeclub and @misfitsrunclub. The Club’s 25 members support each other not just when running. They also use the time they spend together to connect with each other, and have meaningful conversations (around mental health), whilst drawing on the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. Adam White-Whittaker said: “We have all struggled with mental health to some extent, but there are few spaces where you can talk about things like anxiety and depression or trauma. The Misfits Run Club is open to anyone and for all levels. It’s a great way to come together as a team of diverse people who have taken up running for different reasons, but are united by a shared love of the sport. “Through running, the support we gain from each other is a massive help in the journey to good mental health and because we know how important good mental health is, we decided to take part in the Leicester Half Marathon for Lamp.” “We have eight competitors who will take part in the Leicester Half Marathon on 30 October and we’re looking for more runners to join us and support Lamp.” Richard Kotulecki, Lamp’s CEO added: “We are delighted with The Misfits Run Club’s aim to raise funds for Lamp and thank them for their generosity. A sport like running makes good mental and physical health accessible to everyone. This ties in with our annual Lamp 5k campaign which brings the community together to encourage everyone to power up, get fit and put one foot in front of the other in an effort to improve their mental and physical wellbeing. “Being part of a group like The Misfits is a way to socialise and take part in an activity that puts you in tune with your body whilst reinvigorating your mind. We wish the club members every success in completing the Leicester Half Marathon.”

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Following the update last Friday (23 September), detailing 47 arrests and charges, the investigation to the reports of crime linked to the East Leicester disorder have continued, with a number of developments this week. The investigation team are working hard behind the scenes and some inquiries will take a number of weeks to complete due to the volume of enquiries that need to be carried out. Below are the updates from this week: On 22 May this year, a 28-year-old man, from Leicester, was voluntarily interviewed in relation to a public order offence on the same day in which a 19-year-old man was injured. He is assisting police with enquiries and the investigation into the offence continues. On 17 September, a 28-year-old man, from Leicester, was voluntarily interviewed about a report he made to police on 10 September. It was claimed he was assaulted while working as a traffic warden. It was ascertained that this report was false. The investigation continues. On 24 September, a 26-year-old man, from Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He was released on police bail while enquiries continue. On 28 September, a 15-year-old girl was voluntarily interviewed in relation to a false report of a girl being approached by three men in Richmond Way. She has been released while enquiries continue. On 28 September, a 26-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed in relation to a report of egg throwing on 4 September. The investigation continues. On 29 September, a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm relating to an assault in Bridge Road in the early hours of 5 September. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Charges Dinesh Pryanshu, 21, of Lancaster Street, Leicester, was arrested on 24 September on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He was charged with this offence and appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 September, pleading not guilty to the offence. He was released on court bail and will appear at the same court on 18 October. Akshay Jiva, 27, of Rotherby Avenue, Leicester, who was arrested on 7 September on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and later charged with Section 4 public order offence. He breached his bail conditions and was further arrested on 29 September for breach of bail. He was charged with this offence and remanded to attend Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 7 October. This takes the total number of arrests/voluntary interviews to 55 and the number of people charged to nine. See last week's update: East Leicester disorder - arrests and charges | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) Leicestershire Police News 15:03 30/09/2022

A former canoe instructor from North West Leicestershire has today (Friday) been found guilty of non-recent indecency offences on young boys. Michael Hudson worked as a canoe instructor in North West Leicestershire between from the 1970s into the 2010s. In 2020 the force received a report from man reporting he had been indecently assaulted on a number of occasions by Hudson when he was a teenager. That investigation then led officers to contact another victim, who did report the offences against him to a third party in 2017 however wasn’t able to support the investigation at the time. Following contact from officers he too agreed to support the case and provide evidence against Hudson. After a lengthy investigation Hudson was charged with 10 counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 16. Today 81-year-old Hudson of Sycamore Drive, Moira, admitted his involvement in all the offences and was sentenced to serve. Detective Sergeant Anna Blockley from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU), said: “We are pleased Hudson has now been found guilty of the offences. “This was in no way easy for the victims and has been a deeply traumatic time for them. I applaud their courage in coming forward. I hope this outcome will now help them move on with their lives and reassure them that their concerns were taken seriously, no matter how long ago the offences occurred. “Hudson was an instructor at various canoe clubs in North West Leicestershire between the 1970s and 2010s. We strongly believe there may be other victims of Hudson out there who for whatever reason haven’t come forward and reported the offences. “If this is you then we encourage you to come forward. Please be assured your report will be dealt with by specialist officers who will support and guide you throughout the process.” The Child Abuse Investigation Unit historic crimes team deal with all non-recent reports where the offences have occurred against children. A dedicated team of officers help and support victims, and also liaise with partner agencies to ensure that support continues even after the case has been dealt with.

Hundreds of Leicester homes are benefitting from a range of cost-cutting energy efficiency improvements, as part of a multi-million scheme delivered by the city council. So far, over 350 low-income households have already benefitted from upgrades as part of a major scheme delivered by Leicester City Council, following its successful bid for £3.5million of Green Homes Grant funding. A further 200 homes are scheduled to receive upgrades over the coming months. The government cash supports two local schemes – the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) programme and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme. Both schemes have been running for around two years and help eligible residents to improve the warmth of their homes while helping to cut the cost of energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. They are aimed at properties with low energy performance and cover the costs of a range of energy upgrades including external wall, loft, and under floor insulation; air source heat pumps; solar PV panels; and, modern, energy efficient storage heaters. Measures such as solid wall insultation can help people save hundreds of pounds per year on energy bills and reduce household carbon emissions by around 900kg per annum. Due to high demand, applications for the current Green Homes Grant LAD programme have been paused. It is hoped that applications will reopen in autumn 2022 However, support is still available through the Home Upgrades Grants (HUG) scheme, which is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of electrically heated homes for low income households. There is no cost for eligible owner occupiers, but landlords of private rented properties will need to make a contribution. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “Installing energy efficient home improvements – such as solid wall insulation – is a good way to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. We know these measures can be expensive and, without support, could be out of reach for many low-income households which already struggling with the rising costs of energy. So, it’s absolutely vital important that people can get help to meet the costs through schemes like the local Green Homes Grants. “Our energy team has done a fantastic job in securing this funding to help hundreds of eligible residents heat their homes more efficiently, cut their energy bills and support the city in doing its bit to tackle the climate emergency. “With spiralling energy costs, it is more important than ever that support is available for people to make their homes more energy efficient and affordable to heat. We will be doing everything we to attract and secure the funding we need to help make that possible.” To find out more about the Home Upgrades Grant scheme for electrically heated homes, contact the Green Homes Grant team at E.ON on 0333 202 4820. Offices are open Monday to Friday between 9am – 5:30pm. EON is delivering the scheme on behalf of Leicester City Council and you don’t have to be an EON customer to apply. Leicester City Council is also delivering an ambitious £8million programme that will see external wall insulation fitted to 400 more homes, including council houses and housing association properties. This is supported by £7million Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, following a successful joint bid by the city council and local housing associations. For full details of the range of support available to help make Leicester’s homes more energy efficient visit www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/policies-plans-and-strategies/energy-efficiency/ Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, September 28, 2022