A partnership between local councils and universities that threw open the doors of three university libraries has driven hundreds of new memberships. New figures reveal that thousands of local residents have visited libraries at De Montfort University (DMU), the University of Leicester and Loughborough University since February 2025, when local people became able to join the university libraries for free. The initiative has transformed access to academic library resources for anyone over 18 living, working or studying in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. The partnership - which also involves Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council - gives local residents free membership of all three university libraries. Members can borrow up to 10 books at a time, access specialist academic collections, and use open study spaces seven days a week. Since starting in February 2025, the scheme has attracted 1,708 new members across the three universities, with the University of Leicester welcoming 1,010 new members, DMU 328, and Loughborough 370. Across the partnership, 3,548 books have been loaned to external members since the start of 2025, while Loughborough University Library alone has recorded 2,393 visits from members of the public over the past 12 months. Dr Simon Dixon, associate director for community and heritage at the University of Leicester, said: "By opening our doors more widely, we're creating opportunities for people to discover new ideas, reconnect with learning, and see universities as a resource that belongs to everyone." Alan Brine, deputy director of library and student services at DMU, described the Open Libraries initiative as a natural extension of the university's civic mission. He said: "All of the units came together and said, right, let's put something together. We just say to the public, you can go in any university you like." Cllr Vi Dempster, Leicester’s assistant city mayor for libraries, said: “It’s great to see our partnership with universities doing so well. Our three local universities are an asset to our communities, so it’s wonderful to see so many people taking the opportunity to benefit from their resources. “This partnership is a great addition to the strong offer we have at Leicester Libraries, complementing our citywide presence in local neighbourhoods and the range of free services, events and activities we offer. If you're not already a member of our libraries, please join up now for a warm welcome.” The project also aligns with the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide Department for Education campaign calling on individuals, organisations and communities to make reading a regular part of everyday life. Find out more at goallin.org.uk. To join the Open Libraries scheme, sign up at universitiespartnership.org/open-libraries. Find out more about Leicester Libraries – and sign up for free, if you’re not already a member - at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries Leicester City Council News - 23/06/26

Back in early April this year, a car accidentally drove into a restaurant on Bell Street in Wigston. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, apart from severe damage to the shop front and interior, causing the business to close for 10 weeks. The owner, May Chan, is pleased to announce the reopening of the restaurant tomorrow, Tuesday, 23rd June, at 12 noon, and would love to see old and new customers walking through the new front door to experience the menu, adding, 'we don't do drive-through' but takeaways we do... She also said this has been extremely challenging for a new business, which has only been open for 7 months, to face this disruption. However, she believes that her dream of opening this restaurant in the heart of Wigston is still very much alive. She also expressed her gratitude to her landlord, suppliers, and the people of Wigston for their support during this long closure. Katsu Chicken Curry It was delicious April 2026 Shokudo offers a diverse Japanese menu. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes and services, including dine-in and takeaway options. It has received positive reviews for its food quality and customer service, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Shokudo In Town 13 Bell St, Wigston LE18 1AD Tel 0116 380 0281 Open Tue-Sat 12:00 to 20:00 Follow them on FACEBOOK Here Check out our restaurant reviews

Emergency services are currently in attendance on Abbey Park Road here in the city. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service and East Midlands Ambulance service are at the scene. This road traffic collision involves 2 cars, we have no details on any injuries at this time. Abbey Park Road between Wolsey Island Way and the Belgrave roundabout is currently closed both ways. The main entrance for Abbey Park is within the area of the Police cordon and has been taped off. Please find alternate routes - updates to follow.

Two people have been charged as part of a police investigation into firearm discharges in Leicester. The investigation remains ongoing in relation to offences which occurred on Tuesday 2 June in Cort Crescent, Braunstone, and two incidents on Tuesday 9 June in Brascote Lane, Newbold Verdon and Station Road, Glenfield. In all three incidents, damage was caused to the front of the properties – consistent with a firearm having been discharged. A car was also damaged in Newbold Verdon. No-one has been injured. On Sunday (21 June), Daniel Bateman, 29, of no fixed address, and Tom Law, 38, of Corfield Rise, Leicester, were both charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited for life. The charges relate to the incident at Brascote Lane and Station Road on 9 June 2026. Bateman and Law appeared at Leicester Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday) where they were remanded into custody. They are due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on Monday 10 August. Yesterday (Monday), a 20-year-old man, of Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life in connection with the investigation. He currently remains in police custody. Three additional people have previously been arrested in connection with the investigation. They are: A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and released on police bail pending further enquiries. A 34-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and suspicion of assisting an offender. She has been released on police bail for the firearms arrest and released under investigation for the assisting an offender arrest. A 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and released under investigation. Leicestershire Police News Published: 10:43 23/06/2026

Multiple Fire crews are responding to a car transporter fire on the M1 motorway north of the Catthorpe Interchange (J19). M1 JUCTIONS 19 - 20 CLOSED Credit - LFRS Seven cars are ablaze, as well as the transporter. There are no casualties. There are six fire engines currently at the scene, plus two water carriers. Colleagues from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Services are assisting. The northbound carriageway of the M1 is closed in this area, with two lanes of the southbound carriageway also closed. National Highways East Midlands has warned drivers that there is no access to the M1 northbound from the A14. Motorists should seek alternative routes, and can expect long delays. Fire crews from Lutterworth, Hinckley and Southern Fire Stations worked until just after 9pm. The fire was caused by a blown tyre on the trailer.

This weekend, Leicester’s skies will be transformed as the city hosts its first-ever Balloon Festival, one of a series of major family-friendly events expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Leicester and Leicestershire. Picture by Trevor Sewell for LM News Balloon Festival on Victoria Park 2026 Picture credits - Leicester Balloon Festival Pictures taken by Craig Thorpe for Leicester Media online Alongside this the daytime activities will include some incredible entertainment including the Stannage International stunt show; Civil War re-enactment & living history camps; a foam party; circus workshops; Magical Musical Flying Bubble Bike; a Dinosaur invasion; the Jump Dogs Parachute Team (Sunday); a fun fair; face painting, plus street food and licensed bars to keep you fuelled. More pictures taken by Trevor Sewell for Leicester Media online Leicester Balloon Festival: 19-21 June Venue Address London Road, Leicester, LE1 7RY Tickets are just £8 for adults and £6 for kids, get yours here. Pictures by Leicester Media Online by Craig Thorpe and Trevor Sewell & Leicester Balloon Festival

Leicester is the current title holder, having been awarded Curry Capital in June 2024. The five shortlisted cities are: Leicester London Birmingham Manchester Bradford Pictures by Leicester Media Online Media, journalist, restaurant owners and guests have been invited from Leicester, London, Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester to attend tonight’s ceremony in Leicester. This official presentation and ceremony will also be attended by: Deputy Lieutenant Professor Sir Nilesh Samani . The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal . Shivani Raja MP, Leicester East. Dan Harrison, Leader of Leicestershire County Council Jackie Ledger, Place Marketing Manager, Leicester City Council, Tourism, Culture and Investment. England's Curry Capital is a national accolade awarded every two years to recognise the city that best represents the nations vibrant and influential South Asian culinary scene. The award celebrates outstanding cuisine, cultural impact and the collaborative efforts of local communities, chefs and restaurant leaders. Public voting for the 2026 to 2028 title opened in March 2026 and closed on 1 May 2026. The official winner will be announced tonight 18th June 2026 at the city's multi award winning restaurant Chutney Ivy, Halford Street, here in Leicester. The ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster and Pukaar travel writer Vallisa Chauhan. Leicester Media will be covering this event live and will announce the winning city later tonight. England Curry Capital award is brought to you by Pukaar Group

Governors' decision made with support for parents on offer. Leicestershire County Council is supporting parents to find alternative primary places for their children after Diseworth Church of England Primary School announced its intention to close. Governors voted to close the school from the end of this academic year following the loss of staff, leaving it without any teachers and support staff for the start of the next school year. The primary school was expected to have 35 children on roll for 2026/27, less than half of the 84-pupil capacity it can accommodate. Diseworth Primary School has, for a number of years, not been financially sustainable due to falling pupil numbers and an increasing surplus of school places due to declining birth rates, an issue which has been experienced nationally by all primary schools. All teaching staff have chosen to move to new jobs, and with the teacher notice period to leave at the end of the summer term being 31 May, there is no time to recruit any new staff. Leicestershire County Council officers will be supporting parents to find alternative school places, with the council reassuring parents that there are more than enough available places locally. A guidance document has been produced for all parents on how to apply for a school place, and a drop-in session will be held to support people in knowing the process on moving to a new school in time for the start of the year in late August. The Diocese of Leicester has been informed of the governors’ decision to close the school. Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families said: “This is a sad day for Diseworth CE Primary School but our team will work tirelessly to make sure every child has a school place for the next academic year. “I know the governors have worked extremely hard to make the school sustainable, so this will not have been an easy decision for them. I want to thank them and the school staff for everything they’ve done to try and make the school viable. “It’s absolutely vital that this county has sustainable and successful schools. Our school places strategy is working to do exactly this – making sure high quality school places are available in the right place at the right time.” Any families who need support with applying for an alternative school place should contact the School Admissions Service by calling 0116 305 2070. Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 22 June, 2026

East Midlands Ambulance Service releases statement as emergency services pull out from Pride events across the UK Firefighters, police officers, and ambulance service personnel will not be taking part in Pride marches in certain areas of the country East Midlands Ambulance Service says its staff will be permitted to join Pride marches - amid an ongoing debate which has seen emergency services elsewhere in the country withdraw their support. Whilst emergency services in these areas are still expected to attend the events to carry out their work duties, uniformed officers will not be permitted to join in on the day's festivities. The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) states it "continues to be very supportive" of staff participating in Pride marches. Tina Richardson, the ambulance service's deputy director of people, said: "EMAS remains very supportive of our staff and volunteers joining Pride events across the East Midlands. "Attendance at events is usually led by our LGBT+ staff network; however, as with all community event activity, this is subject to appropriate checks, operational resource availability and the ability for staff to attend, on a case-by-case basis." Historically, emergency services have been present at some of the region's largest LGBTQ+ events, such as Nottinghamshire Pride, which takes place annually on July 25, and Leicester Pride on September 5. The ambulance service in the West Midlands said taking part in Pride events might suggest that it supported certain views over others which are "contrary to the protected beliefs" of other people. This has triggered an ongoing debate, with the region's mayor Richard Parker publicly slamming the move and arguing attending Pride events is not a "political act". The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives has also said the court ruling does not apply to ambulance services. The Leicester Pride event is on Saturday 5th September 2026 at Abbey Park Leicester– 1pm – 9pm – Free entry click on logo to visit web site They need corporate sponsorship click link below Leicester Media is proud to be the official media partner for Leicester Pride

A Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued across the Midlands and southern England until 25 June. This is the highest level of alert and indicates a risk to everyone's health, not just vulnerable groups. Northern England is under an Amber alert. For further information, visit the data dashboard: Alerts are in place from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat?type=heat

Demolition started over the weekend to make the site safe. The cause of the fire is not known at this time. The latest from the Fire service is that this incident has now been handed over to Leicestershire Police for investigation. Fire Service received multiple calls at 4am on Saturday morning to reports of a large fire at Thurmaston Shopping Centre affecting several units. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service deployed 8 fire engines, 2 Aerial appliances and over 40 firefighters were in attendance. The corner unit M&S food hall remains closed. Credit LFRS Pictures by Leicester Media Online. More to follow

A fire which destroyed multiple units at Thurmaston Shopping Centre is believed to have been started deliberately, police have said. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: "Police were called to the Thurmaston shopping centre just after 4.15am on Saturday (June 20) following a report of a fire. Officers attended alongside colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. "The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and enquiries are continuing. We would ask anyone with information to contact police, on 101 quoting reference 26*359496." Picture credit LFRS