Leicestershire County Council is paying tribute to longstanding former leader, Nick Rushton, who has sadly died. During his 28 years as a county councillor, Nick served as leader for 12 years and stepped down in 2024 to undergo treatment for cancer. First elected to the county council in 1989, Nick served as deputy leader of the council for nine years, held a number of other cabinet positions and was chairman of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority. Nick also served as Vice Chairman of the County Councils Network and was its national spokesman on local government finance. Nick’s son, Bertie, was a county councillor between 2021 and 2025 and his father-in-law, Dan Harrison, is the current leader of the council. Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council said: “Nick was an outstanding leader of this Council. He had a unique ability to prioritise the common good and his first duty was always to the residents of Leicestershire. Nick was a true statesman. His political nous knew no bounds and neither did his sense of humour. He steered the council through tough times, including difficult decisions during austerity, and also saw the council shine on the global stage, with the reinterment of Richard III. Nicholas was one those rare breeds who was respected across the political spectrum. Just three months ago, Nick was honoured by the council for his long service. He richly deserved this recognition as an Honorary Alderman and I’m really pleased we were able to this. I have ordered the flags outside County Hall to be flown at half-mast in tribute.” Leicestershire County Council News - 22/07/2026

The Parade in Oadby is currently closed to traffic after Road traffic collision involving a pedestrian. UPDATE - ROAD NOW REOPENED The Road is closed from the A6 Leicester Road We have no details on any injuries at this time. Please avoid the area if possible. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Leicestershire Police has arrested 161 people during its summer drink and drug driving campaign, with officers warning that far too many motorists are continuing to put their own lives, and the lives of others, at risk. The campaign, which ran throughout the recent World Cup tournament, saw officers carrying out proactive enforcement activity across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to target those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In total, 161 people were arrested, including: 117 on suspicion of drink driving 30 on suspicion of drug driving 14 for failing to provide a sample The highest number of arrests were made in Leicester, where 70 people were detained. Elsewhere, there were also large numbers including, 24 arrests in Charnwood, 18 in Blaby and 16 in North-West Leicestershire. More than a quarter of all arrests followed road traffic collisions, highlighting the devastating consequences impaired driving can have. One driver arrested during the campaign was found to be almost four times the legal alcohol limit! Officers also continued to raise awareness of the dangers of driving the morning after drinking. During the campaign, 23 motorists were arrested between 5am and midday, demonstrating that alcohol can remain in a person's system long after they believe they are fit to drive. Those arrested were from a wide range of age groups. Nearly one in five were aged 24 or under, while the oldest person arrested was 82. Eighteen women were also arrested as part of the operation. Chief Inspector Jodie White, of Leicestershire Police's Specialist Support Department, said: "We encouraged everyone to think about how they would get home before kick-off and plan ahead if they intended to drink alcohol.” "Despite those messages, the number of arrests made during the campaign is deeply concerning and shows that too many people are still making dangerous decisions behind the wheel.” "If you've been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, don't take the risk of driving. Arrange a lift with a sober driver, book a taxi, use public transport or stay overnight.” "Our officers will continue carrying out proactive patrols and enforcement activity to identify and deal with drink and drug drivers, helping keep our roads safe for everyone." While the World Cup may now be over, roads policing officers will continue enforcement activity around the clock across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Anyone with information about suspected drink or drug drivers can report it online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 22/07/2026

A man has been charged with several burglary offences and is appearing at court today (Wednesday 22 July). Shawn Tulley, 43, of no fixed address, has been charged with six counts of burglary, three counts of attempted burglary and criminal damage. He is appearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today. The charges relate to burglaries at commercial premises in the city centre between 25 June and 21 July this year. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 22/07/2026

The popular Loughborough by the Sea event returns to the town centre next month – with more chance than ever to enjoy the family fun. The event, which is free to attend, has been expanded for 2026 to last a whole week, running from Monday, 17 August, to Sunday, 23 August. Every day that week, between 10am and 4pm, Loughborough’s Market Place will be transformed into a vibrant beach-themed destination. Organised by the markets team at Charnwood Borough Council, in partnership with Love Loughborough BID and I Need a Fun Fair, Loughborough by the Sea provides something for everyone. Visitors will be able enjoy: Children’s fun fair rides A bouncy castle Live entertainment Traditional market stalls And plenty of sand, of course! Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for housing, economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “Loughborough by the Sea has become a popular event in our town centre, bringing families together and creating a fantastic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. “By extending the event to a full week this year, we’re giving even more people the opportunity to enjoy the attractions, entertainment and seaside fun while supporting our local businesses and market traders.” Charnwood Borough Council News 22/07/2026

Early on Sunday morning, the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire in Ellistown involving a summer house. The blaze was triggered by lithium batteries left charging overnight. Thankfully no one was injured at this incident. Although they are typically safe when used properly, if they become damaged, overcharged, or malfunction, they can fail suddenly, resulting in a fierce fire that spreads very rapidly. To help keep yourself and your family safe: Avoid charging lithium batteries overnight or when you’re out of the house. Always use the manufacturer’s charger. Charge batteries on a hard, non-combustible surface and keep them away from escape routes. Stop using and safely dispose of any battery that shows signs of damage, swelling or overheating. Never cover batteries or chargers while they’re charging. Pictures credit Coalville Fire Station Please share this message to help raise awareness. The Fire Service is responding to an increasing number of incidents involving lithium batteries. By sharing this advice, you could help prevent the next fire and ensure someone's safety. Find more Home safety advice from Leicestershire Fire Service here

Earlier today, firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Eastern Station and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Southern Station collaborated to rescue two horses that had become trapped in heavy chains. One of the horses had its front leg tightly entangled in the chains, preventing both animals from freeing themselves. Working carefully alongside those on scene, firefighters used specialist equipment to safely remove the chains while keeping the horses as calm as possible throughout the rescue. Picture credits LFRS Thanks to the teamwork and patience of everyone involved, both horses were successfully freed and were left safe and in the care of their owners. Well done...... its #notjustfires

A new multi-use games area (MUGA) at the Rally Park in Leicester has been officially launched with a free community event. With all-weather surfacing and fencing, the MUGA will be suitable for use in many conditions for a variety of different sports, including football and basketball. The new £143,000 facility has been funded entirely from developer contributions. To celebrate the new facility, on Wednesday 8th July, a community event on the MUGA saw free coaching from Leicester City in the Community, with tips from football coaches, as well as free basketball coaching from the Leicester Riders. The local policing team was also there to meet residents and answer any questions. Assistant city mayor for sports and leisure, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Facilities like these are really important for the community as social, safe places to play. Having Leicester City in the Community and the Riders on board is great because it encourages positive activities for young people and helps to get them using the courts. They’re going to be providing free coaching sessions at several of our sites over the summer, which is brilliant news. “We’re investing in facilities like this across the city, but it’s great to also be able to use developer contributions to provide community facilities in this way.” Multi-use games areas are being created or upgraded as part of a £2.1m citywide investment by the council to improve community spaces for sports and games. Over the summer, many of the spaces will also host free coaching sessions for children and young people – to find out more and sign up, visit lcfc.com/kicks and tinyurl.com/34hsr8p3 Leicester City Council News - Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has paid tribute to his dedicated independent custody visitor’s team whose efforts have helped secure a top national award. (L-R): Dame Anne Owers (ICVA Chair), Dharmista Dave (OPCC Assurance Officer) and Sherry Ralph (ICVA CEO) The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is one of nine nationally to gain the prestigious ‘Platinum’ award in the Independent Custody Visiting Association’s (ICVA) Quality Assurance Framework, presented at a ceremony in London. Independent custody visitors (ICVs) are volunteers from the community who undertake unannounced visits in pairs to Leicester Police’s three custody suites at Beaumont Leys, Euston Street and Keyham Lane to check on the welfare, rights and living conditions of people held in police custody to ensure they are being treated fairly and with dignity. After their visits, they file reports to the PCC’s office to ensure he can address any concerns and make improvements. The scheme is a critical part of the Commissioner’s work to deliver accountability to the public and maintain the integrity and transparency of the force’s custody provision. Platinum is the highest rating available for ICV schemes nationally and represents outstanding performance and exceptional management. Schemes that are assessed as Platinum status have passed a rigorous assessment process, requiring detailed evidence to be submitted against an extensive set of criteria. These are grouped into six core themes: recruitment and training, managing volunteers, communications, holding the force to account, public assurance and detainee welfare. It is the second time consecutively the PCC’s scheme has achieved the top award. The assessment process grades schemes into four levels: Code Compliant, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “I am tremendously proud of this award which recognises the tireless dedication, energy and passion of our ICV Scheme volunteers and scheme manager. “This award is especially significant as it reflects sustained excellence since our last assessment. The standards required to achieve Platinum status are rightly stringent and it is testament to the professionalism and determination of all involved that the scheme has continued to go beyond what is expected. “Public oversight is crucial to my work and helps to reassure residents that their local police force can be trusted and that officers are fulfilling their powers and responsibilities with integrity and dignity. This is essential for strong and cooperative communities. I congratulate the team on their continued achievements.” Picture shows (L-R):Dame Anne Owers (ICVA Chair), Dharmista Dave (OPCC Assurance Officer) and Sherry Ralph (ICVA CEO)

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service issues a fire safety message about carelessly discarded smoking materials. Last Monday, we attended an incident in Measham that started as a wheelie bin fire. In a brief period, the fire extended to a parked car, then into a double garage, and finally to the house itself. The cause? A cigarette that had been put into the bin before it was fully extinguished. Help prevent fires caused by smoking materials: Always fully extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them. Never throw cigarette ends into wheelie bins, especially if they contain combustible waste. Use a proper ashtray and make sure ashes are completely cold before disposal. Never smoke if you’re feeling tired or drowsy, as you could fall asleep with a lit cigarette. Keep smoking materials well away from anything that can easily catch fire. It serves as a reminder of how something seemingly minor can rapidly escalate into a destructive fire. Pictures credit LFRS Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service - Coalville Station. Find more Home safety advice from Leicestershire Fire Service here

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are currently dealing with a fire at a landfill site in Gibbet Lane Shawell near Lutterworth. 6 appliances and 2 water carriers in attendance. Residents in the area were advised on social media to keep their windows and doors shut because of the smoke. Eastern Fire and Rescue Station, Loughborough Fire and Rescue Station, Lutterworth Fire and Rescue Station, Southern Fire and Rescue Station, Wigston Fire and Rescue Station are attending this incident. UPDATE 01:00 20/07/26 Remaining hot spots dampened down. Incident scaled down and fire service no longer in attendance. Re inspection to be carried out later on in the day.

A letter from King Charles III and a birthday card from Liverpool FC helped make Ibstock resident Lil's 100th birthday a day to remember as friends, family and her local community in Ibstock came together to celebrate. Lil, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War, marked her special milestone at a surprise celebration organised by people who have become close friends through the Bright Hope Support Café in Ibstock. Born in Liverpool before later making Leicestershire her home, Lil was treated to a memorable afternoon in June filled with cards and plenty of birthday wishes. The event brought together members of the Bright Hope Support Café, volunteers and local residents, many of whom played a part in making the day special. Some helped organise the celebration, while others donated handmade birthday cards and decorations. Everyone played their part in making Lil’s important birthday one to remember. The occasion also highlighted the importance of staying connected with others. As one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, building relationships and spending time with people in the community can help boost wellbeing, reduce loneliness and create a sense of belonging. Groups like Bright Hope Support Café provide opportunities for people to make friends, share experiences and feel connected. Adding to the excitement, Lil received a letter from His Majesty King Charles III and a birthday card from Liverpool FC the club she has supported since childhood. Vera Harding, Bright Hope Support Café Ibstock said: "It was so helpful to have others contribute to the arrangements. It was really rewarding to see Lil's face light up as she walked into the party." The celebration was supported by Leicestershire County Council's Local Area Coordinator for Ibstock and Measham, Bryonie Mellor, who works alongside residents and community groups to help people build connections and access local support. Bryonie Mellor, Local Area Coordinator for Ibstock and Measham said: "The party was a real success. Some members of the support café helped organise the event, and it was lovely to see how happy they were to be given the opportunity to contribute. Other attendees also got involved, with one person donating handmade cards for people to send to Lil." Councillor Paul Harrison, Leicestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health said: "Reaching 100 is a remarkable milestone, and it was wonderful that Lil was surrounded by so many people who care about her as she celebrated this special birthday. It's also fitting that we recognise her service during the Second World War and the contribution she has made throughout her life. What makes this story so special is the way friends, neighbours and local volunteers came together to make Lil feel appreciated. Strong social connections are so important for our wellbeing and this celebration is a fantastic example of how communities can help people feel connected and make a real difference to someone's life." Local Area Coordinators work alongside residents, community groups and organisations to help people identify their strengths, achieve their goals and access support in their local area. Leicestershire County Council News 20th JULY 2026