The City's new Lord Mayor has been presented with the chain of office at a ceremony at Leicester’s Town Hall. Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal, who has represented Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields ward since 2015, was sworn in as the city’s first citizen at a meeting of the full council on Thursday 14 May. Picture caption: The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal At the ceremony, the new Lord Mayor announced he would be supporting two charities in his mayoral year: the Midland Langar Seva Society, a charity that’s dedicated to addressing food insecurity and homelessness in Leicester, and Leicester Hospitals Charity, working with the city's hospitals to support early diagnosis of diabetes and kidney care. Cllr Singh Johal will be supported in his year in office by the Lady Mayoress, his wife Manjit Kaur Johal, while his daughter – Gursimran Kaur Hayer – will be his consort. Ashvir, his son, will also play a supportive role. “Having lived most of my life in the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields area, it was a privilege to be elected as my community’s ward councillor in 2015,” he said. “To now have the opportunity to represent the city that has been my home for most of my life as Lord Mayor is a true honour, and I pledge to serve every resident of Leicester with openness, respect and humility. “As I take on this historic role, I’ve chosen to highlight the important work that’s carried out by two brilliant local charities – the Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity. “A charity that strives to ensure that everyone in our city has the food that they need and a roof over their head, and one that’s committed to identifying and researching ways to prevent early stages of diabetes and kidney disease, both deserve the public’s backing, and I hope that the people of Leicester will join me in supporting them during my year in office.” After completing his education, Cllr Singh Johal began his career at Russell Castings Ltd, a long-established Leicester foundry producing ductile iron castings. He worked there for 25 years until the foundry closed in 2016 – an experience that shaped his long-standing commitment to trade union values. Guided by his Sikh faith and the principle of seva (selfless service), he has volunteered for many years. As General Secretary of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, he helped host HM Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 2002. He has also played a leading role in developing GNG Football Club as one of the city’s largest and most inclusive community sports organisations. Cllr Singh Johal becomes the latest incumbent of an office that dates back to at least 1209. Incumbents of the office were formerly known simply as the ‘Mayor’, but the title was elevated to ‘Lord Mayor’ in 1928. Cllr Dr Susan Barton will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2026-27, with outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Teresa Aldred, appointed as High Bailiff. More information about the office of the Lord Mayor is available at leicester.gov.uk Leicester City Council News

Leicestershire County Council appoints its 50th chairman Councillor Linda Danks has been appointed the fiftieth Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. A diet consultant from Rothley, Councillor Danks was confirmed by the Council’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday 13th of May. Currently her first term as a county councillor and representing the Rothley & Mountsorrel division, Cllr Danks is a mother, grandmother and recently became a great grandmother. Over the last year Cllr Danks became chair and trustee of The Rothley Centre Charity, which successfully worked to reopen the Rothley Community Centre. Cllr Linda Danks, chairman of the county council said: “I am absolutely honoured to be the 50th Chairman at Leicestershire County Council, I am really looking forward to meeting the wonderful, talented and inspiring people of Leicestershire.” As well as enjoying Leicestershire’s countryside, Cllr Danks is also a trustee for the Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood Charity. The chairman attends events across the county as part of their duties and Cllr Danks replaces the outgoing chair, Cllr Paul Harrison. Councillor Linda Broadley was appointed the new vice-chairman for 2026/27. Leicestershire Council News Thursday, 14 May, 2026

Fire and police are currently investigating a fire on East Park Road in Leicester tonight. A fire crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service attended after reports of a fire earlier tonight, on the Third Floor of the Imperial building. Police have now cordoned off the rear to the building. It's believed the fire is now extinguished and investigation will take place shortly. More to follow.

Have your say about Policing. Meet the two at the top, at What Matters to You Road Show in Beaumont Leys this Wednesday. Lord Willy Bach and Simon Cole The ‘What Matters to You’ Roadshow with Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach and Chief Constable Simon Cole will be in Beaumont Leys on Wednesday 10th April to hear first-hand what local people have to say about policing. They will be joined by members of the local policing team in Bradgate Mall, Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, LE4 1DE, from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, 10 April. What matters to you Roadshow 10th April 2019 Beaumont Shopping Centre Members of public will have the opportunity to meet both the PCC and the Chief Constable and talk to them about policing in the area. They will be invited to share their experiences with those setting policing priorities and give their views on crime and public safety. Public feedback is vital to both the PCC and senior officers as they seek to meet the policing needs and expectations of different communities. The feedback they receive helps to influence where resources are allocated. Willy Bach said: “These events are always well-attended and provide a great opportunity for a real two-way conversation about policing, community safety and any concerns that people may have. We all learn something. “We will be around throughout the afternoon to chat to people and talk about local concerns. We really do want to hear what matters to people and what they feel we can do to help. If you are in the area please, pay us a visit!” #LeicesterPolice #PCC

Fire in Narborough Road Leicester, interview with resident who jumped out of a 2nd floor window to escape the fire. 5th July 2018 #fire #shopfire #narboroughroad

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach announced the recipients of his £100k fund to tackle knife crime as a national crackdown operation commenced. Lord Willy Bach The PCC, who has pledged to get to the core of the knife crime epidemic sweeping Britain’s streets, announced a series of funding grants for projects which work directly with young people with the aim of turning them away from violence and gang life. It comes as police forces nationwide launched a weeklong crackdown using surrender bins, stop and search tactics and weapons sweeps to address the surge in violence as part of Operation Sceptre. This week, the PCC joined calls from Labour MPs and Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country urging Prime Minister Theresa May to urgently convene the Cobra Committee, put 10,000 police officers back on the streets and begin reinvesting in critical youth diversionary services which have been drastically cut during the years of austerity. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we have to do more to protect young people from knife crime and violence,” said Willy Bach. “There are deep-rooted psychological and social problems that compel people to carry knives and unless these are confronted by experienced youth workers - and young people are given other choices for the future - then we will continue to see bloodshed and senseless deaths on our streets. “This £100,000 fund is just the start. We need the Government to take our calls for action seriously and to commit meaningful resources that will not only expand proactive police work but will give young people realistic goals and aspirations which don’t involve violence or brutality. Only then will this tide of brutality end.” Among those organisations already confirmed as successful in the PCC’s funding scheme is Leicester Riders for its youth engagement work, online learning provider E2 Online, Leicestershire’s Reducing Reoffending Partnership (RRP) and vocational training provider Trans4m. Further grants are currently being confirmed. The new funding, which has been allocated from reserves, was announced late last year at the PCC’s high-profile knife crime conference in a bid to prevent young people wasting their talents and opportunities by engaging in violence. In a further move to save lives, the PCC also announced he had agreed to invest a further £10,000 to install Catastrophic Haemorrhage Packs in 120 frontline police vehicles. “Violence in all its shapes and forms results in premature death, injury and lost chances,” said Willy Bach. “Young people must be given an alternative but this Government has to recognise that youth investment is critical to providing it.” Superintendent Shane O’Neill, who leads the force’s response to knife crime, said: “The police can’t tackle the problem of knife crime alone and we work closely with a range of other agencies to work with, and educate, young people about the dangers of carrying a knife. This funding will give a range of projects a financial boost and help them continue their work diverting young people away from carrying a knife.” #LivesNotKnives For more knife crime resources, or advice for those carrying a knife or those who know someone who is, visit our knife crime page

Initial reports from driver of Taxi minibus reporting a car had collided with the minibus, 2 persons with back injuries inside. Outside Braunstone Leisure centre, Hinckley Road, Leicester Sunday 21st October 2018 around 2.40pm Lead Image By Andy Morton Watch the video which was taken live at the scene By Leicester Media Online Rear door was removed from minibus to allow access for EMAS. Rear seated passenger extricated using longboard. 2nd Ambulance in attendance. Male casualty extricated from vehicle and being taken to LRI by land Ambulance. Front seat passenger also assisted out of vehicle by Ambulance and Fire Service. No details of the injuries have been released. Images By Andy Morton #rtchinckleyroadleicester #rtc

Two council workers saves life of a 94 year old woman. They tackled flames and smoke to bring the women out to safety. St Austell Road Thurnby Lodge Leicester Ground floor flat fire 09/02/2019 Video By Leicester Media © 2019 Our reporter at the Scene of the fire was told that the two council workers was heroes, and that the woman would have died. A dog and two cats were also saved from the blaze. Two people, believed to be the woman and one of the council workers, were taken to hospital. The fire started around 8.00 am and the video footage shows extensive fire damage to the flat. Initial Information: Initial emergency calls came from neighbours witnessing a fire at the property with no one outside therefore this was treated as person reported. Fire Service crews confirmed that a ground floor flat was well alight and that a female casualty had been rescued. Four breathing apparatus wearers extinguished the fire using two hose reels. A search was carried out for two cats and one dog which were rescued from the property. Two casualties were conveyed to Leicester Royal Infirmary by road ambulance. Fire investigation Officers are attending this incident. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 Updated News 18:00 Leicestershire Fire service released the cause of the Fire Believed Cause: Accidental - unattended candle Council worker hero who rescued elderly woman from blazing flat in Thurnby Lodge praised. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/council-worker-hero-who-rescued-2561383?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar #flatfire #lfrs

2Funky Arts is launching an exciting paid opportunity for artists of Black, African and Caribbean heritage to be part of their acclaimed, annual And Still I Rise Midlands tour - a production for Black History Month. Ten outstanding creatives will be selected to present powerful new work - celebrating the strength, spirit and vibrancy of Black culture. Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre Each artist will develop an original 6–7-minute performance, exploring themes of identity, heritage and liberation. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem Still I Rise, Black history and/or personal experience, the programme offers a platform for bold voices to be seen and heard. The tour will travel across four cities in the Midlands: • Fri 2nd October - Birmingham MAC •Fri 16th October- Derby Theatre •Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre •Thursday 29th October- Nottingham Arts Theatre All performance styles are welcome – including poetry, music, dance, and theatre. Selected artists will receive £500 to develop and rehearse their work, plus £200 for each performance. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the Midlands and available for the full run of tour dates. Speaking about the project, 2Funky Arts Director Vijay Mistry said: “And Still I Rise is our flagship annual touring production, which inspires audiences each year and showcases new talent. It’s a great opportunity for emerging artists to present their work on a high-profile platform and explore important themes as part of Black History Month.” DEADLINE TO APPLY – Friday 26th June 2026 Artists will also be required to attend: a rehearsal feedback session on Saturday 12th September 12pm - 4pm (Artists will be paid £70 to attend this plus travel from outside of Leicester) and an online evaluation meeting on Monday 27th October 6pm - 7pm. For more info & to apply visit – 2funkyarts.co.uk Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced the launch of its official Patreon page, offering supporters a new way to contribute to the preservation and development of the historic railway through affordable monthly donations. The initiative responds to a long-standing sentiment among supporters – “If everyone who loved the GCR just gave a small amount each month…” – by providing a simple and accessible platform to do exactly that. Patreon, a widely used online membership platform, enables individuals to support organisations through regular contributions in exchange for exclusive content and closer engagement. The GCR’s scheme introduces a range of support tiers, with entry-level contributions priced at less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The first tier, “Porter,” is now live, with additional options planned. Supporters who join the platform will receive benefits including early access to videos, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive updates, and opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions. The initiative is designed not only to generate a reliable, year-round income stream but also to strengthen connections between the railway and its global audience. “This is about more than fundraising,” Jonathan Fraser, Head of Marketing at GCR, said. “It’s about building a stronger relationship with the people who care about what we do – whether they visit regularly or follow our work from afar.” The GCR aims to use Patreon to expand public interest in its operations, heritage, and engineering work, while fostering a dedicated digital community. The platform is also expected to support volunteer recruitment efforts and raise awareness of major projects, including the ongoing Reunification initiative. Additionally, the consistent content shared through Patreon will contribute to the railway’s archival efforts, documenting day-to-day activities and preserving them for future generations. The launch reflects a broader trend among heritage organisations adopting digital platforms to sustain engagement and funding. By offering supporters a more active role in the railway’s story, the GCR hopes to turn followers into long-term advocates and ambassadors. Supporters can learn more and sign up via the official Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/GreatCentralRailway

This May will see Pirates take over the planetarium at the National Space Centre as things take a sharp turn into full swashbuckling chaos with an after-hours Pirate Party that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Islandand featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun. Held on Friday 22 May, this special evening event transforms the Centre into a pirate’s playground, with film, live music performance, out-of-hours gallery access, treasure hunting, and plenty of victuals and grog. The evening’s main event, a 30th anniversary screening of Muppet Treasure Island will take place in the UK’s largest planetarium with an early screening for families, a later 18+ screening, access to the galleries throughout, and activities from the Space Centre’s own space pirate crew, all topped by an amazing performance from The Puppet Folk Experience. Tickets include access to the Pirate Party in the main galleries, including a performance from The Puppet Folk Experience, and entry to one of two screenings of Muppet Treasure Island: an early screening designed for families and a later screening (18+) for adults and grown-up fans. The café and bar will be open during the event, serving up victuals and grog – perfect for both young buccaneers and seasoned sea dogs. This is a night that every pirate can enjoy – and there may even be some rum in the bar! Throughout the evening guests can explore the National Space Centre itself – the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space – including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life. Tickets are available now via the National Space Centre website: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced the relaunch of a service designed to resolve crime without involving the courts to successfully rehabilitate offenders. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has awarded a contract to community support specialist Ingeus to provide an Out of Court Resolution (OOCR) service for eligible adult offenders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for the next two years. OOCRs enable police to deal with low‑level and first‑time offences without resorting to court. The process offers swift and meaningful justice for victims of crime by ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions while also ensuring they receive tailored support to reduce their re-offending in the future. Police can only use OOCRs in limited situations and only when a suspect admits the offence. These include but are not limited to offences of common assault, possession of cannabis and public order offences. OOCRs may also include voluntary conditions for the offender to comply with such as attending a domestic abuse perpetrator programme or targeted intervention for young people aged 18-25. In his Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner has vowed to establish systems that support the Force to use out of court solutions for victims of crime wherever most effective. This approach closely links to the PCC’s focus on prevention and the need to help communities become stronger, more resilient, so they can thrive. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthew said: “Court proceedings are not always the most effective way to deal with crime. The use of Out of Court Resolutions can bring swift and satisfactory justice and closure for victims, while also helping offenders to understand the human impact and consequences of their actions, often reducing their motivation to commit further offences. “This approach focuses on low-risk, first-time offenders, who are more receptive to efforts to change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming habitual criminals. “It is vital we address the underlying causes of offending rather than continually applying a sticking plaster. It strongly links back to the Peelian principle of success being measured not on the number of arrests and convictions but by the absence of crime.” Between April and December 2025, 78% of eligible domestic abuse perpetrators completed the CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) early intervention programme run by Hampton Trust as part of the previous OOCR service while 100% of young people aged 18-25 undertaking the Reflect targeted support course run by Ingeus expressed satisfaction with the intervention. The service will run until 31st March 2028 with the possibility of a 12-month extension to 31st March 2029.