Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, has unveiled ambitious plans to complement local policing with Street Wardens in market towns across the force area. Since this contract is set to go out for tender, the precise budget cannot be confirmed at this moment. Mr. Matthews has suggested that it might be valued around £2 million. Funded through his Crime Prevention Budget, Wardens will work at targeted times and locations, guided by crime data and public feedback, to maximise impact. Mr Matthews said there was strong evidence that Street Wardens provide a cost-effective, practical and community-focused response to the challenges facing market towns. Experiences from Middlesbrough, Newcastle, North Devon, and closer to home in Ashby, Melton Mowbray and Hinckley show they deter anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and low-level crime, freeing up police time by preventing issues before they escalate. Working in pairs, Wardens will be linked to local CCTV, equipped with body-worn cameras, and trained in de-escalation, safeguarding and mental health awareness skills. Performance data gathered in the first year will guide future expansion. A competitive tender process will begin shortly, with Wardens expected to be in place before Christmas. Rupert Matthews said: “From the outset, I have been clear that crime prevention is my overriding priority. By preventing crime, we reduce pressure not only on policing but also on other emergency services, the criminal justice system and probation, and social care . “I am confident that Street Wardens will play an effective role in strengthening crime prevention and boosting community confidence across our two counties. Evidence from areas where they are already established shows that their visible presence deters crime, while their ability to defuse tense situations helps reduce violence and anti-social behaviour. “I should emphasise that Street Wardens are not a replacement for police officers, but they are a valuable complement, easing demand on police resources. Residents consistently tell me they want a visible, reassuring presence on their streets, which prevents crime and helps them feel safe. “While I cannot stipulate where police officers are deployed or have any say over whether they should be called away from their patrol duties to other incidents, I can ensure that these Street Wardens remain a highly visible, reassuring presence in the areas where public feedback and data shows they are needed.” As this contract is due to go out to tender the exact budget cannot be confirmed at this time. Mr Matthews has indicated that it could be worth in the region of £2m. The successful Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licenced Contractor will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate vetting as well as the training of all wardens supplied by them. A member of the PCC’s team will scrutinise the delivery of the contract and performance data. Supplementary comment in response to query made last week. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “The role of the Wardens is to prevent crime, rather than respond after it has occurred. Preventing crime reduces demand not only on policing but across other public services. “My responsibilities include commissioning services that improve community safety, and Street Wardens have already demonstrated their effectiveness in this area. Under legislation, PCCs do not have operational control over police officers or staff; this is rightly the responsibility of the Chief Constable, and I fully respect that distinction. “The public value a visible and reassuring presence in their communities. Wardens will become familiar local figures and, importantly, will not be redeployed to support policing in other areas. “Finally, PCCs are due to be abolished in 2028. It would therefore be imprudent to ringfence funding for police officers - something I am unable to do anyway - given the uncertainty surrounding the future structure of policing. The Government’s plans for potential ‘super-force’ mergers remain unclear, and police officers cannot be recruited or released at will.” The successful Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licenced Contractor will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate vetting as well as the training of all wardens supplied by them. A member of the PCC’s team will scrutinise the delivery of the contract and performance data.

Following the Artemis II mission, enjoy the astronaut experience this May half term at the award-winning National Space Centre With space exploration making global news headlines after NASA’s successful Artemis II mission sent astronauts around the Moon and back, the National Space Centre in Leicester is planning an unforgettable May half term holiday with a chance to find out more about the future of Artemis, plus intergalactic adventures, hands‑on science and award‑winning experiences to bring space travel to life. From 23-31 May 2026, the National Space Centre – voted Large Visitor Attraction of the Year by Visit England in 2025 - will launch ‘Mission Space’, where visitors can enjoy family talks, interactive workshops, science activities and take an unforgettable, immersive low Earth orbit mission aboard the Tharsis spacecraft. Throughout the holiday period, visitors can dive deeper into the technology, science and human stories shaping the future of missions to the Moon and Mars. Booking online guarantees entry and every day ticket includes a choice from three fantastic, full dome shows in the UK’s largest, award-winning planetarium. Across the Centre, families can take on challenges to drive a rover on Mars, discover how spacesuits protect astronauts on other worlds and enjoy a trip to low Earth orbit on the Tharsis spacecraft. There will be Mission Moon and Mission Mars talks on the LIVE Space stage each day, with LEGO WeDo space rover challenge drop-in sessions, astronaut pressure suit artefact activities and a Moon Base Build where you can take home your own lunar base. All day tickets purchased online are automatically upgraded to a FREE Annual Pass, giving visitors unlimited return visits for a full year. Existing Annual Pass holders can book their May half term visit at no extra cost. Malika Andress, Head of Marketing at the National Space Centre, said: “If you were excited or intrigued by the recent Artemis II launch, why not join us this May half term to find out more. You can bring the whole family for a day out to explore and experience the whole Centre - from rockets to astronauts!” Find out more Full May half term holiday details and booking options can be found at: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/whats-on/may-half-term

Leicester College is inviting local residents, families and prospective students to a free Community Open Event this summer for a fun day packed with activities for all ages, including games, competitions, live street art and more. The event will take place at the College’s Abbey Park Campus (Painter Street, Leicester, LE1 3WA) from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 20 June 2026. This informal, inclusive, community-focused event will include community stalls and the opportunity to talk to local emergency services (fire and police). Leicester College will also be working with Graffwerk, the Leicester-based street art and graffiti culture organisation, on a ‘Paint by Numbers’ community art piece that will be created at this event. The event will give visitors the chance to explore what the College has to offer for individuals who may be considering returning to learning, developing new skills or exploring future career options. Visitors will be able to get involved with exciting, hands-on activities led by the College’s curriculum teams who will be providing guidance, inspiration and practical support. Visitors can also collect stamps from zones across the event and receive a prize! Shabir Ismail, Principal and CEO at Leicester College commented: “Events like this are a great opportunity for the local community to discover what is possible through further education. Not only is it helpful for those interested in finding out more about how further education can improve their career or employment prospects, but it will also make a great day out for locals looking for fun activities to keep them busy this summer.” The event is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to come along, ask questions and explore how Leicester College can support their next steps. Book tickets via the Eventbrite page.

Leicestershire Fire Service is issuing important advice regarding the potential hazards associated with charging various electrical devices, including smartphones, electric bikes (e-bikes), and other gadgets that rely on batteries. As the use of these devices continues to grow, so does the risk of fire incidents related to improper charging practices. It is essential for users to be aware of the risks involved in charging their devices, particularly in terms of overheating, short circuits, and the use of substandard charging equipment. Image credits : Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service The fire service emphasizes that users should always use the correct manufacturer-recommended chargers and cables, as using incompatible or counterfeit accessories can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to avoid charging devices overnight or while they are unattended, as this can increase the likelihood of a fire starting without anyone being present to respond to it. It is also crucial to ensure that devices are placed on hard, flat surfaces during charging, rather than on soft materials like beds or sofas, which can trap heat and create a fire hazard. In addition, Leicestershire Fire Service advises users to regularly inspect their charging cables and devices for any signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires, which could pose a risk of electrical shock or fire. Keeping charging areas well-ventilated and free from clutter is another important safety measure to consider. By following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure a safer environment both at home and in their workplaces. Ultimately, the Leicestershire Fire Service aims to raise awareness about these hazards and encourage proactive measures among the community to prevent electrical fires. By taking these warnings seriously and implementing safe charging practices, residents can help protect themselves and their property from the dangers associated with charging electrical devices. Always have working smoke alarms Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends that all residents ensure their smoke alarms are not only installed but also regularly tested to guarantee they are functioning correctly. It is crucial to understand that smoke alarms play a vital role in fire safety, as they are designed to detect smoke and alert occupants of a potential fire, providing valuable time for evacuation and emergency response. Regular testing of these devices is essential because even the best smoke alarms can fail if they are not maintained properly. Top tips for smoke alarms Smoke Alarms | Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service For more information Electrical Safety | Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety announcement by Leicester Media - 11/05/26

Recognising and supporting carers is at the heart of a new strategy – and residents can have their say on the plans. This consultation runs from Monday 20 April to Sunday 14 June 2026. With nearly 10 per cent of county residents saying in the 2021 census that they provide unpaid care, Leicestershire County Council has listened to more than 300 unpaid carers as part of the new plan. Now a call is being made by the chairman of the county council’s adult social care engagement panel to give feedback on the proposals to help shape the final strategy. The consultation on the Leicestershire Carers’ Strategy is now open until 14 June 2026, with people able to have their say by visiting our Have Your Say page. Proposals for the council’s vision include making sure carers are: Recognised, valued and listened to and supported to continue caring Supported with their wellbeing and access services when needed Given accurate, timely and relevant information and advice Martyn Colebourne, chairman of the engagement panel, said: “Our panel has lived experience of both carers and people who need carers and we know that anyone who has experience with caring has vital has vital knowledge and proficiency they can pass on. “That’s why I’d encourage people to look at the strategy and give their feedback. I know the engagement panel will giving our say on what’s proposed to make sure it’s the best it can be for our fellow carers.” County residents, carers, people using adult social care services, organisations that work with carers, and council staff will all be targeted as part of the consultation, with a mixture of online and in-person events to maximise responses. Councillor Carl Abbott, cabinet member for adult social care said “The plan we’re presenting is a team effort – we’ve spoken to hundreds of unpaid carers about what they need and want from us, and I thank them for their input. “Looking after someone we care about is something that many of us do, but too often we do not recognise ourselves as carers. This is our vision on how we can make sure carers of all ages get the support they need. “We want as many carers as possible to take part in this consultation and help us inform our final strategy, so make sure you have your say.” The final strategy after the consultation and an action plan for Leicestershire will be submitted to cabinet in the autumn. Leicestershire Matters News 08/05/2026 Leicestershire County Council

Reflecting on 5 Years since the Lockdown through pictures We all stayed at Home For many of us memories remain of intense fear, eerie silence, and rapid societal change. The anniversary, marked on March 23, 2025, reflects on the “stay at home” orders, empty streets, panic buying, and the profound, lasting impact on mental health, education, and the frontline. Memorable moments and thoughts from five years ago include: The "Stay at Home" Order: Boris Johnson’s address on March 23, 2020, mandated the closure of non-essential shops, pubs, and restaurants, confining people to their homes except for essential trips. A Different World: People remember empty roads, the closure of playgrounds, and a dystopian atmosphere in supermarkets. The Frontline Experience: NHS workers recall the intensity of the first wave, describing it as a "baptism of fire," with many having to wear masks and visors every day. Shortages and Sanitizing: Memories include scrambling for essentials like toilet paper and disinfecting groceries. Lasting Impact: The anniversary has been marked by a day of reflection, with many grieving losses, reflecting on the disruption to education, and acknowledging that many aspects of life have fundamentally changed, never fully returning to the old "normal". The UK expressed its gratitude to frontline and key workers through various nationwide initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably the Clap for Carers Clap for Carers / Clap for Heroes: Beginning on 26 March 2020, millions of people throughout the UK gathered on their doorsteps at 8 p.m. every Thursday to applaud NHS staff and other key workers. They banged pots and pans and took the opportunity to speak with their neighbours. It was noted that even the Royal Family and top politicians took part in these heartfelt weekly tributes. At the Leicester Royal infirmary 16th April 2020 LM NEWS film crew credits: was Craig Thorpe, Russell Thorpe and Ian Edmunds We can all remember STAY AT HOME - PROTECT THE NHS - SAVE LIVES Leicester Media captured images of our city streets during this period and wishes to share them. Preserving history for future generations. Images were taken during April 2020 in the City centre. Pictures by Leicester Media Online More pictures taken during Covid Lockdown in Leicester's City Centre

A new sculpture was unveiled at Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday. Marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday On Friday 8 May, a wood-carved sculpture of Auroralumina attenboroughii was unveiled, alongside interpretation panels that share the story of the fossil and the connection to Sir David. Scientists who had been studying the rocks of Charnwood Forest revealed the discovery of Auroralumina in 2022. The team, led by Dr Frankie Dunn of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, announced that the fossil represented the earliest known evidence of an animal predator, from around 560 million years ago. They chose to name the fossil after Sir David in recognition of his work raising awareness of Charnwood Forest’s fossils. The sculpture, which was created by Leicestershire-based chainsaw sculptor, Peter Leadbeater was commissioned by the Charnwood Forest Geopark. Both the sculpture, and the new interpretation area have been made possible thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Leicestershire County Council and Charnwood Forest Geopark have been working in partnership to prepare the interpretation area ready for visitors to see this May. Beacon Hill welcomes more than 350,000 visitors per year and welcomed Sir David Attenborough back to his Leicestershire roots in 2010 where part of the BBC series’ First Life was filmed. The sculpture is one of five that the Geopark will be installing across Charnwood Forest this year, celebrating the regions 560-million-year-old fossils. The fossil sculpture is located nearby the café at lower Beacon Hill Country Park car park. Visitors can access Beacon Hill anytime from 7am until 8pm throughout May. See our country parks page (Link is external and opens in new window) for more information on facilities on site and year-round opening times. Leicestershire County Council News Friday, 8 May, 2026

Although a collision in New Parks last night resulted in damage worth tens of thousands of pounds to parked cars, police report that no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Emergency services attended a road traffic collision on Aikman Avenue in New Parks. The collision occurred at the junction of Adcock Road and Crawford Close. It happened around 9:26pm on Friday 8th April involving parked cars that were severely damaged after a car crash into them. Police and the East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene and a short road closure was implemented. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “We responded to Aikman Avenue at 9:26pm after reports of a collision. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Later adding, “Four vehicles were involved (two of them were stationary at the time). No one has been injured and enquiries are ongoing into the incident. No one has been arrested in relation to the collision” Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Picture by Leicester Media © 2020 - Leicester City Centre Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock has announced that lockdown measures in Leicester City are to stay in place for another two weeks. Restrictions will also remain in Oadby & Wigston but will be lifted in other parts of the county. The Government is to give councils local powers to re-open non-essential shops from July 24, when restrictions on schools and early-years childcare will also be removed. The measures introduced in the rest of the country to open the hospitality sector will not apply in Leicester. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I am not surprised by this decision but remain extremely frustrated that a sledgehammer approach is being taken to deal with an issue in a very small part of the city. “Now that we finally have the very detailed data we have been calling for over the past few months, we can take targeted local action to get the virus under control, without the need for the force of law or a full city lockdown. “We have already showed the Government what can be achieved when they work with local councils on the ground, by helping them to set up the biggest testing operation in the country which is now responsible for more than 10% of all testing in England. “If the Government allowed us to focus on the 10% of the city where infection rates are higher, we are more than capable of doing what is needed. “We will of course continue with our efforts to eradicate the virus which are having some success, and that work will remain our key priority. “It is also now even more essential the Government gives us the go ahead to release the £10m in business grant funding that we have ready to go, but have previously been told cannot be distributed. “Leicester businesses have already been hit very hard by this lockdown and we must do all we can to save livelihoods as well as lives, as we face another very difficult period.” The lockdown measures will be reviewed again by the Government in two weeks’ time. Leicester City Council Press release.

Abbey Lane Leicester Detectives from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for motorists with dashcams to come forward following a fatal collision in Abbey Lane this evening (Wednesday 20 July). Shortly before 8pm, a report was received that a motorcycle – a black Yahama YZF 125 – had collided with a child on the city-bound carriageway, close to the junction with Hobson Road. The motorcyclist – a man – was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, but died as a result of his injuries. The child suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Road closures remain in place in the area while officers carry out further enquiries. Detective Sergeant Ed Des-Chanelle, from the SCIU, said: “While our investigation is very much in the early stages, I would ask any motorists who were in the area at the time and have a dashcam in their vehicle to come forward. “Any footage you’re able to provide could help and I would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the motorcycle beforehand.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ and quoting incident 607 of 20 July. Image and Video by Leicester Media © 2022

The large industrial fire on the Winchester Avenue Industrial estate in Blaby is still burning. Fire at Get Laid Beds Blaby Leicester The Main fire is now under control. Fire service is still working damping down at the site and electricity company are digging up the street to isolate and reconnect the power. The Fire is at a bedding warehouse called Get Laid Beds. Dark black smoke was reported early this afternoon this is due to the nature of bedding materials stored in the warehouse, wood and foam. Watch the video taken just after 6pm tonight. Video By Leicester Media A spokesperson for the Leicestershire fire service confirmed that the call for assistance was received at 12:55. 8 fire appliances plus ladder platform and 1 water Carrier was used to fight the main fire, the incident is now scaled down to 4 fire appliances. Fire service will remain at site until incident is close. Western Power are reconnecting businesses adjacent to the building and power should be restored shortly. Updated News Friday 8th March Fire investigation have now been completed. A spokesman from Leicestershire Fire service said : “I can confirm that the cause was accidental. The fire was started due to the ignition of waste materials in a spray booth.” Pictures by Leicester Media The Road to the estate should be reopened for tomorrow’s trading. #fireblaby #leicesterfire #lfrs #leicestermedia

Police have confirmed that a Man and woman have died in a House fire in Kirby Muxloe in the early hours of this morning. House Fire Church Road Kirby Muxloe Leicester Police Statement released. “We were called at 3.30am this morning (Friday 5 April) by the fire service reporting their attendance at a house fire in Church Road in Kirby Muxloe. Officers and the ambulance service attended the scene. A woman and a man were pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification of the deceased has not yet taken place. A cordon is in place at the address and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is continuing.” Fire investigations are ongoing and the road remains cordoned off this morning. Updated News 16:00 05/04/19 Fire service are still investigating cause of the fire. Wayne Gale from Leicestershire Fire Service Gives Interview on the Fatal House fire in Kirby Muxloe in the early hours of this morning. (We apologise for part of the audio on the interview this was due to interference on our radio mic) Fatal House Fire in Kirby Muxloe Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 03:29 this morning (Friday 5 April) to a property fire in Church Road, Kirby Muxloe. Fire appliances from Leicester’s Southern, Western, and Central Fire Stations, as well as the Command Support Vehicle and the Aerial Ladder Platform attended the incident and were supported by Leicestershire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service. The incident was dealt with quickly by firefighters, however, two occupants of the property were located and sadly pronounced dead at the scene. This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family, friends and acquaintances of the deceased. The cause of the fire is being jointly investigated by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Police. Further information will be released once we have concluded our investigations. A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services website which can be found by visiting leics-fire.gov.uk. LFRS Wayne Gale - Press interview Updated News 11/04/19 Couple named after Fatal House Fire in Kirby Muxloe. The Cause of the fire was an electrical fault in the Fusebox. Malcolm George Noakes 89, and his wife Margaret Ann Noakes 86, sadly died in the fire which took hold in their home in the early hours of last Friday. HM Coroner will be conducting post mortem examinations over the next coming days. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 #Housefire