Plans for the next phase of an ambitious programme to build hundreds of new council homes in Leicester have been given the green light. Leicester City Council has appointed award-winning developer Robert Woodhead Limited to build 38 new affordable, low carbon and energy efficient homes on the site of the former velodrome off Saffron Lane, to the rear of Hawkins Road. The £12million scheme help will increase the council’s stock of much needed affordable housing. It will be funded through the council’s housing revenue account and with money raised from the sale of council homes through the government’s Right to Buy scheme. The city council will also provide land which is currently in use as a small part of the car park at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium for the new housing development. The new homes and will include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, and ten wheelchair-accessible bungalows. All of the new homes will be built to high environmental standards. This will include solar PV panels, very high levels of wall, floor and roof insulation, triple glazed windows and air source heat pumps. The homes will cut carbon emissions by around 75 per cent compared to a typical new home – equivalent to a carbon saving of around 67 tonnes per year. All homes would also have a private garden and off-street parking. Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor for housing, said: “This ongoing programme of house building is an important part of our wider strategy to prevent homelessness and overcrowding by provide some of the new homes that are so badly needed in the city. “By building new council houses ourselves, we can focus on areas of particular need, such as wheelchair accessible homes, and play an important role in helping ensure that growing demand for affordable housing is a priority. “The development will also feature a range of measures to ensure that these new homes are highly energy efficient which will cut their carbon cost and help future tenants save on their energy bills.” Award-winning construction company Robert Woodhead Limited have been appointed as the council’s contractors on the ambitious scheme, following a competitive tendering process. Michael Broadhurst, Head of Commercial at Robert Woodhead Limited said: “We are delighted to be back building for Leicester City Council again, bringing high quality, sustainable homes forward to meet local need. We are looking forward to starting on site this summer.” Work to build the 38 new homes off Saffron Lane is expected to be complete by Spring 2024. Leicester City Council is also planning to build an additional 37 environmentally friendly new homes on Lanesborough Road, in Rushey Mead. The council last year completed construction of 29 new council homes at six sites across the city. These feature roof-mounted solar panels and other energy efficiency measures to help cut carbon emissions and reduce household bills. In total, Leicester City Council is planning to invest up to £50million to create an estimated 350 new council homes across the city over the next few years. Building more low carbon homes is just one of the actions resulting from the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner. To find out more visit www.leicester.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency Leicester City Council News

Officers have released images of a man they wish to speak to after three parcels were stolen from the porch of a home in the West End of the city. The burglary happened around 7.20am on Friday 20 May from the front porch of a home in Haddenham Road, Leicester. PC Charlotte Wood, the investigating officer, said: “We would like to speak to the man pictured – he may have information that can help us with our enquiries. “If you know him or have any information about this incident, please get in touch.” Contact police by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting crime reference 22*292333 or call 101. Leicestershire Police News

A man who attacked a woman attempting to locate her dog has been jailed for more than eight years. On 8 December last year, a car belonging to the partner of Michael McDonagh’s victim was stolen while parked in Central Road, Hugglescote. Inside was their black and ginger lurcher called Duke. After making their own appeal on social media, the victim and her partner were given information stating the car – a purple Nissan X-Trail – may be in the area of Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak. They visited the area and saw the vehicle, but upon speaking to people present, were attacked. The victim, who is in her 30s, suffered significant head and arm injuries as a result. They both left the area before calling for help at a service station in Little Shaw Lane, Markfield. Duke was found safe and well in the Loughborough area three days later. Following further enquiries, McDonagh, 18, was identified as the person who attacked the woman and on Thursday 9 December, he was arrested by police in Merseyside. Today (Tuesday 7 June) he pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Leicester Crown Court. McDonagh, of Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, was sentenced to eight years and three months’ imprisonment and is subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim or her family. Detective Constable James Clayton, from the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT) was the officer in the case. He said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack. “The victim and her partner were doing whatever they could to get their dog back, but were confronted by McDonagh – a dangerous and violent individual. “What happened that evening has had a significant impact on the victim and she is still re-living her ordeal. I can only hope today’s outcome – and the fact McDonagh is now behind bars – will provide a degree of closure.”

It started as an investigation in 2019 into an organised crime group involved in supplying cannabis and cocaine – and has ended with 20 people being sentenced in the courts. Intensive work by officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit had uncovered a well-established criminal arrangement between two men - Reece White and Joseph Black with White supplying Black with regular wholesale amounts of cocaine and cannabis. But it was following the arrest of Black in August 2019 that further investigations into the pair led officers to identify more and more people who were involved in the supply of drugs - with 20 people being brought before the courts over the past couple of years. Over the past three months, the defendants have been sentenced at Leicester Crown Court after all previously pleaded guilty to various drugs offences. Officers had arrested Black on 21 August 2019 after he had met with White in Wigston where he had received a quarter of a kilogram of cannabis and 125g of cocaine. Black was stopped as he drove back to Derbyshire where he was found in possession of the drugs. Examination of phones showed there had been a number of previous supplies between White and Black while also identifying that Black had his own customer base for the drugs. Black’s girlfriend Hannah Bradbury and associate Reece O’Connell were also found to be assisting him in the preparation and distribution of cannabis to customers. Following the arrest of Black, White was found to focus his attention on developing and expanding his cannabis supplies. Officers identified Joshua Burns from the West Midlands area who was shown to be operating commercial cannabis factories and supplying White with multiple kilogram amounts of cannabis. In October 2019, Burns was seen by officers to meet with White and with another man - Ryan Steers - in the Wigston area and supply multiple kilogram amounts of cannabis. White and Steers then drove away where their car was subsequently stop checked by police. The vehicle was found to contain around two kilograms of cannabis. Evidence recovered showed the cannabis was intended for a man by the name of Benjamin McDonagh. White’s home was also searched where a further eight kilograms of cannabis were found as well as two ounces of cocaine in a vehicle parked outside. Further investigation then showed that White was also involved with a network of cannabis suppliers. These included Dillon Kidger, Tommy Squires, Shay Allen, Perry Clarke, Sonny Clarke, Robert Telford, Adam Mulla and Carolyn Spencer. It was then found Kidger was involved in a further conspiracy to supply cannabis with another man - Jason Chatwani. It was also found that Sonny Clarke was being assisted in supplying cannabis by Nikita Dell and that they supplied wholesale amounts of cannabis to a man named Michael Wright. Robert Telford was also found to be using his brother Thomas Telford’s address in Syston to supply the cannabis which he had received from White. A further criminal associate of the group Faisal Mohammed was found to have been importing cannabis for supply within the group from the United States. A number of kilograms of cannabis was evidenced as being imported as part of the investigation. The people involved were all arrested and charged with various offences with admissions to offences being made during court hearings held at Leicester Crown Court during 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Investigation launched following incident in Belgrave Gate, Leicester Belgrave Gate Leicester Nine people have been arrested following an incident in Belgrave Gate during the early hours of this morning (Sunday) 5th June, in which three people suffered stab wound injuries. Police were called at 4.08am to a report of a fight in Abbey Street, Leicester. Officers attended where two men, both in their 20s, were found in Belgrave Gate with stab wound injuries. Both were taken to hospital where they currently remain. One of the men is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. The second man suffered injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. A third man, in his 20s, presented himself at hospital shortly after the incident. He reported he had suffered a stab wound injury in the incident. He currently remains in hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Belgrave Gate / Abbey Street Junction Following initial enquiries at the scene, nine people, aged 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 and 28, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They all currently remain in custody. A full investigation has been launched and detectives are appealing to anyone with any information regarding the incident to make contact. Detective Inspector Simon Pearson said: “We are carrying out a full investigation to establish what has happened. A scene preservation remains in place while our team continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses. Video filmed by members of the public at the time of the incident. ⚠️ Warning contains violence content “The incident happened during the early hours of this morning in the city centre. If you were in the area please think back to anything you may have seen or heard which could help our enquiries. If you have any CCTV footage and have not yet spoken with police of if you were driving in the area and have any dashcam footage then please also make contact with us. “This incident will understandably cause concern. We have officers in the area speaking with people and offering reassurance. Please speak with them and please be assured that we have a full investigation ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.” Anyone with any information should contact police quoting incident 135 of 5 June. You can call 101 or report online at www.leics.police.uk

Leicester's biggest free family festival is set to get underway this weekend taking in the city’s waterways and open spaces. The Riverside Festival takes place on June 4 and 5 at Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard and the Mile Straight of the River Soar, and includes a programme of fun for all ages both on and off the water. This year’s event, which takes place over the extra long Bank Holiday Platinum Jubilee weekend, will also include some Royal-themed activities marking the 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Castle Gardens will feature a silent cinema, showcasing both the Royal Family over the decades, alongside a varied programme of family-friendly children’s films and hosting a range of eco-themed activities. The River Soar will come alive with a colourful narrow boat rally, boat trips, kayaks and the opportunity to view and buy work from local artists at Art on The River. Bede Park will feature family activities including a fun fair, food stalls, arts and crafts, beer tent, acoustic music stage and lots of activities, with the nearby piazza hosting a programme of great live bands. Western Boulevard sees the return of the hugely-popular street market with arts, crafts, tasty street food plus the Ride Leicester cycling area. In addition, visitors using the city’s e-bike share scheme will be able to take advantage of a free £5 credit offer. To use the Santander Cycles Leicester scheme, simply download the Ride On app to start riding. The first 200 people to quote RSF2022 between midnight on 4 June and midnight on 5 June will get a free £5 credit added to their account, to use on bike trips. The offer is open to new and existing users, by visiting https://rideonleicester.com/ Leicester deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair, said: “This year’s Riverside Festival once again brings to life this stretch of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, with a packed programme of colourful events and activities suitable for the whole family. “With the event coinciding with the weekend of the Queen’s Platinum Royal Jubilee, there will be a chance to enjoy the silent cinema in Castle Gardens commemorating the Queen and Royal Family over the last 70 years of her extraordinary reign. “I very much look forward to this event each year, as summertime in the city gets underway.” More information on the Riverside Festival is available at www.visitleicester.info Leicester City Council News 1st June 2022

Community organisations are being invited to express their interest in running Leicester’s African Caribbean Centre. The centre, in Maidstone Road, Highfields, is a well-used and popular venue that provides a range of activities and opportunities for local people, as well as acting as a focal point for the city’s African Caribbean community. Now the city council is offering local groups the chance to take over the day-to-day running of the centre. City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We’re offering this opportunity because we know that local communities often welcome the chance to express an interest in running their local centre. This has formed the basis of our city-wide Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme, and has seen other centres successfully transferred to community groups for them to run. “A recent consultation showed that just over half – 53% - of people who expressed a preference would like to see a community organisation take on the lease and running of the African Caribbean Centre. This result means we want to explore this option further, but we need to ensure any group that takes on this role is the right choice for us and for the community. “Community organisations will need to provide a business plan to show us they have the capacity, experience and resources to take on the running of the African Caribbean Centre. The business plan must demonstrate a significant expansion of community services, with a particular focus on serving the needs of the African and Caribbean heritage community and strengthening the ongoing connection of the African and Caribbean community with the building.” The opportunity to apply for running the centre is expected to launch in mid-June, and will remain open for three months. Support will be available to help community organisations develop business plans, and a strict set of assessment criteria will ensure business plans are realistic and will provide the best services for existing users and communities. Organisations interested in the opportunity will be able to find full details on the council’s Property Shop website from mid-June: www.leicester.gov.uk/propertyshop Find out more about Leicester’s community centres at leicester.gov.uk/communitycentres See the results of the consultation at: https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/communications/african-caribbean-centre-survey/ Leicester City Council News

Change over seven decades is inevitable and Leicestershire Police in 2022 would be unrecognisable to an officer from 1952. But what hasn’t changed is who all those officers have sworn allegiance to – Queen Elizabeth II. As the country marks The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’ve looked back at what the force was like in 1952 compared to now… In 1952: The force was in two - Leicestershire & Rutland Constabulary and Leicester City Police, and as such there were two Chief Constables – John Albert Taylor CBE, QPM was Chief of the counties force and Oswald John Buxton Cole was Chief of the city force City had a strength of 256, County had a strength of 420 Mobile police stations were new in action, having being introduced in 1951 Police boxes were still being used by officers to meet members of the public – like this one, now in Bradgate Park - Police Box at Bradgate Park awarded Grade II listed status | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) The first woman Special Constable, Edna Taylor, joined as a volunteer Uniform was different for men and women, with WPCs – as they were then – given skirts, heels and a handbag as part of their uniform The force got 22 Morris Eights In 2022: The force became Leicester & Rutland Constabulary in 1967, before changing again 1974 to Leicestershire Constabulary. The change to Leicestershire Police came in June 2013 when the Royal Notary Consent was granted 2,242 police officers police a 2,500 sq. kilometre area, with the support of 200 Police Community Support Officers – which were introduced nationally in 2002 – and 1,200 police staff roles The force area is split into nine Neighbourhood Policing Units Uniform is unisex, with force issue trousers and shirts being worn by both men and women. Stab vests are worn when officers are out on patrol and every officer has a body worn video to record interactions and evidence Technological advancements have changed the way crimes are committed and therefore changed the way crimes are solved - in ways that wouldn’t have been believed in the 1950s. Mobile telephones, the internet, computers and smart phones mean a large part of the demand on policing now is crimes committed digitally – as well as digital evidence largely contributing to prosecution cases. CCTV, online banking and DNA profiling with fingerprints and bodily fluids have all been developed over the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Creating new ways to commit crime over the years, it also means we are more equipped than ever to solve crime and put those responsible behind bars. Leicestershire Police News

A man from Oadby who was found in possession of cocaine yesterday (Tuesday 31 May) pleaded guilty to his part in the supply of the drugs. In March this year officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Gurvir Singh’s home in Bluebell Close. When officers arrived at the property Singh tried to get rid of a tin box through a bedroom window which was later recovered from a neighbour’s garden. The box contained three bags of white powder and a number of wraps. The powder was later confirmed as cocaine with a street value of more than £30,000. A knuckle duster, £20,000 in cash, a Rolex watch and designer clothing was also recovered from the property. Singh, 38, appeared at Leicester Crown Court and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for possession of a class A drug, 12 months for possession of a class B drug, to run concurrently, and four months for possession of an offensive weapon, also to run concurrently. PC Alex Newbery was the investigating officer in the case. He said: “Singh isn’t someone we knew as a prolific drugs offender however, information we received about his criminality led us to execute the warrant. “When we arrived at the property he tried to dispose of the drugs and throughout our interviews with him in custody he refused to comment and provide any information about his dealing. “Despite his lack of cooperation, the evidence we recovered led us to charge him with the offences he has today pleaded guilty to. “Drugs are a blight on society and can lead to the breakdown of families and friendships. We will act on any information we receive about drugs misuse and encourage the public to report any suspicions either via 101 or via www.leics.police.uk.” Leicestershire Police News

Communities across Leicester have been helping to plan a wide range of events and activities to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month. City council neighbourhood officers have been talking to local users, community groups and partners to develop ideas and plan celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70 years of service. Groups have put in bids for ward community funding from the council to run their own activities, with 23 being awarded cash to put on celebrations unique to their neighbourhood. And with the help of a donation of £7,000 from the Samworth Foundation, community centres around the city will be able to host a range of special activities ranging from a tea party and ‘Right Royal Bake-off’ to a Kings and Queens fancy dress competition. The council’s neighbourhood services team has also been working with Spark Arts for Children to put on a production of Roti Moon, a piece of family theatre for children aged three and over, which will be shown at The Brite Centre and Hamilton Library and Community Centre on 1 June. Cllr Kirk Master, Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhoods, said: “It’s important that people from every community can mark this historic occasion if they wish to. Thanks to funding from the Samworth Foundation, our own community ward funding and the support of other partners, we’ve been able to ensure that as many people as possible have access to the celebrations.” Activities kick off in St Matthews on 30 May with a Platinum Jubilee party for the local community. The local tenants and residents’ association is working with the St Matthews Centre to put on the party, which will include refreshments, arts and crafts activities and music and games for children. In New Parks, the New Friends Club will be holding a Jubilee quiz at the library on 31 May, as well as a Queen’s wardrobe arts and crafts session. And Team Hub is putting on a street party along St Oswalds Road on 2 June. Jubilee workshops are already underway at Braunstone’s Brite Centre, where locals are designing themed bunting, flags and crowns with the aim of decorating the centre ahead of the big Jubilee weekend. The activities will lead up to a ‘Queen for the day’ event on 4 June, held in partnership with the Williams Creatives, and a tea party for families on Sunday, 5 June. Eyres Monsell Community Centre will be hosting a garden party on 4 June, with the support of local community organisation Pink Lizard and the local Boys Club. After the party, a white lilac tree will be planted in the grounds of the centre to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee. Events at the African Caribbean Centre will also take place on 4 June, and will include a 1950s themed fancy dress competition, cake decorating, and competition to design a Jubilee sneaker. Caribbean food will be on offer. Live music, exercise sessions and dance performances from local artists will take place outdoors at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 4 June. Some events are bookable in advance so people should check with their local centre that places are still available. More details of the community activities and other events taking place in Leicester to mark the Platinum Jubilee are available here. Leicester City Council News

Fans of Liverpool and Manchester City will be heading for Leicester in July to watch their teams compete for the first trophy of the new football season. The FA has announced that the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season – The FA Community Shield – will be played at the King Power Stadium on Saturday 30 July. This means that thousands of fans will be making their way to Leicester for the game – and the city council is looking forward to welcoming them. “It’s very exciting that all eyes will be on Leicester, as fans around the world look forward to a new football season,” said City Mayor Peter Soulsby. “Liverpool and Manchester City have set extraordinary standards in recent years, and I’m sure their fans will want to get the new season off to a good start by beating their closest rivals – so it should be a cracking game. “We look forward to welcoming the fans of both teams to our city and hope that they’ll enjoy their day out in Leicester.” Leicester City are the current holders of The FA Community Shield. The Foxes beat Manchester City 1:0 to win the trophy last year, after winning the FA Cup for the first time. The FA Community Shield will kick off at the King Power Stadium at 5pm on Saturday 30 July. Broadcast details and ticketing information will be announced by the FA in due course. PICTURE CREDIT: THE FA/GETTY IMAGES Leicester City Council News

To mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee, Leicestershire Police is delighted to announce that the iconic custodian police helmet and Bowler are returning to the heads of patrolling police officers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The distinctive domed helmet for male officers and bowler hat for female officers were removed several years ago in favour of the bump cap. In celebration of The Queen’s jubilee, and as a renewed commitment to standards and to officers being more visible in our communities, a new force-wide rollout of the recognisable headwear has begun. Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “In a crowd, British policing’s traditional helmet and bowler hat are instantly recognisable. "People know they can approach an officer for help. We have brought in the new rollout in The Queen’s jubilee year to strengthen that link between the public and the police and to celebrate the oath we swear to Her Majesty. “Our officers are proud to wear the uniform and we know the public want to see us out on the beat keeping people safe. “This visible reminder will help our officers stand out in an approachable and recognisable way so we can deliver an even better service. “It is a clear sign of the importance of local policing and I am confident the people of our city and two counties will welcome the headgear being brought back.” In addition to the new headgear, improvements are also being made to officers’ body armour. Rolling out from now, the improvements will make officers more comfortable and safe as well as keeping up uniform standards. Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon continued: “Clearly we need the right safety equipment for our officers to do the challenging job we do. These improvements are good steps in the right direction. They will also reflect the professional standards of appearance the public would expect of us. “I want the public to be able to clearly identify officers on the street and feel they are able to approach them in the way that the traditional bobby has been seen and valued for many years. In short, I want officers to look the part and act the part.” The Custodian Helmet has been claimed to be based on the spiked Pickelhaube worn by the Prussian Army and was first adopted by the Metropolitan Police in London in 1863 to replace the ‘stovepipe’ top hat which was worn since 1829. The equivalent for female officers is a bowler hat, which is also being re-introduced. This is shorter, chequered around the rim, and structurally reinforced to equal the custodian's protection. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “I fully welcome the return of this piece of uniform in the Queen’s Jubilee year. Improving uniform standards is part of improving the service to the public. "I equate this helmet to the police officer I used to know, whom I was able to spot in a crowd and know I could approach for assistance. This brings a sense of tradition back to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland but also will build confidence in policing throughout the city and two counties.” Leicestershire Police News