New car parking spaces, cutting back shrubs and tidying up overgrown green spaces are among the improvements that have been made to a city estate after residents told the council what they’d like to see done. Gees Lock Close, in the Gilmorton estate, has benefitted from £90,000 of improvement work, funded from Leicester City Council’s environmental budget. As part of the work, eight new parking spaces have been created. It’s just one example of a range of improvement projects earmarked for completion across the city’s estates this year. Six further improvement schemes will be carried out on estates in the south of the city, seven to the west of the city and eight to the east. Other work that has already been carried out on the nearby Eyres Monsell estate has seen overgrown garden areas tidied and cleared around Rupert House, Pasley Road and Henray Rise. The estates landscape team is continuing to carry out additional maintenance work to tidy up and cut back overgrown areas in the south of the city, making them safer and better places for people to live. Examples of further projects that will take place later this year and early into 2023 include a larger parking scheme on Ivychurch Cresent, in Netherhall; verge hardening on Tatlow Road, in Braunstone Frith; and flooding prevention on Donaldson Road, Belgrave. In total, the improvements will cost more than £800,000 and will be carried out in addition to the council’s usual round of maintenance work. Ideas for the projects were sought from tenants, residents and ward councillors. Housing staff have also highlighted improvements that could be made, based on their local knowledge of issues on estates. Residents of Gees Lock Close on the Gilmorton estate approached one of their local ward councillors, Cllr Adam Clarke, about problems they were having accessing parking in this area. “I was happy to put forward the creation of additional parking spaces as a key priority for estate improvements in the area,” Cllr Clarke said. “Not only is this in my ward, but it also relates to my responsibilities as deputy mayor for environment and transport. The finished work is a vast improvement and I’m very pleased that residents are happy with it.” Assistant city mayor for housing, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “We are bringing about a whole programme of improvements across the city. Some of the initiatives we’re undertaking are as a result of issues highlighted on estate walkabouts, at ward community meetings, or requests from tenants and residents. We want our estates to be safe, pleasant places for people to live in. “This budget is funded by the housing revenue account – money we collect in rent – so it’s being reinvested in the sort of improvements that tenants want to see.” Jayne Clarke, who lives in Gees Lock Close, said: “The new parking spaces have made a massive difference. It’s so much easier to park now and access for deliveries and visitors is a lot easier too. People used to have to turn their cars round on other people’s driveways, but that doesn’t happen anymore. It’s been a really good scheme.” Leicester City Council News Published on Friday, May 13, 2022

More foster carers needed in Leicestershire to help children stay within their communities A new appeal to find foster carers for children and young people in Leicestershire has been launched to mark Foster Care Fortnight. There are currently almost 700 children and young people in the care of Leicestershire County Council, which means the authority is constantly looking for people from all walks of life to become foster carers. Foster Care Fortnight runs until May 22, and highlights the great work being done by foster carers to encourage more people to come forward to find out about opening their homes to a young person who needs a loving family. Tracey, a foster carer for the council whohas taken care of around 20 children and young people, said: “Watching a child come out of their shell and interact more and more with the family is wonderful. Knowing you have played a small part in making that happen is very rewarding.” "We have many wonderful foster carers who provide loving and supportive homes for children and young people in care, but more people are urgently needed to come forward to foster, if we want to make sure that our children can stay local and be cared for in their community. If you think you have the space in your home and your heart, and the skills needed to help children and young people thrive, please get in touch with us to find out more. The fostering community is open to everyone who wants to make a difference in the life of a child or young person. We highly appreciate everything our foster carers do for children and young people in care, and we can’t thank them enough. Councillor Deborah Taylor, deputy council leader and cabinet member for children and family services The council hopes to recruit mainstream foster carers and supported lodgings providers for teenagers, as well as specialist foster carers to care for the most vulnerable young people. Foster carers will receive generous allowances and a wide range of services and support from an experienced and knowledgeable team 365 days a year. Local training and a dedicated placement support team are available as well as regular events and celebration evenings to meet other foster carers. There is also support for foster children with their education through the Virtual School. More information is available on the Leicestershire fostering website or by calling 0116 3050505. The fostering team is holding a virtual Find Out About Fostering event via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 18 May at 6:30pm. More information and deatials about how to book a place are available here Leicestershire County Council News

Shellsuits, leg warmers, boomboxes and Peanut Treets are some of the items that will be fondly remembered in a new exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday (14 May). I Grew Up 80s will celebrate the decade when music was on cassettes, newsagents sold sweet cigarettes, and everyone had a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Memorabilia from the 1980s will include beautifully-preserved examples of the decade’s toys, technology, sport, fashion, food, film, books and TV. All of the items on display belong to the collector and cultural commentator Matt Fox, who has explored his 1980s childhood to create the exhibition and showcase the best of the decade. Matt – who was also the collector-producer for Leicester Museum’s record-breaking Star Wars-themed May The Toys Be With You in 2018 – is excited to bring the exhibition to Leicester as part of its UK tour. “I hope the exhibition will have mums and dads sharing memories and stories with their kids,” said Matt – who was eight in 1980. “Those of us who grew up 30-40 years ago, pre-internet, can genuinely state that life was very different then. We roamed out on our bikes, away from our parents and without the umbilical cord of mobile phones. In cinemas, Star Wars had ushered in a new era of special FX movies, music was a feelgood riot of colour and sound, and games consoles and home computers had transformed the humble telly into a host of imaginary worlds “This collection is a nostalgic look back at objects that many people either owned, or perhaps desperately wanted to own, and I hope you’ll enjoy it.” Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “This exhibition will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for anyone over 40, but the fascinating items on display are sure to appeal to children and young people too. “We’re delighted to have I Grew Up 80s as our summer exhibition this year, and hope that it proves to be as popular as the Star Wars-themed show that Matt brought to Leicester four years ago.” I Grew Up 80s opens at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday (14 May) and continues until Monday 29 August. Leicester City Council News

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 60 years’ imprisonment in connection with the death of a Leicester man. At the city’s crown court today (Friday 13 May), Renaldo Baptiste, 35, was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years after being convicted of Mr Parmar’s murder last month. Twenty-three-year-old Jeffery Carew, who was also convicted of murder, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years. Jurrat Khan, 26, was convicted of manslaughter following the trial. He was sentenced to 12 years – and will have a three-year extended period on licence. Mr Parmar was found seriously injured in the boot of a red Vauxhall Astra in the early hours of 12 April 2021 after officers attempted to stop it. Khan – of Wakerley Road in Leicester – was arrested nearby. Mr Parmar had suffered serious head and chest injuries and was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. However, he died later that morning. An investigation led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) major crime team established that Baptiste and Carew had been involved in his death. A woman who was with Mr Parmar at the time he was attacked was also hit by a glass bottle thrown by Carew. Prior to the trial, Baptiste and Carew – both of Marsh Close in Leicester - pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, while Carew also pleaded guilty of one count of common assault, which related to the woman being hit with a glass bottle. The sentences for both offences will run concurrently to those given for murder. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood, the senior investigating officer, said: “First and foremost, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Parmar’s family. While the sentences handed out today will not bring him back, I hope they feel that justice has been done. “I would like to thank my colleagues from across the force and region for their hard work to ensure these three men are now serving significant time in prison for the consequences of their actions. “I am also grateful to the prosecution counsel – James House QC and Daren Samat – for their work which helped secure today’s outcome. “I hope the public can take some reassurance from the fact three very dangerous individuals have been jailed and cannot cause further harm to our communities.” A fourth man, aged 35, was charged with assisting an offender but was found not guilty following the trial. ‘We would’ve done whatever we could to save him’: Statement from the family of Anand Parmar Anand Parmar’s family have released the following statement following today’s sentencing: “Anand was the glue that held our family together. “He was a loving, son, dad, grandad and brother. He had a big personality that would fill the room with laughter and love. “Regardless of any issues which arose, he was able to put everyone else first and would find forgiveness, giving the best advice he could. “When we were told what had happened, our world was shaken. The call we received from police is one that no family should ever have to receive. We would’ve done whatever we could to save him. Knowing what happened to him – and knowing he was completely unaware of what was going to happen – remains difficult to comprehend. "We’re heartbroken by the fact we were unable to give him one last hug and tell him how much we loved him. It’s a pain that all of us continue to feel almost a year on. “He was only 47. Since his death, his granddaughter – who he’ll never know – has been born. His daughter has graduated from university, which is something he longed to see. Those sorts of special occasions should’ve been fun, but instead were clouded by our hurt. We’ll always think of him and the pain of knowing we’ll never see his smile again is one that’ll continue. “He was a part of us that we’ll never get back and it’s altered our lives forever. We lost a piece of our heart which will never be filled. “Sitting in court listening to those who cruelly took his life from us try and defend their actions has been particularly tough. It’s difficult to put into words how we feel, but what we’ve heard will haunt us for the rest of our lives.” Leicestershire Police News 17:10 13/05/2022

A former bank employee has been jailed after fraudulently transferring almost £1 million out of customers’ accounts. Hamzah Issak pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position and three counts under the Computer Misuse Act at Leicester Crown Court in July last year. The 30-year-old of Apollo Court, Leicester was sentenced to five years and six months in prison at the same court today (Friday 13 May). Issak was employed by HSBC and worked at their Leicester branch between 2016 and 2018. HSBC identified three of their customers had been victims of account takeover fraud and payments have been made from their accounts without their knowledge or authority by either electronic funds transfer or bill payment. All three victims, who are Nigerian, were in their home country at the time the transactions were taking place within the UK. The bank’s investigation found that Issak had accessed all three accounts several times without any reason to do and made changes to personal details to allow the account to be used by someone other than the originating account holder. On two occasions unidentified suspects entered the Leicester branch and had gone directly over to the defendant bypassing any queues or other available Customer Services Advisers. Both suspects were then served by the defendant who failed to follow company protocol on checking of signatures. Issak was questioned by HSBC in early January 2018 after the first victim had been identified. However, before HSBC could complete their investigation by the end of the month after identifying a further two victims, he had resigned. Enquiries identified that a total of £896,645.05 was deposited into beneficiary accounts with the assistance and knowledge of Issak. Police were notified by the bank of their investigation and a subsequent criminal investigation by officers followed. This resulted in Issak’s arrest and with the evidence gathered, he was charged to appear at court. He was also pleaded guilty at court to charges of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of a weapon for the discharge of an electrical incapacitation device and possession of criminal property after a quantity of cocaine with a street value of almost £700, a stun gun and £1,600 cash were found in his car in December 2019. Detective Constable Jo Lockton, who investigated the fraud, said: “Issak completely abused his position as a trusted employee of the bank using his access to view and change significant personal details of innocent customers for his own financial gain. “Thankfully the bank carried out a thorough investigation and acted quickly. They were able to trace the accounts that he had accessed and prove money had been fraudulently taken which only strengthened our case against him. The vast amount of evidence gained left Issak with little choice but to the plead guilty to the offences he committed.” Leicestershire Police News

The force is appealing for members of the public to hand in illegal, unwanted and unlicensed firearms and ammunition during a two-week surrender, starting on Thursday 12 May. Running until Sunday 29 May, the surrender gives members of the public the opportunity to safely dispose of them, as well as stun guns, Tasers and CS spray. The campaign is being co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) with many other forces across the UK taking part. The surrender is not an amnesty and therefore, the force may investigate any offences which have occurred prior to the items surrender. Communities should be reassured that officers will continue to vigorously investigate offences linked to any firearm they receive to combat gun crime. Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their legality and are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes. Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm local communities. The surrender gives members of the public the chance to dispose of a firearm or ammunition by simply taking it to a local designated police station and handing it in. Chief Inspector Cara Guest-Moore, Specialist Support Operations Support Tactical Dogs and Firearms, said: “The campaign to surrender unwanted or illegal firearms avoids the risk of them becoming involved in crime and means that members of the community can dispose of them in a safe place. “Firearms can be inherited through various ways – many are handed down through family or found in lofts or sheds, gathering dust and forgotten about. “However, this surrender gives the public the opportunity to hand in any unwanted, unlicensed or illegal firearms. This way they can be confident they have been disposed of safely.” Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “One weapon off the streets is one less that can fall into the wrong hands and be used to harm or threaten our communities. “As a police force, we use various tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands, but this is an opportunity for the public to help us. The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.” Firearms can be surrendered at the following designated police stations and local offices across Leicestershire: Mansfield House Police Station, Belgrave Gate, Leicester: Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm Keyham Lane Police Station, Colin Grundy Drive, Hamilton, Leicester: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Market Harborough Police Station, Fairfield Road, Market Harborough: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm. Melton Police Station, King Street, Melton: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm Braunstone Police Station, Hallam Crescent East, Braunstone Town, Leicester: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm. Hinckley Police Station, Upper Bond Street, Hinckley: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm (closed 2pm - 2.45pm), Saturday 9am - 3pm Wigston Police Station, Bull Head Street, Wigston: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm Beaumont Leys Police Station, Beaumont Way, Leicester: Monday – Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm Loughborough Police Station, Southfield Road, Loughborough: Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am-8pm, Friday 12noon-8pm, Saturday 10am-1.30pm. Illegal possession of a firearm such as a hand gun or shotgun can mean five years behind bars and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply that can lead to a life sentence. If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms call police on 101 or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111. If you are a licensed firearm holder who wants advice please contact Leicestershire Police here. For more information visit NABIS

The University of Leicester has today announced its collaboration with global legal education provider, BARBRI, to increase access to Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) preparation. The SQE, which was officially introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in 2021, will replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the new route to qualification for aspiring lawyers in England and Wales. With over 1,000 candidates having sat the inaugural SQE1 exam in November, more prospective lawyers are expected to follow suit in 2022. Now, as part of this collaboration, students from the University of Leicester will have access to an exclusive discount for SQE1 preparation with legal education and training experts, BARBRI. With over 1.3 million alumni worldwide, BARBRI’s SQE1 Prep courses have been created by industry experts with LawTech at the core to provide students with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve SQE success. Edward Jones, Director of Recruitment for Leicester Law School, explained: “Social conscience is a key consideration for all that we do as a university and therefore it’s important that we support our students beyond traditional means. The SQE will be a revolutionary change for the lawyers of the future and our collaboration with BARBRI will enable our students to access the resources and support they need to comfortably pursue this route to qualification.” Alongside a requirement for two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), the SQE is split into two exams - SQE1 and SQE2. With multiple-choice questions and skills-based assessments, BARBRI’s courses help students prepare for both exams. Chris Jorgenson, senior director of institutional partnerships for BARBRI, said: “We’re proud to announce our collaboration with the University of Leicester to help broaden access to the legal industry. Our mission is to help shape a profession that is more representative of society today, and we align with the SRA on this. Yet despite the SQE’s innovative approach, financial concerns remain a barrier for many. So, we're proactively working alongside university partners and firms to help increase accessibility and improve affordability around SQE Prep.” BARBRI’s innovative testing and learning technologies provide future solicitors with the best opportunity to succeed. It offers a range of full-time and part-time course options to prepare candidates for SQE success. For more information, please visit: barbri.com/sqe

Image credit: Leicester by Barbara Bagley. © Barbara Bagley A fascinating new permanent gallery opens at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday (14 May) that will inspire conversations about the city today. The Leicester Stories Gallery has been co-produced with the help of local people and presents their views on the city’s achievements, challenges and defining events over the past 70 years. The central themes of the gallery have been selected and explored by the volunteers, who have also shared their personal stories of their time in the city. Themes, including sport, community, diversity and industry, as well as education, prejudice and work, are brought to life through dozens of everyday objects. Items made in Leicester, including a Fred Perry shirt and an Imperial typewriter, as well as objects associated with key moments in the city’s recent history – such as a clap banner from Leicester City’s title-winning season – are all part of the display. Gurpreet Grewal-Santini, who was one of the volunteers who joined the gallery’s co-production group, said: “It’s been fantastic to be involved in the development of the Leicester Stories Gallery. “So much has happened in Leicester over the past 70 years, and it’s been fascinating to hear about everyone’s very different experiences in the same city.” The gallery will also feature new work by Leicester artists, including a poem called Semper Eadem by Jess Green, photographic portraits of Leicester people by Leonie DuBarry-Gurr and a film by ImageNova. ImageNova’s film focuses on the significant events that have taken place in the city over the last 70 years, with each of these ‘Leicester Milestones’ proposed by the public. Photographic work created by a group of young people, led by photographer Leonie DuBarry-Gurr, will go on display in the new gallery’s temporary exhibition space. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh-Clair said: “Our Leicester Stories Gallery has used a new approach to create a permanent exhibition, with content suggested by people who live in the city. “We’re very grateful to all the volunteers who have given us their time and shared their stories. The result is a fascinating new exhibition, featuring stories from Leicester told by those who call the city their home.” The £350k gallery has been created on the ground floor of the museum in space formerly used as offices. Admission to the museum on New Walk is free of charge. Opening hours are Monday to Friday: 11am - 4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 5pm. More information about the new Leicester Stories Gallery is available here Innovations in Leicester’s museums are made possible thanks to regular funding from Arts Council England (ACE). A £407k National Portfolio Organisation grant has been secured from ACE for 2022-23.

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Leicester during its final journey through England this summer, as the full route is revealed. Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games. In England, the Queen’s Baton Relay will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022, as the 11 days of showstopping sport near ever closer. The Queen’s Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July 2022. Kicking off on Thursday 2 June, the Baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The Baton will then resume the international journey and return to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions. On Sunday 10 July, Leicester will officially welcome the Baton, with a busy schedule of sporting activities in the city centre for people to enjoy. First stop for The Queen’s Baton Relay will be Green Dragon Square, before the Baton continues its journey through the city centre via the Clock Tower, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jubilee Square. As the Baton makes its way through the city, people will be able to enjoy fun activities provided by the city council and the city’s professional sports clubs. The Baton will arrive in Green Dragon Square at 1.20pm and is due to arrive in Jubilee Square at 1.33pm, before continuing its onward journey. Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information over the coming months, with detail on the events and where to line the route. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: "Leicester is a city with a proud sporting history, so we are delighted to play our part in the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. "There's nothing like sporting success to bring people together, and the achievements of our professional sports men and women over the years have given us plenty to celebrate. "This shared love of sport will unite us again on Sunday 10 July, when we look forward to welcoming the Queen's Baton Relay to our city centre." Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country. Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the Baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland. Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton. Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday 3 July, before returning to England in summer for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games. The dates of when the Baton visits each region are: 4 July – 5 July: South West 6 July – 7 July: South East 8 July – 9 July: East of England 10 July – 11 July: East Midlands 12 July – 13 July: Yorkshire and the Humber 14 July – 15 July: North East 16 July – 17 July: North West 18 July – 28 July: West Midlands Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen's Baton Relay, said: “Whilst the Baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it. “We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.” Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay symbolises hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth at a time when it is needed most. It continues to inspire people wherever it goes and creates huge excitement for Birmingham 2022 as it journeys towards the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28.” Throughout May, the Queen’s Baton Relay continues its journey through the Caribbean and the Americas, with visits to St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda and Canada, amongst others. The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting. For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr. The information provided on the route through England is subject to local authority approval and therefore could be subject to change.

A Council employee’s idea to name a new Leicester street ‘Wembley Road’ as a good luck omen ahead of the 1969 FA Cup Final finally paid off – more than 50 years later. David Edwards (pictured right) was an engineer in the former City Engineer’s department when he suggested that the new road on a Leicester industrial estate was named after the famous old stadium to wish Leicester City luck, ahead of their 1969 Wembley showdown with Manchester City. The ‘Wembley Road’ street signs went up in early 1969, just weeks before the big day on 26 April. But the hopes and dreams of thousands of Leicester fans were dashed that day, as the Foxes lost the game 1.0. David, and Leicester fans everywhere, had to wait 52 years before their team made it to an FA Cup final again – but finally, in 2021, the Foxes brought the FA Cup home after a thrilling 1.0 victory over Chelsea. Now, the original Wembley Road signs are being replaced with brand new signs that celebrate the Foxes’ achievement – and David, who’s now nearly 90, joined Leicester City club ambassador Alan Birchenall to unveil them, just days before this year’s Wembley FA Cup Final. “Back in 1969, I was responsible for the design, construction and naming of several roads on a new industrial estate at Braunstone Frith,” said David. “A nearby road was called Golf Course Lane, and I thought it appropriate that the new road names should continue with the sporting theme. “I immediately thought of ‘Wembley Road’, as the whole city was buzzing with excitement about a trip to Wembley – and no one was talking about anything else. “Unfortunately, as everyone knows, we lost that game in 1969. “But after Youri Tielemans scored that amazing goal at Wembley last year, I wrote to the City Mayor and asked him if the street signs could be adapted to commemorate the victory, as the traditional open top bus tour with the cup wasn’t going to be possible because of Covid restrictions. To my delight, he agreed.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby, a Leicester City season ticket holder himself, was happy to oblige. “Winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history was a massive achievement for Leicester City and a huge day for City fans everywhere,” he said. “When David contacted us, our highways team got to work straight away. The new signs will make sure that everyone driving down Wembley Road will be reminded of that magic day in 2021 when Leicester won the cup.” Leicester City club ambassador Alan ‘Birch’ Birchenall (pictured left) said: “Winning the FA Cup was fantastic for the club and the fans – and it captured the imagination of the whole city. “The players who won the cup already have their names on Leicester’s fleet of electric buses, and now we’re delighted that the club’s FA Cup success will be remembered forever on these new street signs.” Leicester City Council News

New measures are set to be tried out on neighbourhood streets in Evington to help reduce traffic speeds, congestion, inappropriate parking and rat-running. The measures - all of which are experimental - will include closing off streets to through traffic and trialling a one-way system. Some roads will be closed at strategic points to prevent through traffic, while keeping full access to all properties at all times. Other roads will be made one-way, and some roads will have bollards or low fencing installed to prevent parking on grass verges. It follows extensive engagement with local residents and schools on ways to reduce congestion, tackle problem parking and limit traffic speeds in the area. From Sunday 8 May: Gamel Road will be made one-way from Davenport Road to Skampton Road, to help reduce congestion. Greystone Avenue will be closed to traffic entering from Uppingham Road. Motorists will still be able to exit Greystone Avenue on to Uppingham Road. This should reduce rat-running whilst still allowing residents access to Uppingham Road. Davenport Road will be closed between its junctions with Oakside Crescent and Beechwood Close. This will mean the need for a secondary closure from the eastern end of Oakside Crescent on to Davenport Road. This will reduce the speed of traffic and rat-running along the length of Davenport Road. The Newhaven Road closure will be moved to just south of its junction with Chatteris Avenue. This will reduce the speed of traffic and rat-running along the length of Newhaven Road. Low fencing and bollards will be installed along stretches of Whitehall Road, Chatteris Road and Downing Drive to prevent parking on grass verges. All of the measures are being introduced experimentally to address concerns raised by local people. Deputy city mayor for environment and transport Cllr Adam Clarke said: “We’re trying out these measures after listening to local residents, in response to the traffic problems they have told us about. A similar scheme is currently under way in Knighton. “Local ward councillors have been instrumental in engaging with residents and inputting ideas, and will continue to be closely involved with this scheme. “All of these measures are experimental, so they can be changed or removed over time. We want to see how it goes and whether these changes make a positive difference. “Making our neighbourhoods safer and healthier is a priority for us as we tackle the climate emergency. People should not have to put up with cars speeding through residential streets, or having their roads blocked by thoughtless school-run parking. Parents have told us that they would be more inclined to let their children walk or cycle to school if there was less traffic. “By working together with local people and ward councillors, we are introducing changes that will make residential streets in Evington safer, reduce congestion and help to improve air quality, benefitting both our personal health and wellbeing, and that of our city.” Ongoing discussions with local residents about the experimental measures began in September of last year when residents where sent a leaflet outlining the proposals and were invited to on-street roadshows. A formal consultation on whether to make the proposals permanent will begin once the experimental changes have been made. More details about how the scheme will operate are available at https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/evington/ Leicester city council news

Round-the-clock remote monitoring means help can be summoned if people need need it. The homes of elderly and vulnerable adults in Leicestershire are being fitted with equipment such as fall detectors to help keep them safe 24 hours a day. Leicestershire County council has launched a new technology service with the potential to boost people’s independence, improve their quality of life and reduce the amount of support they need. Care Technology (CT), sometimes referred to as telecare, involves monitoring and alert equipment to help people to remain independent in their home and in the community. This equipment will provide residents, their carers, family and friends with the reassurance that help is available round-the-clock, seven days a week. It allows people to be monitored by trained staff in case they should fall ill or have an accident so help can be quickly summoned while reducing the pressure on 999 services. Care Technology covers a wide range of equipment, such as alarm systems, falls detectors and GPS location trackers. User-friendly technology will be tailored for each person’s circumstances, helping them to live safe and independent lives. The Care Technology Service is available at no charge for adults who meet the eligibility criteria. More information is available on the council's care technology website pages. Leicestershire County Council News - 03/05/2022