Many motorcyclists ride in groups or pairs, so it is often the case that when one is involved in an accident the first person in attendance will often be a fellow biker. BikerDown is a FREE three hour course for all bikers, giving them an awareness of the dangers at a crash scene, how to deal with a casualty and, how to increase visibility to other road users. For more information, please download the guide below: Click here The training course for motorcyclists will be presented by a fully trained member of the Firebike team and will include: 1. Accident Scene Management On-scene management advice and personal safety, for a biker who comes across an RTC involving a motorcyclist. This covers initial considerations, including their own thought process to assess the most appropriate action to take in order to protect themselves and other road users at the scene, an order of actions and instruction on management of resources available (i.e. other witnesses). Information they should gather to assist attending Emergency Service Personnel. 2. First Aid for Motorcyclists Trauma and mechanism of injury Snatch rescues Why when and how Basic life support CPR Managing spinal injuries and crash helmet removal – when and how. 3. The Science of Being Scene Conspicuity, how effective hi–viz clothing really is Use of conspicuity clothing and hi-viz aids Phenomena such as motion camouflage and looming Pre-ride checks Who/Why Should I Apply? If you enjoy riding a motorcycle then this course is a MUST! It will give you knowledge and skills that you can use if you come across a road traffic collision, and the potential to make a real difference and save lives. It’s FREE and on completion you will receive a certificate and a motorcycle first aid kit. How Do I Apply? You can apply for a place on the FREE three hour, training programme by filling in a booking form that can be found below. The next available dates are: TBC For more information, please contact a member of the Road Safety Team by emailing info@bikerdown.uk or calling 0116 287 2241. Contact Us About BikerDown! Training Programme

Families and children fleeing Ukraine are starting to arrive in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as councils, NHS, Police, East Midlands Airport and other organisations team up to provide vital support and a safe place to live. Based on the data provided by the Government, the area is currently planning to welcome around 500 refugees who, over the next few months, are due to live with people who have offered space in their houses through the Government’s Home for Ukraine scheme. This week, a new welcome point has opened at East Midlands Airport – one of over 30 nationwide - and local councils have started carrying out housing, welfare and safeguarding checks. Around 20 partners are working together under the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to make sure refugees have access to vital services and support including accommodation, safeguarding, healthcare, education, translation and employment. Leicester’s city mayor, Peter Soulsby said:“Leicester has a long history of welcoming those fleeing persecution, war and conflict. We have council officers working hard to ensure that Ukrainian refugees will get the support they need, on arrival and beyond, and we’re proud to offer this support.” Councillor Samantha Harvey, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Care, said: “More and more Ukrainian families will be arriving in our region over the coming weeks and months, having been forced from their homes and witnessed unimaginable suffering. The community networks and partnerships we have across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be key to providing them with the right help, as well as showing that we are all truly united in our support for Ukraine and its people. We already have an encouraging number of sponsors who’ve come forward in Rutland and stand ready to welcome our Ukrainian guests.” Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council and Chair of the District Leaders’ Group, said: “Leicestershire District Councils are absolutely committed to supporting the people of Ukraine who have had their lives turned upside down. We will be ensuring that the accommodation that sponsors provide is suitable for our Ukrainian guests and working with partners to ensure families and children receive the support they need and are welcomed into our communities.” Bo Prychidnyj, from the Leicester Ukrainian Community Centre, said: “The Leicester and Leicestershire Ukrainian Community welcomes our Ukrainian brothers and sisters arriving in Leicestershire. We offer our support and assistance to you all as you settle into a hopefully safe and secure environment. We wish to thank the various Council bodies for your hard work and hope we can continue to work closely together in supporting both refugees and sponsors.” The welcome point desk provides initial advice, information and humanitarian support to arrivals from Ukraine and their sponsors. In Leicestershire, required checks are being carried out by the local authorities with the county council leading on welfare and safeguarding checks and district councils running housing checks for community sponsors. More information is available at: For people living in Leicester: www.leicester.gov.uk/ukraine For people living in Leicestershire: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/support-for-ukraine For people living in Rutland: www.rutland.gov.uk/ukraine

A New bike-friendly footbridge that will span the River Soar is due to be lifted into place next to Leicester’s historic Abbey Corner Bridge this weekend. The new 3.5-metre wide footbridge will be the centrepiece of a major £7.5million revamp of Abbey Park Road and is due to be hoisted into place by a huge crane on Saturday, April 9. Work is taking place onsite this week to assemble the bridge ready for the final lift into position. Once in place, the new footbridge will run parallel to the existing Grade-II listed Abbey Corner Bridge, taking cyclists off the narrow road bridge and helping to ensure that there is enough space for all road users to use the busy route safely and efficiently. Once the new bridge is safely in position, work will shift to essential maintenance of the existing road bridge – which dates back to 1878. Detailed surveys of have found evidence of corrosion in the cast iron structure and other issues which require extensive repairs to ensure that the bridge can continue to be used safely by heavy traffic. The major and complex nature of the bridge maintenance works mean that Abbey Park Road will remain closed to through traffic until early in the new year. Well-signed diversions are in place and access is being maintained for residents, businesses and for the main car park at Abbey Park. The new footbridge is due to be open for pedestrians and cyclists from Monday, April 25. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “This new footbridge is the centrepiece of an ambitious revamp of Abbey Park Road that will help radically change the way that people think about travelling on this important route. As it stands, the existing road bridge can be a daunting prospect for cyclists at busy times. The new footbridge will create more space and help make Abbey Park Road a safer, more appealing and people-friendly route. “It is absolutely vital that we continue to invest in helping people to make the shift to cleaner, greener, healthier and often cheaper modes of travelling around Leicester, not least because traffic is responsible for around a quarter of the city’s carbon emissions.” The bridge repairs have been programmed to take place during an ambitious programme of improvement work on Abbey Park Road. This will reduce the need for additional highway works on this busy route in the near future. The £7.5million revamp of Abbey Park Road – which will also see new bus lanes introduced and footpaths improved to create a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists – is supported by the Transforming Cities Fund as part of an ambitious programme of investment in sustainable transport across the city. New camera-enforced bus lanes running in both directions along the road will give more priority to public transport in a bid to improve journey times and encourage more people to use the bus. To create space for the new bus lane, general traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction and on-street parking will be removed between Abbey Corner Bridge and Belgrave Circle. The scheme has been carefully modelled and designed to ensure that traffic capacity will be maintained, avoiding delays and congestion. Footpaths will be widened to provide safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and two new road crossings will be created. A small area of car parking immediately in front of the main gates into Abbey Park will be removed, and the area revamped to create a more welcoming approach into the award-winning, historic park. A new e-bike docking station will also be installed to the west of the River Soar as part of electric bike hire scheme launched earlier this year by the city council in partnership with Santander. The council also intends to carry out road resurfacing as part of the scheme. The Transforming Cities Fund is a major £80million citywide programme of investment in sustainable transport, backed by £40million of Government cash from the Department for Transport. The ambitious package of works will focus on major sustainable transport improvements to provide attractive choices for people to get to work, education, shops and other local facilities to help support the city’s growth and deliver on the council’s climate emergency, air quality and health living commitments. The programme includes the development of new bus priority corridors linking the city centre to local neighbourhoods and suburbs along with the continued development of a network of high-quality cycling and walking routes throughout the city, building on the success of the Connecting Leicester programme. Leicester city council news release.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are encouraging residents to recycle all the extra cardboard, plastic or foil which usually builds up over the bank holiday. The two councils have joined forces to share some tips for recycling right. From the cardboard box to the foil, almost all Easter egg packaging can be recycled. People can scrunch together their foil, and any additional cardboard and plastic moulds can be recycled in their kerbside bin or bag. Decorating biscuits with your family or making a cake with your surplus chocolate can be a great way to reduce your household food waste. Deputy City Mayor Councillor Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “Reducing and recycling our household waste are two simple steps we should all take to help the environment and do our bit to tackle the climate emergency. “I’m really pleased that we have been able to work with Biffa to avoid any changes to waste collection days in Leicester over the Easter holiday and help keep things as simple as possible for people.” For a full list of items that can be recycled in your local area visit: www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling (Leicester City) or www.lesswaste.org.uk/recycle/ (Leicestershire County). Waste and recycling collections within Leicester City will continue as normal over Easter, including the bank holidays. If you live in Leicestershire County, you can find out who to contact about a bin collection. Leicestershire County Council News

Facilities at a busy Leicester bus station have been improved, following a major scheme to extend and fully refurbish its toilets. Passengers waiting for a bus at the city’s Haymarket bus station will find spacious new facilities, featuring five cubicles and six urinals in the men’s toilets, and 12 toilet cubicles for women. A lower urinal for children has also been installed. The extended facilities also include two toilets for disabled people and a baby changing facility, while bus drivers now have their own secure facilities. Deputy city mayor for transportation Cllr Adam Clarke said: “More and more people are now using the Haymarket bus station, and its previous toilet facilities were simply not big enough to meet demand. “With around 200 people using the toilets every hour, we’ve now doubled the size of the toilet facilities – and made them more durable and more resistant to vandalism. “It’s really important that we make travelling by bus a positive experience, and that the facilities at our transport hubs meet the expectations of passengers, so I’m delighted that this refurbishment is now complete. “The ambitious redevelopment currently underway at Margaret’s Bus Station will also provide first class facilities for passengers.” The new toilets at Haymarket Bus Station will be available from today (Tuesday 12 April). They will be open from 5am-midnight from Monday to Saturday, and from 9am-10.30pm on Sundays, in line with the bus station’s opening hours. The refurbishment works were carried out by the city council’s contractors, Oliveti Construction. Leicester City Council News

Independent French restaurant group Bistrot Pierre, has launched its biggest menu refresh in years inspired by customer feedback. The spring menu – which is packed full of the season’s finest ingredients – is now available at all 19 sites across the UK including Leicester and sees several dishes make a welcome return and new options added due to popular demand. A selection of seafood mains have been created especially for the new menu following requests from diners, including a mackerel fillet with buttered new potatoes, grapes, French beans and Dijon beurre blanc and a herb crusted fillet of salmon with risotto, spring vegetables and a saffron infused sauce. Bistrot Pierre’s chicken printanier is once again available to enjoy and the restaurant’s much-loved croque monsieur – a classic French grilled sandwich of smoked ham, melted cheese and Béchamel sauce, with pommes frites and dressed leaves – has made its way back onto the menu. The spring offering has been developed in-house by Bistrot Pierre’s executive chef, Matt Ash, who has been instrumental in introducing the largest number of new dishes in years – from mains such as roast pork belly with crispy crackling and a superfood salad, to desserts featuring a praline and chocolate bombe and a champagne sorbet with fresh raspberries and a shot of champagne. Additional seasonal specials have been created for the warmer months, such as seared scallops in Montpellier butter, sautéed samphire and dressed tomato and a new main of slow-cooked lamb shoulder with dauphinoise potatoes. The restaurant group has also focused on a wide range of dishes to cater to dietary requirements, providing an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan options including a roasted root vegetable tagine, as well as gluten free mains like the risotto vert and mackerel fillet. Nick White, CEO of Bistrot Pierre, said: “Customer feedback and insight has been the driving force for the changes we have made to this new menu, making sure the dishes they want to see are indeed on there and are of the highest quality possible. “We are extremely proud of this new offering – it has been months in the making with meticulous planning and research by the entire team, and we can't wait to see our diners enjoying these delicious dishes.” Bistrot Pierre’s Prix Fixe menu – which offers two courses for £14.95 or three courses for £17.95 – has also seen some of the biggest changes with the introduction of even more new dishes compared to previous years. For the first time, the menu features dishes that have been specifically developed for the Prix Fixe menu only, such as a baked camembert starter, and mains like the chicken Diane and hake fillet. It also offers Bistrot classics and customer favourites such as steak-frites and honey-glazed pork medallions, followed by a selection of traditional French desserts to finish including crème brûlée and a moreish pot au chocolat. The new menu will be running until September. For further information about Bistrot Pierre and to book a table, visit: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk 8-10 Millstone Lane Leicester LE1 5JN 0116 298 5864

A drug-dealer who drove through red lights and the wrong way down one-way streets before hiding in a bush has been jailed. Shortly before 6pm on Sunday 1 August last year, officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) saw Smith driving his silver Vauxhall Astra in Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester. An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) hit revealed that the car was linked to the supply of drugs and officers requested Smith to stop. However, he decided to try and make good his escape – at one point exceeding more than 100mph and weaving through traffic. He also drove through red lights and past no entry signs into one-way streets before eventually abandoning the car in Yew Tree Drive, Braunstone Frith. Smith attempted to evade officers on foot, but was found hiding in a bush nearby and was arrested. When he was searched, two bags of heroin – with an estimated value of £1,100 – were found in his sock, along with more than £300 in cash and a list that appeared to be a record of drugs supplied on credit. An eight-inch blade was also found in the door pocket of the car. Upon arrest, Smith was found to also be over the drink-driving limit and banned from driving. At a court hearing in August last year the 31-year-old, of Beaconsfield Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to: One count of possession of heroin with intent to supply One count of possession of a bladed article in a public place One count of dangerous driving One count of driving while being over the prescribed limit One count of driving while disqualified Today (Monday 11 April) he was sentenced to a total of four years’ imprisonment. Smith was also disqualified from driving for three years and must sit an extended test in order to regain his licence. Detective Constable Lara Gerrard was the investigating officer. She said: “Smith was involved in putting drugs onto our streets and I am grateful to my colleagues in the RPU whose quick-time actions led to his arrest. “He has admitted his crimes and I hope the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can take some relief that the force is continuing to crack down on the supply of drugs and that another criminal has been brought to justice.” Sergeant Steve Jackson, from the RPU, was the officer who initially requested Smith to pull over. He added: “This is a shining example that criminals will do whatever it takes to evade arrest – and that we will do whatever is necessary in order to bring them to justice. “The manner of Smith’s driving could’ve easily led to him facing more serious charges and I am pleased he is now serving time behind bars.”

Officers are appealing for witnesses to an assault which happened in Thurmaston in the early hours of this morning (Sunday). Police were called to Melton Road, Thurmaston, at 00.33am today to reports of a man on the ground with a head injury. Reports from people at the scene suggested he had been hit, and fell to the ground. The 24-year-old man was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he remains in a critical but stable condition. No one has been arrested at this time. DS Charlie Massarella is leading the investigation into the assault, and said: “We know there had been a significant gathering at a premises in Melton Road, close to the White Hart Close turning, earlier in the evening. “We have spoken to a number of people who were there, but we need to speak to anyone who has any information about what came before this incident. What happened that lead to a fight breaking out? Who was there? Who is responsible? “We need to hear from you.” Anyone with information is urged to contact the force, calling 101 and quoting incident number 21 of 10 April. 🔴 Updated News Monday 11th April A 19-year-old man, from Leicester, has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and is currently in police custody. Leicestershire Police News 10/04/2022 Pictures and Video by LM News © 2022

A spokesperson from Leicestershire police said tonight. “The scene preservation at an address in Glazebrook Road, Leicester, has been lifted. Officers from the force and from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have been at the property since Friday, following the discovery of some suspected chemical substances in an outbuilding. It was following the arrest of a man of suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The 35-year-old man has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Since Friday, significant investigations have been carried out on the substances found. As a result, at this time, there are no substances deemed to be dangerous at the address. Thank you to everyone in the area for their patience while a cordon was in place for much of the weekend.”

Officers are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted in a Leicester street. Sometime between 8.40pm and 9pm on Monday 14 March, the victim, a woman in her thirties was walking with a friend along Evington Road near to the junction with Kedleston Road. They were approached by a group of three youths who made some comments to the two women before one of them slapped the victim on her bottom. The victim challenged the group before they ran off. He is described as being as round 13 to 14-years-old and around 5ft 5ins tall. He was wearing a black balaclava, black coat and cream joggers. The group were described as possibly speaking with an Eastern European accent. PC Jamie Anderson, the investigating officer, said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has information that may help my investigation”. You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 22*149776. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News 04/04/2022

Officers are currently in attendance at an address in Glazebrook Road, New Parks Leicester, following a number of suspected chemical substances being found in an outbuilding at the property. Officers attended the address as part of enquiries following the arrest of a 35-year-old man, of Leicester, who was arrested earlier today (Friday) on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. A cordon has been placed in the area to allow emergency services to carry out full enquiries into the substances found. No neighbouring properties have been evacuated in the area at this time and emergency services remain in the area. No injuries have been reported. Updated News Saturday 9th April 2022 Police and Fire services still remain at a house on Glazebrooke Road in New Parks this morning. A tent has been erected in the rear garden. Specialist chemical teams along with police forensics are in attendance today. A number of suspected chemical substances were found in a outbuilding yesterday. #LeicsPolice #NewParks

There's lots going on in Leicester during the Easter break – with plenty of activities at the city’s museums and libraries to keep everyone entertained. Newarke Houses Museum gets the fun under way with its Easter Egg-stravaganza on Monday (11 April). The bunny-themed activity day will include story-telling and crafts, as well as an Easter trail in the gardens. Admission is £3 per child and the fun runs from 11am until 3pm. At the Abbey Pumping Station on Tuesday (12 April), there’s a chance to make bunny ears and pine cone animals at an Easter Clay and Craft day. Youngsters can also follow the Easter Bunny’s trail and learn about animals and their babies. The event runs from 11am and 3pm. Admission is £3 per child. The following Tuesday (19 April), the pumping station hosts its Easter Railway Day. Enjoy a ride on the narrow gauge railway for 50p (cash only) between 12 noon and 4pm. Belgrave Hall opens up on Wednesday 13 April for the Belgrave Bunny Hop. Pop in between 11am and 3pm and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Bring a picnic, wear your bunny ears or an Easter bonnet, and enjoy craft and colouring activities. Book tickets online or pay cash – £3 – at the door. On Thursday (14 April), Leicester’s Guildhall hosts a Magical Springtime Fun Day. Young visitors will be able to make their own unicorn hat, a sparkling wishing wand or a magical scratch art picture. Drop in between 11am and 3pm. Admission is £3 per child. Also at the Guildhall is a special event to mark Earth Day 2022. Enjoy planet-friendly craft activities on Friday 22 April and learn about our plastic-free past. Pop in from 11am to 3pm. Admission to Our Fantastic Planet is £3 per child. There’s also lots going on in Leicester’s libraries this Easter. Beaumont Leys Library is hosting an Easter Treasure Hunt from tomorrow (Saturday 9 April) until Saturday 23 April, with a special Easter Craft event on Wednesday 20 April. The drop-in event runs from 2pm-3.30pm. Also at Beaumont Leys Library on Thursday 21 April is Moo Went The Cow. Children aged 2-4 can join the free drop-in event from 1pm-3pm. Older children – aged 7-11 – may also enjoy learning more about dogs at a free workshop at Beaumont Leys Library on Wednesday 13 April. Run by the Dogs’ Trust, the workshop will help children understand how to behave around dogs. The session runs from 1.30pm-3pm and places must be booked in advance. Call the library on 0116 299 5460 to book your space. ‘Learn about dogs’ will also be run at the Eyres Monsell Community Centre (0116 278 7294) on Wednesday 13 April from 10.30am to 12 noon, and at the Central Library (0116 299 5401) on Tuesday 19 April from 11am to 12.30pm. Call the venues to book your free space. Please note that no dogs will be at the sessions. Highfields Library hosts a children’s craft event on Wednesday 13 April from 11am to 1pm, while Moo Went The Cow – aimed at those aged 2-4 – will run at Knighton Library on Tuesday 19 April from 1pm-3pm. Also on Tuesday 19 April is the chance for those aged 8 and over to make their own mini book at Westcotes Library. The free family workshop runs from 11am to 12.30pm, but advance booking is essential as places are limited. Call the library on 0116 299 5510. Leicester Libraries will also be marking St George’s Day. As part of a fun-packed event on Saturday 23 April, the Book Bus will be in Orton Square from 12noon-5pm, with a fantastic range of children’s books and story-telling sessions. For more information about fun in Leicester at Easter go to visitleicester.info