Enjoy the annual family festival with music, dance, crafts and entertainment. The event promises a day full of fun activities and workshops across the venues in the Cultural Quarter. Join in on the adventurous dragon hunt trail, play medieval games, and dance around the maypole. Enjoy storytelling and puppet shows, arts, crafts, balloon animals and circus skills. Take part in our St. George themed workshop and relax with tasty food & refreshments. Download the 2022 St George's Festival Brochure here Video by LM News 2019 Event Orton Square, Cultural Quarter, Leicester, LE1 1SB Saturday 23 April 2022 12 - 5pm. Follow Leicester Festivals & Events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/leicesterfestivals

17-year prison sentence for serial sexual offender. A man who isolated young girls from their family and friends while sexually abusing them has been sentenced to serve 17 years in prison and a further three years on an extended licence. Cassius Povey, 29, was convicted by a jury at Leicester Crown Court in January this year of: Two counts of raping a woman over the age of 16 and - Six counts of raping a girl aged 13, 14 or 15 He had previously pleaded guilty to: - one count of cause and incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity - Eight counts of engage in a penetrative sexual act with a girl aged 13 to 15 -One count of engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 -One count of meeting a girl under 16 following grooming Today (Friday 8 April) at the same court, after the court heard how some of his victims have been affected by his abuse, he was sentenced to serve 17 years in prison. He was deemed dangerous by the judge and has been made the subject of an extended three-year licence period following his release. He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for life. The investigation into the actions of Povey began in 2020 following content of social media posts which was reported to police by members of the public. During the investigation, further crimes were uncovered which revealed the extent of his offending and his deliberate targeting of vulnerable children. In his police interviews, Povey claimed that he thought all the girls were 16 or over at the time of the offences - which occurred between 2010 and 2016 - and that the sexual activity was all consensual. At court today, through a victim personal statement, one victim told how Povey got her pregnant at just 14 - 'a child pregnant with a child' - and had to make the decision to have a termination, something she still carries today, wondering if she is a terrible human being for doing so. As an adult, the statement says, she realises that she was not at fault, and that Povey was the adult, taking advantage of her. Another victim explained how, for many years, thought emotional blackmail was normal in relationships as a result of the abuse she suffered at the hands of Povey and that she suffers significantly with her mental health. Officer in case, DC Kev Sharkey from the force's Signal team, said: "While this sentence will not change the experiences these young girls went through, I hope the fact that Povey will be behind bars for such a significant amount of time, offers some comfort. "The sentencing today has been at the end of a long court process and all the survivors have shown incredible strength, patience and dignity throughout. "Their evidence has strengthened the case against Povey, making sure he serves the time behind bars that he deserves." Further information regarding available support can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/ Leicestershire Police News 08/04/2022

Leicester people are being asked to share their health and wellbeing needs with public health professionals for a new survey called How are you, Leicester? The simple form will ask questions about what is important to individuals and their communities when it comes to health and wellbeing needs. The survey will be available online, or community organisations can arrange for a visit from the city council’s public health community facilitators who will help them to take part. Assistant city mayor for health Cllr Vi Dempster said: “The last two years have been challenging for everyone, but for the people of Leicester they have been especially hard. That’s why we are asking: ‘How are you, Leicester?’ and inviting people to take part in a big health conversation about how they are feeling right now. “We want to hear from residents from across our diverse communities about whatever health and wellbeing issues are important to them. This could be anything from how covid has affected you and your community to other health needs or concerns that they feel have had to take a back seat during the pandemic. “Coronavirus has been, and still is, a priority but we haven’t forgotten that your other health and wellbeing needs are important. So, how are you, and what matters to you most right now? “We know that some communities experience poorer health and wellbeing than others. By completing the questionnaire, you can be a voice for your community, and help us to understand what the key issues are for the people of Leicester.” Community organisations can arrange a survey session with the team by emailing wellbeingchampions@leicester.gov.uk Fill in the consultation online anytime until 30 June at: https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/communications/hay-leicester/ Find out more about health and wellbeing in Leicester at: www.leicester.gov.uk/publichealth Leicester City Council News - 07/04/2022

Businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire are being reminded that they have just a few weeks left to apply for grants to help to pay for energy efficiency improvements. Leicester City Council’s Green BELLE scheme offers grants of up to £10,000 to small and medium-sized businesses to help cover the costs of low carbon, energy efficient improvements to their premises. Green BELLE grants can be used to support a wide range of measures such as installing efficient heating systems, low-energy lighting, building insulation or solar PV panels. Grants cane be awarded to cover up to half of the total costs, with the remaining amount paid for by the business as match-funding. So far, the scheme has provided a total of £812,904 of grant support to over 150 local businesses. It is estimated that has helped result in carbon savings of over 1,000 tCO2e per year – equivalent to the total carbon footprint over 300 typical homes. Businesses have also seen a significant reduction in their energy bills as a result of improvements made through the Green BELLE scheme. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “These grants give local small and medium-sized businesses the chance to become more energy-efficient and save money on their running costs. “We have ambitious plans to help make Leicester a carbon neutral and climate-adapted city. The Green BELLE scheme is a really good way to welcome more local firms on board and show them that becoming more energy efficient is good for business and for the city.” Cllr Danny Myers, assistant city mayor for jobs and skills, said: “Leicester’s wider future economic development is going to be driven by our large, thriving and diverse small and medium sized business sector. This scheme is a great way to both save these businesses money and ensure that the city has a more environmentally sustainable economy.” Businesses must express interest in the scheme by the end of May 2022, and the deadline for submission of full applications is currently the end of June 2022. There is a limited amount of funding available being allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. All works must be completed by December 2022. Green BELLE stands for Green Business Energy in Leicester and Leicestershire. The project is run by Leicester City Council's sustainability service with support from Leicestershire County Council. Green BELLE is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). To find out more about the Green BELLE grant scheme, or to express an interest, visit www.greenbelle.org.uk Leicester City council News - 08/04/2022

A man has been arrested following a report of a serious sexual assault in Great Central Way last month. The man, who is 21 and from Leicester, was arrested in connection with the incident this morning (Thursday 7 April). He remains in custody at this time. Enquiries into the incident are continuing, but a victim – who left the scene – has not yet come forward. The report was made by a third party. Detective Constable Natalie Atchison, from the force’s Signal team, said: “We are still working to establish the identity of the victim and are continuing to ask her to make contact. “If you don’t want to speak to police, you can contact Juniper Lodge – the specialist sexual assault referral centre – who are also able to help you.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/ and quoting reference 22*133436. Alternatively call 101. Further information about Juniper Lodge can be found by visiting https://juniperlodge.org.uk/ Further information regarding available support can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/ 🔴 Updated News Friday 8th April 2022 Man arrested following sexual assault report released on bail He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Leicestershire Police News - 07/04/2022

Two men who were arrested as part of a crack-down on drugs supply last year have been sentenced at Leicester Crown Court. Marvin Kelly and Martin Evans were arrested in September 2021 when a number of warrants were executed under Operation Impose – the forces’ response to an increase in county lines drugs activity. Kelly was arrested on day one of the action, outside his home address in Somerset Road, Coventry. As officers approached him, he attempted to dispose of the drugs he was carrying. Inside his address, a significant stash of heroin and crack cocaine was found, along with drug paraphernalia. There was also £18,000 in cash. Evans, of Tame way in Hinckley, worked for the ‘Marcus line’ on behalf of Kelly for a short time in the summer of 2021, supplying drugs. Kelly and Evans, both 38, were subsequently charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs – crack cocaine and heroin. They both pleaded guilty at previous hearings at the same court and on Wednesday (6 April) they were sentenced. Evans was sentenced to two years and eight months Kelly was sentenced to six years Senior Responsible Officer for Operation Impose DCI Gavin Drummond said: “I’m very pleased that these sentences mean two more people, who were responsible for bringing drugs into the county and selling them on, are behind bars for a considerable amount of time. “The enforcement took a significant amount of drugs off the streets of Leicestershire – and some neighbouring counties - protecting vulnerable people at risk of being exploited by drug dealers.”

A scheme offering cut-price travel to unemployed jobseekers in Leicester has been relaunched. The Travel Aid programme is open to city residents and means local jobseekers can get a 50 percent discount on fares on all Leicester and Leicestershire bus services. People can apply through Leicester City Council’s website, and passes are renewable every two months. Travel Aid was running successfully in the city before the disruption of the pandemic, but is being relaunched as work and life return to normal. Staff at the city’s three JobCentre Plus sites are giving information to jobseekers about the scheme, which has issued over 60 passes in the month since it was relaunched post-Covid. Travel Aid is part of a wider package of city council transport initiatives designed to support low income and disadvantaged groups, as well as helping existing workers to travel to work in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Other schemes include the Wheels 2 Work programme, where people can hire electric bikes, with an option to purchase them. The Santander E-bike Share scheme, which was launched in June 2021, also includes a range of targeting initiatives giving discounted cycle hire for unemployed job-seekers, low paid workers and other disadvantaged residents. Cut-price bus travel is also available across the city – NHS workers can travel free on the electric buses operating from the city’s three Park and Ride sites at Enderby, Birstall and Meynell’s Gorse, while concessionary bus passes can be used at peak times on other services. Under 16s who qualify for free school bus travel can also travel free of charge on any bus throughout the week and weekend. Leicester deputy city mayor for transport and the environment, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “With working life returning to normal following the pandemic lockdowns, we are relaunching this scheme to ensure unemployed jobseekers can get help to travel on the city’s public transport. “We’ve already issued more than 60 passes over the last few weeks to people looking for work, meaning travel costs are not a barrier to people who need to commute to interviews, training or other placements as part of their search for employment. “This is just one of the many ways we try to support people out of work and on benefits in Leicester - something which is more important than ever in the current economic circumstances.” For more details or to apply for Travel Aid visit the city council’s website here: https://bit.ly/3ujBjEh Leicester City Council News - 08/04/2022

British Energy Security Strategy backed up with hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for developing cutting-edge energy technologies Energy Security Strategy backed up with hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for developing cutting-edge energy technologies Support will unlock investment and opportunities in hydrogen, advanced nuclear and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) New technologies will boost UK energy security, provide cheap, clean energy to homes and businesses and create thousands of jobs The Government has today (8 April) launched a wide-ranging £375 million package of support for innovative energy technologies that will power British homes and businesses for decades to come and further strengthen the nation’s energy security. This includes £240 million to support the production of hydrogen as a clean, low-cost fuel for industry, £2.5 million of funding to develop next-generation nuclear technology and a further £5 million towards research into carbon capture. Today’s investment will support research, development and deployment of these cutting-edge technologies and give the country the energy independence it needs, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels. From next-generation nuclear reactors, to hydrogen fuel for industry, power, transport and heating, the Government is revolutionising the way the UK gets its energy across a range of technologies. Yesterday’s Energy Security Strategy, unveiled by the Prime Minister, sets out how Great Britain will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, whilst supporting the production of domestic oil and gas in the nearer term – which could see 95% of electricity by 2030 being low carbon. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “This investment will unlock the enormous potential of hydrogen fuel, advanced nuclear reactors and Carbon Capture to level up the UK energy landscape and deliver for businesses and households. “High gas prices and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine have highlighted the urgent need to produce more of our energy here in the UK. “That’s why we have set out bold plans to harness clean, cutting-edge, homegrown technologies and build the energy security we need for the future. Today’s government support includes: The £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, funding low carbon hydrogen production projects, with the aim of awarding funding from the end of 2022. This will advance the Government’s ambition to have up to 2GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2025 and up to 10GW installed by 2030, using electricity to produce power from water by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen to create a fuel for industry; The Hydrogen Business Model, which will support further investment in hydrogen production with £100 million for electrolytic projects to cover the difference between the cost of production (the strike price) and the sale price for hydrogen (reference price). Funding for this will launch this summer; The Industrial Hydrogen Accelerator, a £26 million innovation funding programme to support UK industry in adopting hydrogen as a clean, affordable fuel source for sectors like manufacturing by demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen to businesses and reducing the cost of switching energy systems. A £2.5 million competition for bidders seeking to develop a UK Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR). These reactors use novel and innovative fuels, coolants, and technologies to generate high-temperature heat for industrial applications as well as for electricity to power people’s homes. Industry representatives are invited to apply for a share of this funding to develop their projects. On top of this, the Business and Energy Secretary has also announced today that nuclear regulators (the Office for Nuclear Regulations and Environment Agency) have been provided with an additional £830,000 of funding to help bring the development of UK AMRs to fruition. £5 million Government funding for accelerating Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS) Technologies under the ACT 3 scheme. CCUS entails capturing, transporting and storing greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere meaning energy can be stored and used. ACT 3 is an international initiative between 14 countries worldwide including the UK, aimed at accelerating CCUS technologies through funding research and innovation projects and the funding will support the commercialisation of the technology so that companies right here in the UK can invest in it. In addition to this funding, the Government is also publishing a range of important documents and guidelines to support the development of these industries. Government support for hydrogen is also being complemented by extensive private investment, including ITM Power’s announcement of a new electrolyser plant in Sheffield which will support the hydrogen industry and create 500 jobs. Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 08/04/2022

Three men have been charged with murder following the death of Raju Modhwadia. Tameer Mitha, 35, of Hamilton Street, Leicester; Issakiah Davis-Simon, 26, of Chandos Street, Leicester; and Daniel Spencer, 32, of Westmeath Avenue, Leicester have all been charged with murder following the death of 41-year-old Raju Modhwadia in December last year. All three have also been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Mr Modhwadia, who was also known as Kara Muru, died after being found with significant stab wound injuries in the street in Evington Road, Leicester, near the junction with Hamilton Street, during the early hours of Monday 27 December. Raju Modhwadia Mitha, Davis-Simon and Spencer had previously been arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail while enquiries continued. All three have been remanded into custody and are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday). *Two other men - Shadon Archer, 32, of Bassett Street, Leicester and Marcus Henry, 32, of Morpeth Avenue, Leicester – were charged in December with the murder of Mr Modhwadia and were remanded into custody. The person or people named in this post have been charged with an offence(s) and will be appearing in court. Nothing should be posted that could prejudice upcoming proceedings and care should be taken over any comment made.

Officers are appealing to speak to the man pictured after five cars were reported to have been damaged with a knife in Astill Lodge Road, Leicester. Police were called at 7.36pm on Monday 28 March reporting that a man in the area had scratched a car with a knife. The caller reported that he had confronted the suspect and that the suspect had then made threats to the caller with the knife before dropping the knife and leaving the area. No injuries were reported. Enquiries at the scene found that five cars had been damaged with what is believed to be a knife. A Stanley knife was also found at the scene. Officers have been carrying out enquiries into the incident and are appealing to speak to the man pictured as part of enquiries. If you are the man pictured or you recognise him, or if you have any further information regarding the incident, you should make contact with us. You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 22*177157. Leicestershire Police News 07/04/2022

Police have released images of jewellery that were stolen in a burglary in Coalville. Shortly after midnight on Tuesday 8 February, a house in Clyde Court, Thringstone, was broken into and around 50 items of jewellery were stolen. Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries in relation to the offence and are now releasing images of some of the items stolen in a bid to locate them. PC McIntosh, who is investigating the incident, said: “I would urge people to take a look at the items pictured and make contact if you have any information that can assist us. “It is believed that some of these items may recently have been for sale online. Please come forward if you have seen any of these items being sold or have even purchased some of the jewellery unknowingly. “Some of the items have great sentimental value to the victims and they are desperate for them to be returned.” Anyone with information can report online Report a crime | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) or call 101, quoting crime reference 22*076760 Leicestershire Police 07/04/2022

Anand Mangal explore South Asian culture. A group, which has been working with the county council to widely share South Asian culture, stories and memories, has now been shortlisted for a prestigious national volunteering award. The Anand Mangal Ladies Group, which consists of mainly over-60s, is in the running to take top prize in the volunteers of the year category at this year's Museum and Heritage Awards. Working with the council’s communities and wellbeing service since 2019, the group co-curated the Stitching Traditions exhibition at Charnwood Museum, which used fashion and textiles to explore the traditions and memories of the Partition of India. Supported by Loughborough University’s Memories of Migration project, the exhibition was re-imagined for South Asian Heritage Month and featured objects which the group gifted to the museum service to make its collections more representative. This was showcased at Market Harborough Museum where it also became part of the first 'virtual museum' in the county and viewed by more than 4,000 people. Volunteers worked with Leicestershire’s Creative Learning Service to share their culture with young people. They developed curriculum-linked lesson plans and delivered school workshops covering the themes; My Journey; Memories of Childhood and Schools; Clothing, Craft, Culture and Belief; Navratri Stick Dancing and Diwali. Their work has also helped to enhance the council’s heritage offer and engage new audiences by providing new interpretations and histories as well as memories and connections, allowing visitors and young people to learn more about the different cultures and experiences diverse communities. The group created a space and environment where different community groups across Leicestershire could feel welcomed, listened to, and represented, as well as supporting wider projects and acting as ‘community connectors’ with the Asian community. The Anand Mangal group is up against five other volunteer groups and individuals, with the winner being announced on 11 May. Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “The Stitching Traditions exhibition and the ongoing schools project leading up to and following on from it, has been a revelation, both for the group and the museum professionals who worked on it with them. “Their work has reached and engaged new audiences who might not normally have been involved with culture, as well as giving museums and heritage staff a new insight into how to develop new ways to represent the diverse communities in Leicestershire." Leicestershire County Council News 07/04/2022