Visitors will have the chance to talk to staff already doing the jobs, ask questions and get a real feel for the roles. There will be the opportunity to see how employees could progress in their chosen field and what training is on offer. More than 50 jobs are on offer at Leicestershire County Council in the authority’s highways, transport and waste management teams – and jobseekers are invited to a recruitment event to find out more. The council is seeking to recruit to a variety of posts including HGV drivers, highways workers, waste site advisors, tree surgeons and transport officers. There are also trainee and graduate schemes, apprenticeships and numerous casual vacancies waiting to be filled. Anyone interested is invited to a recruitment event at County Hall in Glenfield between 11am and 4pm on Thursday March 3. Visitors will have the chance to talk to staff already doing the jobs, ask questions and get a real feel for the roles. There will be the opportunity to see how employees could progress in their chosen field and what training is on offer. Those interested in agency work can meet the council’s recruitment partners Reed and local recruitment agencies specialising in a variety of temporary roles including driving. Free parking is available in the visitor's car park and anyone attending is asked to report to main reception on arrival. Some of the benefits of working for the Leicestershire County Council are: 24 days annual leave a year (five days extra after 5 years continuous service) 8 public holidays a year Flexible working Training and development opportunities Access to continuous professional development Working groups for LGBT staff, disabled workers, carers and a black workers group For more information, or to register your interest, call 0116 305 7723 or email ETDcentraladmin@leics.gov.uk.

Two bridges are due to undergo extensive repairs and replacement work from next month. Both the Cannock Street and Mountain Road bridges, which span sections of the Melton Brook just off Barkbythorpe Road, need major renovations to ensure they can continue to be safe for traffic. The work at both sites will involve renewing the waterproofing systems, road surfacing, re-pointing the brickwork, concrete repairs, repairing or installing new parapets, and installing new crash barriers if required. Works at Cannock Street will begin on March 7, and are expected to last for eight weeks. At Mountain Road, the renovations are due to get underway on April 4, and last for four weeks. Advance warning signs will be put in place on nearby approach roads ahead of the work starting, while diversion signs will be on site throughout the works. Letters are also being sent to local residents letting them know about the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained as far as is safely possible, but there will be some restrictions around the areas being worked on, especially during material deliveries and waste removal. Some temporary parking and loading restrictions may be put in place on nearby roads to enable traffic to continue moving and for materials to be delivered. Access to Cannock Street will be via Thurmaston Lane and Wenlock Way, while Mountain Road can be accessed by Tuxford Road and Waterside Road, or alternatively through Thurmaston Lane and Waterside Way. The contract costs for the repairs at Cannock Street Bridge will be around £102k, with the Mountain Road Bridge scheme’s construction costs coming in at just under £80k. The works are being funded by the city council’s annual capital transport budget.

Officers from the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) are appealing for public help to identify two men following the theft of two bikes in the city. Both bicycles were stolen from a secure bike storage unit inside student accommodation in Western Road on Sunday 2 February. The first bicycle is believed to have been taken at around 3.20pm, while the second was taken just before 8pm. PC Boden, the investigating officer, said: “I’d like to identify and speak to both men pictured as I believe they may have information that could help. “Please look closely at the images and if you know who they are, please get in touch. Any details you’re able to provide could assist. “If you are either of the men pictured, then likewise, please come forward.” 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*77375 or 22*80419. Alternatively call 101.

A 19-year-old man has been found guilty of murder following a trial at Leicester Crown Court and has been sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 13 years. Green Lane Road Leicester Omer Nur Omer Nur, of Chartley Road, Leicester, was involved in a fight with victim Usman Patel, 32, in Green Lane Road in Evington in the early hours of 18 July last year. Usman was stabbed more than 20 times and Nur left the scene. Residents on Green Lane Road called for an ambulance, but Usman died of his injuries. Forensic evidence linked Nur to the scene – a bottle of sports drink with his DNA was found near to Usman’s body. Nur was charged with the murder of Usman on 22 July, after five days of intense investigative work. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) said: “Mr Patel had significant injuries as a result of the fight with Nur, with defensive wounds to his hands, too. “This incident did not need to end with fatal injuries being inflicted; Mr Patel did not need to lose his life. So many lives have been ruined as a result of this incident, and shows yet again the damage that having a knife in a situation that escalates, can have. Do not carry a knife. Think! “The team worked around the clock to piece together what had happened, working with lots of different teams across the force, including digital media experts, forensics, family liaison officers and local beat officers reassuring the residents. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our counsel in this case too, Vanessa Marshall QC and David Matthew. “While it won’t bring Usman back, I hope the verdict today is of some comfort to his family.” Six others were arrested as part of the investigation. A 34-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was release with no further action. Two men, aged 24 and 28, and a 17-year-old youth were arrested on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender. They were all released with no further action in relation to the murder and are currently released under investigation in relation to the assisting an offender. A 23-year-old woman arrested of suspicion of assisting an offender was released under investigation, and a 28-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob is also released under investigation. “He was always there for us”: The family of Usman Patel pay tribute Usman was a loving son, brother, uncle and a father who was very close to his family and was loved by us all. He would light up any room he walked into with his smile. He was kind hearted, caring and was always there for us. Usman’s daughter was his world. Their father and daughter relationship and the memories they were creating would have continued to grow but this has now been taken away from them both. Saturday 18 July 2021 is the day which is stamped in our hearts as the most painful day in our lives. Our hearts sank. We were shocked, heartbroken and in floods of tears. As a family, we have been left traumatised from that day and live in pain thinking about how Usman died, what he would have gone through on that night and what exactly happened. We are left with questions that we do not have answers to and questions that we may never have answers to. Life will never be the same for us. Usman’s death has broken us and not a single day goes by when we don’t think of him. We miss him every day. We loved him so much.

Officers are appealing to identify a man who may have been a victim of an assault in South Wigston. At around 1.45pm on Thursday 17 February, an elderly man sustained a head injury as he walked through Blaby Road park. Two youths were captured on CCTV walking behind the man, one of which was carrying a traffic cone while the other was throwing stones towards the man. The man is seen shortly after holding a tissue to a bleeding wound on his head before walking off in the direction of Lansdowne Grove. No report has been made to the police of an assault and officers are hoping to speak to the man to take his account of happened. PC Richard Smith, the investigating officer, said: “We suspect that the man sustained his injury after being assaulted and we urge him to contact us. “We believe he lives locally and is described as elderly and was wearing a blue coat, jeans and a flat cap. He was also walking with a walking stick. “If you are this man or you know who he is, please get in touch. We want to be able offer him the relevant support and take a statement from him about any assault which may have occurred.” Anyone with information is asked contact police on 101 quoting 22*99108.

Councillors in Leicester have voted unanimously to back proposals to award the Honorary Freedom of the City to Leicester City Football Club (LCFC). Photo caption left to right: LCFC chairman Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanapraba, and his late father and former chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.” Photo credit: Leicester City Football Club The accolade is the highest civic honour the council can bestow and recognises the contribution that recipients have made to the City of Leicester. The council is to grant the freedom of the city to the club in recognition of the honour and distinction it has brought to Leicester as a result of its sporting achievements, and in appreciation of its commitment to local communities. The award is governed by legislation and required the approval of the full council, which was given at a special meeting on 23 February. Councillors also gave their unanimous backing to the introduction of a new civic honour – The City of Leicester Award – and to making the first recipients LCFC chairman Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanapraba, and his late father and former chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The City of Leicester Award will recognise individuals whose outstanding achievements have had a positive and wide-reaching impact on the city, and who have been a source of inspiration to its residents. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The Honorary Freedom of the City is the highest award our city can give, and it is entirely fitting that it be given to LCFC for the honour and distinction it has brought to the city. “The club’s against-the-odds Premier League title win was a chapter in sporting history that the whole city can be proud of, and its continued achievements have raised the profile of Leicester across the globe in a way that has helped the city find renewed pride in itself. “Sporting achievements and trophies aside, the club has shown a continued commitment to sports development within our local communities, and it is an inspiration to its fans and to the people of Leicester. “It is the personal contribution of the late Khun Vichai, and the commitment he showed to Leicester that continues under the leadership of his son, Khun Aiyawatt, that we want to acknowledge with our new award. “I'm delighted that our first City of Leicester Award will be made to LCFC chairman Khun Aiyawatt Srivaddhanapraba, and his late father and former chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.” Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj said: “I am immensely proud that we will be conferring the Freedom of the City to Leicester City Football Club after their amazing sporting successes, which have been so well received not only here in Leicester, but across the world. “Much of their success is as a result of the dedication and commitment made by both their former and current chairman and I am honoured to be recognising their achievements with the newly created City of Leicester Award.” Recipients of the City of Leicester Award will have contributed to the educational, cultural, civic or economic life of the city, or through their achievements gained the city wider recognition. Unlike the freedom of the city award, this new civic honour is for individuals only and can be awarded posthumously. Khun Vichai became Chairman of LCFC in 2010, following its takeover by a Thai-led consortium which he led. He made significant investments in the club which saw them return to the Premier League in 2013/14 as the Championship title winners. The club then went on to achieve its historic Premier League title win in 2015/16, despite pre-season odds of 5,000/1. During his time as chairman, Khun Vichai invested in both the club and the local community, personally donating more than £4 million to different causes. Sadly, on Saturday 27 October 2018, he died in a helicopter accident, alongside four others, outside King Power Stadium. The Foxes Foundation, formed in 2011/12 was renamed The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation in Khun Vichai’s honour, and it continues to provide significant support for local charities. His son Khun Aiyawatt, vowed to continue his father’s legacy, and in May 2021, the club had its first FA Cup success. This means LCFC has now won every major honour in English football - the Premier League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Another win followed when the FA Community Shield was secured in August 2021. The club has also enjoyed success with the women’s team, which won the Women's Championship in April 2021, sealing promotion to the FA Women's Super League in the process. Alongside the work of the foundation, the club makes an invaluable contribution to the city through the Leicester City Football Club Community Trust, where it uses football to inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

Carers from across Leicestershire have had their hard work celebrated at an awards ceremony last week, including two carers from the unique Shared Lives project who were nominated as finalists. The Leicestershire Live Care Professional of the Year Awards 2022, sponsored by Inspired to Care, recognise the skills, values, and dedication of care workers across the region. Helen Chenery and Shaun Swain are self-employed Shared Lives carers commissioned to provide residential care in their own home for Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council service users and were nominated for the Promoting Independence Award. With over 25 years loyal service, Helen Chenery is the longest serving Shared Lives carer in Leicestershire. She initially grew up in a Shared Lives household as her father was a carer, before joining herself at the age of 21. Leicestershire Shared Lives Service is different to anything else offered in the Adult Social Care sector as the carers provide person centred services in our carers family homes. This prevents service users from living long periods of time in residential accommodation and allows them the opportunity to live a more ordinary life as part of a family unit. Helen and Shaun recently took their service users on the holiday of a lifetime, ensuring they remained safe and supported at all times whilst they enjoyed a luxury cruise around the Canary Islands. Helen and Shaun were finalists at last week’s awards. Leicestershire County Council News

A Leicestershire officer who has dedicated her life to the police force for the last 26 years has been awarded for her duty as a civil servant at a special ceremony. Superintendent Manjit Atwal attended the British Sikh Awards in Birmingham on Friday (18 February) and was awarded the Civil Servant of the Year Award. Manjit (pictured) was nominated for her service to our communities and the wider work she has done over many years. This was the first ever British Sikh Awards, organised by Oceanic Consulting, and is a tribute to the skills, achievements and successes of the Sikh community. She said: “I was blessed to receive the Civil Servant Award as a British Sikh for my work over the past 26 years’ service as well as my wider work as the Chair of the Leicestershire Sikh Police Association (LSPA) and within the Sikh community. “I couldn't have achieved this without the support of my family, the force, the LSPA and the community.” Chief Constable Simon Cole, added: “This award is a testament to Manjit’s dedication to the force and the wider community. “We are extremely proud of everything she has achieved and continues to achieve.” Last year Manjit was awarded a QPM in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours and received the award from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in October 2021. Earlier this year Manjit was seconded to take a position at the College of Policing, working with the national Violence Against Women taskforce.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Rupert Matthews has thanked the public for their feedback in an online survey to gauge support for renaming Leicestershire Police. The Commissioner was inundated with responses to his consultation on whether Leicestershire Police’s title should change to include Rutland - with the majority of residents voting against the idea. The Hampshire Constabulary is currently renaming itself to include the Isle of Wight, which it also covers. As the other police force which covers two counties, it was suggested that Leicestershire Police might also change its name to include both county names. The Commissioner decided to hand the decision to the public by launching an online survey. Mr Matthews said the consultation had been a huge success sparking considerable public engagement. “I would like to thank everybody who took the time to contribute their opinions in this survey. I’m astounded by the number of responses we have had and it further confirms to me the importance of communication with the public on matters of policing.” he said. “The consultation cost nothing as it was managed entirely online and was a resounding success. We have been overwhelmed with the strength of feeling shown and willingness for local people to use their voice on this important issue. “Before pursuing the opportunity of a rename any further, we did the right thing which was to consult the public. Local people are quite clearly against the proposal and I will fully abide by their decision. “Responses to the survey has highlighted, however, serious concerns among some residents in Rutland about how policing is delivered in their county. This builds on other comments that have been made to me during visits to that county. In response, I will raise these with the Chief Constable at the earliest opportunity and will be keen to see what action can be taken to address any issues. “I always welcome public feedback. As this simple exercise has shown, local people really can make a difference.”

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of 41-year-old Raju Modhwadia in December last year. A 32-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, both of Leicester, were arrested today (Friday). Both currently remain in police custody. 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. 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.

Officers investigating an aggravated burglary are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The incident happened on Ethel Road, Leicester, at about 10.05pm on Thursday evening (17 February). The suspect entered a house and threatened the occupant with a knife. Following demands the suspect made off with cash and jewellery. The suspect was wearing a black beanie hat and carrying a black drawstring bag in a nylon type fabric. Officer in the case, DC Bal Mahal from the force’s complex crime team, said: “If you saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously throughout the course of the evening, we’d like to hear from you. “This was understandably terrifying for the victim. “Equally, if you have CCTV or were driving in the area and may have dashcam footage, please contact us.” Report any information online www.leics.police.uk or call 101, quoting incident number 637 of 17 February. Leicestershire Police 18/02/22

People are being urged to make only essential journeys with high winds and disruption on the roads expected. Strong winds are set to sweep across the country tomorrow and the county council is ready to deal with any disruption in Leicestershire. A Met Office amber warning of high winds has been issued in the county with gusts expected between 60mph and 70mph. Leicestershire County Council will have crews available during the day and night in the wake of Storm Eunice to keep the road network moving and deal with any reported issues. Residents are also being encouraged to check for any unusual changes in their trees over the past days and weeks. People can ask themselves: Are there any cracks in the tree which were not there a day or so ago?; Are there any cracks or humps in the soil which were not there a day or so ago?; Are there any hanging branches in the tree which could fall? People can report fallen trees on the highway or other road issues by calling the council on 0116 305 0001.