A New video has been released to showcase the beauty of Leicester’s waterways and give a stunning bird’s eye view of major recent investment in the city’s riverside. Since 2015, Leicester City Council has been working alongside the Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust on an ambitious, multi-million-pound programme of improvements to local waterways, backed by £7.5million of Local Growth Fund investment through the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The programme has delivered environmental improvements along Leicester’s waterways providing flood protection, enhancements to biodiversity and improved access. The new four-minute video brings together drone footage highlighting just some of the 40 projects completed as part of the ambitious programme. These include improvements to over 8km of riverside footpaths and canal towpaths; the creation of 2km of new cycle tracks; major improvements at key riverside locations such as Aylestone Meadows, Everards Meadow and the award-winning Ellis Meadows; and, the creation of new habitats for a range of wildlife at dozens of locations across the city. The programme also saw the installation of the new Bennion Footbridge to connect the city’s Sock Island to Belgrave along with new moorings at Friars Mill and Memory Lane Wharf for people visiting the city by boat. Critically, the works have also helped safeguard over 1,800 homes from flood risk. This has been achieved through the creation of new wetlands to hold flood water at key locations, as well as major works to create a new flood water culvert beneath Loughborough Road Bridge. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester boasts some beautiful riverside settings and through this ambitious partnership programme we have been able to make substantial investment to help realise the enormous potential of these areas. “This new video gives a bird’s eye view of just some of the major improvements that have been achieved and showcases what a valuable asset we have in the city’s waterways. “As well as improving the city’s waterside for visitors and providing valuable habitats for local wildlife, these important projects have also helped reduce flood risk to hundreds of homes in the city. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved in delivering this major programme of improvements and for the tremendous support of our partners. As the video shows, Leicester’s fantastic waterways are now something the whole city can be proud of.” Andy Reed OBE, Interim Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP), said: "These projects demonstrate how making investments in improving natural areas can act as a catalyst for creating local jobs and growth. "Sustainability is a key part of the LLEP's new Economic Growth Strategy and this video shows how improvements to cycle tracks and footpaths are joining up the city and bringing people into destinations such as Everards Meadow." Louise Cresswell, Area Director for the Environment Agency in the East Midlands, said: “We are very proud to have played our part in this work over the past few years which has combined flood protection alongside environmental improvements for a number of locations across the city of Leicester. “The many projects show how local authorities and Government agencies can successfully work together to improve both the environment and to protect people and their properties.” Phil Mulligan, regional director for the Canal & River Trust said: “This video showcases the amazing waterways in Leicester that people have on their doorstep. "The River Soar and Grand Union Canal pass right through the heart of the city and some of Leicester’s busiest communities. Research shows that time spent by water helps us to feel happier and healthier. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Leicester City Council, LLEP and the Environment Agency to make these improvements happen and we hope this will support lots more people to feel the health and wellbeing benefits that a visit to the city’s beautiful waterways can bring.” The video can be viewed on Leicester City Council’s YouTube channel here

Volunteers are being asked to step forward and take part in a pioneering new scheme to limit traffic around schools at pick up and drop off times. A four-week trial of the ‘school streets’ programme, led by Leicestershire County Council, will take place at Belvoirdale Community Primary School in Coalville, Saint Luke’s Primary School in Thurnby, and the Latimer Primary School in Anstey after the summer holidays. The innovative initiative limits the traffic outside schools at busy periods, creating a safe space for children to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘park and walk’ to school, and tackles traffic congestion and air quality.. Volunteers are being sought to cordon off the road at the specific times and will be provided with the kit and training needed. I’m pleased that we’re trialling this scheme as a way to tackle congestion and the whole host of issues we experience outside the school gates. School streets can be one way in which we lessen these issues and make the school run easier, healthier and safer for everyone. I’m glad this trial will investigate this potential solution further and look forward to seeing its results. said Ozzy O' Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport Richard Dax, headteacher at Belviordale Primary, commented: “Children come to Belvoirdale, knowing that they can learn about our fascinating community and wider world, safely. “This includes the journey, to and from school. Belvoirdale is proud to be part of the school streets campaign.” Residents will still be able to use the road for access using a permit. The trial will take place for four weeks from 30 August to the end of September. The schools have applied to be involved chosen on the basis of practicality of road closures. The scheme is one of the first of its kind in Leicestershire. To find out more about the school streets trial, including specific proposed times for each school, go to the Choose How You Move website. To volunteer to take part in the trial, apply on the Choose How You Move website at www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/school-streets-volunteer

A POP-UP SCHEME to create outdoor seating areas for businesses and more space for shoppers in the historic streets near Leicester Market is to be made permanent. Leicester City Council has announced its intention to make the measures in the St Martins area permanent, creating traffic-free shopping streets with wider pedestrian spaces and room for businesses to provide street café-style seating areas. The measures have been in place on a temporary basis since August 2020, when they were introduced to help cafes, restaurants and other businesses in the area accommodate customers safely and bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the changes have proven popular with visitors and businesses and the city council is now seeking to make the changes permanent. Alongside these permanent measures, the city council also plans to invest up to £1.3million on a range of improvements which could include repaving the main carriageway in high-quality stone, new street furniture and automatic bollards, and new decorative planting and artwork. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “St Martins and the nearby Lanes are home to a great many independent businesses including cafes, bars and restaurants. It is vital that we continue to support local businesses like these by investing in high quality, people-friendly streets and spaces. At the heart of the city’s historic Old Town, St Martins is also an important and popular destination for visitors to the city. “By making these measures permanent and investing in a range of other improvements, we can help create a much safer and more attractive environment and encourage more people to walk or cycle in and around the city centre. It is important that we all do our bit to address the climate emergency and improve air quality in Leicester, as well as supporting our local businesses wherever possible.” Simon Jenner, BID Leicester director, said: “BID Leicester is unequivocally supportive of the proposed pedestrianisation of St Martins. The pop-up changes have helped to make this a green and attractive space which is popular with our businesses and the public. “We welcome the additional capacity this offers for outdoor customers and increased revenue at a time when food and drink businesses in particular face challenging trading conditions. “The fantastic space that has been created has been chosen as the cover image for our new business plan which will be seen by national high street businesses and other BIDs across the country. “It’s a great scheme that demonstrates Leicester is a city that puts people and the environment first.” Adam Markwell, director at Shearer Property Group which owns St Martins Square, said: “We are very supportive of the pedestrianisation of St Martins. During the temporary road closure since Covid we have continued to see footfall improving and have had a steady stream of new tenants attracted to St Martins Square as the go-to destination for independent restaurants, shops and customers. “The changes have added to the overall ambiance of this historic conservation area and provided our tenants on St Martins and Cank Street with valuable space for outdoor seating and alfresco dining, which is proving very popular.” Rob Reber, operations director at Middletons – which has restaurant in the iconic former NatWest bank building at 2 St Martins – said: “The pedestrianisation of St Martins has impacted Middletons in a positive way. It has provided us with a safer and cleaner environment, with a lovely setting for alfresco dining. “Many of our guests that have visited since this has been in place did not even realise we were here, they love the environment outside and it has really brought the area back to life. “With the area clear of large vans and cars this has brought more tourism and more people enjoying the historical architecture, with some great photo opportunities.” Leicester City Council has now made a formal application for the traffic regulation order needed to make the temporary measures permanent. The proposals include making permanent the full pedestrianisation of St Martins, between Loseby Lane and Cank Street, which will remain open to pedestrians and cycles only. The short section of St Martins, between Loseby Lane and the King Richard III Visitor Centre, will also be permanently closed to motor vehicles. The existing temporary extension of the city centre pedestrian zone to include the whole of Grey Friars will also be made permanent. This means access for loading only will continue to be available between 5am and 11 am from Sunday to Friday, and between 5am and 9am on Saturdays. Cank Street and Hotel Street will be permanently incorporated into the existing Market Place pedestrian zone, which allows access for deliveries from 5am to 10am, and from 4pm to 6pm, seven days a week. In response to feedback from businesses in the area, temporary additional loading bays were provided on nearby Peacock Lane and Market Place South. These will be made permanent. The current reversal of traffic flow around Market Place will also be made permanent. People have until Monday 12th August 2022 to register their support or object to the proposals.

Football fans from all over the country will be heading to Leicester next week, as FA Cup winners Liverpool take on Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. With Wembley hosting Women’s Euro 2022, the prestigious match will be played at the King Power stadium this year – and while that’s a huge honour for the city, it does mean that Saturday 30 July will be a busy day in Leicester. Leicester City Council’s chief operating officer Alison Greenhill is looking forward to welcoming fans to the city for the game, which kicks off at 5pm on 30 July – but she’s also advising anyone driving into Leicester that day to allow extra time for their journey. “The FA Community Shield rarely takes place away from Wembley, so we’re very proud that Leicester will be hosting this curtain-raiser to the new football season,” she said. “Visiting fans will eat and drink in the city centre’s bars and restaurants, giving the local economy a much-needed boost, and Leicester will benefit from hosting a high-profile fixture that puts the city at the centre of the footballing stage once again, so I hope that fans of both teams will be made to feel very welcome. “But hosting a game of this magnitude does mean, of course, that Leicester will be much busier than normal on Saturday 30 July. “With 14,000 fans expected to travel to the game by car, there could be an extra 5,000 cars on our roads, all looking for a space to park. There’s also a major event at Abbey Park that day, which will generate extra traffic too – not forgetting the 170 football coaches that will be heading for the area around the stadium. “Please bear this in mind, if you’re planning on driving into the city centre on 30 July, and allow extra time for your journey and expect car parks to be busier than normal. “It will be a busy day on the roads – but it should also be a big day for Leicester, which I hope we’ll all enjoy.” Anyone looking for a hassle-free journey on a busy day could leave their car outside the city centre and use one of Leicester’s Park & Ride services instead. Green, clean, electric buses leave the Enderby, Meynell’s Gorse and Birstall Park & Ride sites every 15 minutes from 7am on Monday to Saturday. Parking is free and a return ticket for everyone in the car is just £3, with the last buses leaving the city centre at 7pm. Those driving into the city centre should look out for the real-time parking information that’s displayed on the approach roads to the city, which will help them find an available space. More information about parking in Leicester is available at www.leicester.gov.uk, while details of Park & Ride services can be found at www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/park-ride/ Leicester city council News

Post-Covid Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s crime levels have returned to normal and data shows recorded crime has increased by 16 per cent. Today the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows the crimes recorded across all forces during the year April 2021 to March 2022 compared with the previous year. And analysis of the data shows an increase in some offences recorded by Leicestershire Police – including violence – while in relation to other offences, including thefts, robberies and burglaries, there have been recorded decreases. Rises in recorded crime are attributed to changes in recording practices such as violence against the person offences whereby all common assaults are now reviewed and often re-classified as actual bodily harm. In addition, over 2000 police officers have had data integrity training to improve upon crime classification. Improvements in data integrity are also attributed to the Dedicated Decision Makers (DDMs) who review crime classification and have been in place at Leicestershire police since 2019. In 2021-22 there were 39,565 ‘violence against a person’ crimes recorded by Leicestershire Police. This is an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year. Analysis shows that the majority of these offences do relate to a low-level injury offence, for example a scratch or a bruise being caused. March 2022 saw the highest level of crimes reported in a month. The 9,038 reported offences being the highest seen in ten years. Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “We are aware that our improved recording of crime has an impact on these figures but it still remains fact that violent offences are not acceptable and we continue to do everything we can do to tackle this. We also continue to develop initiatives such as our Lives Not Knives campaign and the Violence Reduction Network, working with communities and partner agencies to fight violence and to raise awareness of the impact which these crimes have.” Sexual offences reporting has also increased by 29 per cent during the reporting period. This equates to an additional 856 offences. ACC Smith said: “Whilst it is hard to see these increases, we are pleased to see the increase in reported sexual crime. We are doing everything we can to improve victim experience and successful prosecution and we want victims to feel confident that they can report the crime and therefore we have a true reflection of the level of sexual offences that are taking place. “We are continuing to look at where we can improve in this area and continue to encourage victims to come forward and have confidence in the police.” Among the decreases shown in the data is a decrease in robbery offences of five percent which equates to 35 less robbery offences recorded during 2021-22. Vehicle crime was also down by two percent and burglary by six per cent. ACC Smith said: “Although we are seeing a decrease in robbery offences this does not mean we are complacent. We understand the impact that these offences have on communities that should feel safe so we continue to arrest and prosecute offenders. The past few months have seen a number of successful arrests, charges and convictions in court following dedicated investigations carried out by officers and staff which we publish each month on our website – we want the public to see where our efforts are focussed and how we keep communities safe.” Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am confident that improved crime recording is reflected in these figures showing a rise in recorded crime by police. It is my job to hold the Chief Constable to account on these matters but improvements that have been made do have to be seen as a good thing even if it means the figures are increasing. This was reflected in the recent report by HMICFRS where Leicestershire Police were shown to be outstanding in several categories including crime recording. “It is also good to see that burglary and vehicle crime are decreasing. I know how affected a victim can be and how important it is that we do not lose focus on these areas. “Violent and sexual crime still remain a huge challenge for policing. We are doing lots of work with the Violence Reduction Unit and other areas to ensure that the police continue to dedicate resources in these areas.” Details of recent cases and convictions can be found here - https://www.leics.police.uk/news/ You can report crime online at https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. For crime prevention advice and tips visit https://www.leics.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Law changed to allow businesses most impacted by industrial action to fill vital roles with temporary, skilled workers Reforms will help ensure crucial public services and people’s daily lives remain uninterrupted by staff strikes Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng: “In light of militant trade union action threatening to bring vital public services to a standstill, we have moved at speed to repeal these burdensome,1970s - style restrictions.” Thanks to a change in the law coming into force today, businesses can now provide skilled agency workers to fill vital staffing gaps caused by industrial strike action. With industrial action across a range of sectors threatening to disrupt crucial public services, the government has worked at speed to repeal trade union laws that restrict employment businesses from providing temporary agency workers to fill vacant positions caused by staff striking. From today, businesses most affected by industrial action will be able to call upon skilled, temporary staff at short notice to plug essential positions. This will help to mitigate the disproportionate impact strike action can have both on the UK economy and society by allowing crucial services, that we all use on a daily basis, to continue functioning. Today’s change in the law will apply across all sectors, for example, in education where strike action can force parents to stay at home with their children rather than go to work. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “In light of militant trade union action threatening to bring vital public services to a standstill, we have moved at speed to repeal these burdensome,1970s - style restrictions. “From today, businesses exposed to disruption caused by strike action will be able to tap into skilled, temporary workers to provide the services that allow honest, hardworking people to get on with their lives. That’s good news for our society and for our economy.” While this law change will provide greater flexibility to businesses, companies will still be required to abide by broader health and safety rules that keep employees and the public safe. In addition, it will be the responsibility of individual businesses to hire temporary workers with the correct and suitable skillset and/or qualifications to meet the obligations of the role. Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps said: “While next week’s rail strikes will come too soon to benefit from this legislation, it’s an important milestone reflecting the Government’s determination to minimise the power of union bosses. “For too long unions have been able to hold the country to ransom with the threat of industrial action but this vital reform means any future strikes will cause less disruption and allow hardworking people to continue with their day to day lives.” The government has also changed the law today to raise the maximum damages that courts can award against a union, when strike action has been found by the court to be unlawful. For the biggest unions, the maximum award will rise from £250,000 to £1 million. The changes apply across England, Scotland and Wales.

Rupert Matthews, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner has hailed Leicestershire Police's new neighbourhood policing model which has helped cut anti-social behaviour levels to the second lowest in the country. This week the Commissioner is supporting a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). ASB Awareness Week 2022 runs from 18-22 July and the Commissioner will be out with neighbourhood officers during the week to see for himself the work they are doing to continue to drive down this type of behaviour. Rupert Matthews said the force had been graded ‘outstanding' for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour in the latest police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy (PEEL) inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Highlighting some key points, he said that the force's new operating model introduced in March 2020 was worthy of a special mention. The model has moved operational staff closer to the communities they served in. The move has meant 24-hour response officers, local intelligence officers and detectives now work side by side at local stations alongside dedicated neighbourhood officers which HMICFRS said promoted shared responsibility for local problems and increased the capacity and capability of problem-solving activity. Its report said the operating model enabled leaders to deploy staff to local priorities such as crime hotpots, outstanding offenders' and high-risk individuals - all of which was backed up with ‘accessible, real-time, helpful data' from the force IT systems. "All of this helps the workforce to easily see what local neighbourhood issues are affecting an area and helps in local policing and problem-solving activity," the report added. HIMCFRS said in the year ending March 31 2021, Leicestershire Police recorded 12 anti-social behaviour incidents per 1,000 population - the second lowest rate across all forces in England and Wales. Responding to the report, Mr Matthews said: "This glowing assessment should reassure our communities that they have a dependable and reliable police service they can trust to do a good job. "The new operating model places officers at the centre of their communities to tackle the issues that matter most to the public and deliver practical solutions. I am delighted HMICFRS has recognised its merits and the work our officers undertake every day, alongside their partners, to keep local people safe and rid our neighbourhoods of crime. "It has been a difficult and turbulent time for policing over recent years which makes this innovation and success much more remarkable. We will continue to exploit opportunities to evolve and advance so we are able to give even more back to our communities. "Rural crime will remain a key priority for the force in the future as set out in my Police and Crime Plan and I am looking forward to reviewing how new resources and continued investment in our rural crime team is enhancing our response to our more remote communities."

Transport Secretary announces new Aviation Passenger Charter to help passengers navigate their protections and rights when flying follows last month’s publication of Government’s 22-point plan to minimise disruption at airports. The Government has today (17 July) published a new Aviation Passenger Charter, developed by Government, industry, consumer and disability groups in partnership, outlining what passengers can expect if confronted with flight delays and cancellations this summer. The Charter has been designed to give passengers the confidence they deserve as they head for their summer holidays, and follows last month’s publication of the Government’s 22-point plan to help the industry minimise disruption at airports and ensure holidaymakers and travellers can enjoy their well-deserved breaks. The new Aviation Passenger Charter will act as a one-stop shop so passengers know their rights for their entire journey - from booking, travelling to and through the airport, during the flight and returning to the UK. It outlines what aviation passengers can reasonably expect from airlines, travel agents, tour operators and airports, and what do if things go wrong. This includes advice on what to do if as flights are cancelled or delayed, or if baggage goes missing, as well as guidance on how to complain if passengers feel they have been treated unfairly. The Charter will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains as useful as possible for passengers, both over the busy summer period and beyond. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Passengers deserve reliable services, and to be properly compensated if things don’t go to plan, and the chaotic scenes we’ve seen at airports are unacceptable. The new charter will help to give UK passengers peace of mind as they enjoy the renewed freedom to travel, whether for holidays, business or to visit loved ones.“Our passenger charter builds on our 22 point plan to support the industry in backing holidaymakers and keeping disruption to a minimum this summer.” Disabled passengers and people with reduced mobility must receive the best possible service, and to be treated with respect and dignity so that aviation is accessible to everyone who wants to fly. The Charter will ensure that disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility have immediate access to information about their rights and what to do if things go wrong. The Government will soon announce its response to its consumer policy reform consultation, which will outline how, together with industry and the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority, it will bring real change for everyday aviation passengers. Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:" It is important that we at the Civil Aviation Authority and wider industry continue to work together in the interests of consumers."A part of that is how we improve the information they receive and making sure it is clear and concise to help support and improve their overall travel experience. "Earlier this month the Government announced that mandatory aviation sector national security checks are being processed in record time, supporting the industry as it works to rapidly fill vacancies in the face of heightened demand for flights this summer. 97% of Accreditation Checks are being completed in around 5 days on average, with Counter Terrorist Checks (CTC) in the aviation sector being processed in under 10 days on average. This is a reduction from the 20-day average turnaround for CTC checks in March, before the priority measures for aviation sector applications were introduced. Last month the Government announced a one-off ‘amnesty’ on airport slot rules, enabling airlines to plan ahead and avoid last-minute cancellations. This was provided as an exceptional measure while industry makes progress in recruiting necessary staff. The measures are part of the Government’s 22-point plan to help ensure passengers don’t face a summer of disruption, as it called on the industry to do everything within its power to ensure there is no repeat of the problems experienced at Easter and half term. It sets out all of the measures the government is taking to support the aviation industry, including to help recruit and train staff, ensure the delivery of a realistic summer schedule, minimise disruption and support passengers when delays and cancellations are unavoidable.

The team works year-round to stop dangerous goods entering the marketplace. In the past year, Leicestershire Trading Standards has intercepted and seized more than 521,000 unsafe or non-compliant items coming in through East Midlands Airport – and stopped potentially dangerous goods making it into shops and online marketplaces. The seizures are worth just over £17 million and include electrical goods which could overheat and cause a fire, toys which failed to meet UK safety standards, jewellery with high levels of hazardous metals and cosmetics containing toxic ingredients. The non-compliant seizures are mainly for consignments which are incorrectly labelled or where the importers do not have the correct paperwork. In these cases, the team works with the importers to help them correct the issues and release the goods for sale. The airport team works in partnership with Border Force on the nationally-funded project at East Midlands Airport. The partnership is intelligence-led, which means that Trading Standards and Border Force can target resources in the areas of highest risk, with potentially unlawful and non-compliant consignments being identified, targeted and then intercepted. Most of the seized items are destined for sale at large online marketplaces, where they are sold on behalf of the importer. Since the Covid pandemic and Brexit, the Trading Standards airport team has also seen an increase in the number of people importing cheap goods to sell from their homes to make money – not realising that this makes them importers who are responsible for complying with all the relevant safety legislation. East Midlands Airport is the UK’s second busiest cargo airport, handling more than 320,000 tonnes of flown cargo each year. The role of Trading Standards and Border Force is to examine imported items and take enforcement action, to ensure that consumers are not exposed to unsafe and dangerous products. "Our Trading Standards team, in partnership with Border Force, carries out vital work which enhances the safety of consumers in Leicestershire and the wider UK as it ensures that unsafe goods do not make their way into the supply chain. All these products which have been seized either present a danger to the public, or are substandard, so it is crucial that they are intercepted and either made safe or sent for recycling." said ; Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for regulatory services A large haul of unsafe and counterfeit items seized by the team at East Midlands Airport – including jewellery, cosmetics, electrical good and counterfeit sportswear – has been collected from the secure storage unit at County Hall and taken for recycling by specialist disposal company De-Struct. The disposal is for items seized since the last collection in May – and represents more than a tonne of goods. De-Struct has taken them to its site in Nottinghamshire, where all components will be processed and recycled.

With soaring temperatures predicted in the coming days, Leicester City Council is asking people to put their recycling, waste and garden waste earlier than normal next week. Residents across the city are asked to make sure their wheelie bins and orange bags are ready for collection by 6am, from Tuesday (19 Jul) to Friday (22 Jul). Anyone signed up for the council’s green waste service and due a collection on Monday (18 Jul) should also ensure that their green wheelie bin is available for collection by the earlier time of 6am. This will help give Biffa’s collection crews more time to complete their rounds in the cooler morning temperatures. Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, said: “Biffa’s collection crews do a brilliant job in often challenging circumstances. With some of the hottest temperatures of the year expected next week, it’s important that we do our bit to help out. “In this case, we’re asking people to remember to put their orange bags and bins out the night before collection day to make sure they are ready for the crews from 6am.” The household waste recycling centres at Gypsum Close and Freemen's Common will be open from 8am until 8pm as normal. For more information visit www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, NHS, police, fire and council chiefs are joining forces amid concerns about growing pressure on hospitals and ‘risk to life’. Meeting to discuss local risks, agencies raised a number of concerns, including the significant pressure on hospitals which will worsen after a blistering weekend. Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire and Rutland said: “There’s a growing list of fears ahead of this weekend. I am particularly worried about older and vulnerable people getting dehydrated and very sick. This kind of prolonged heat is a risk to life.” Caroline Trevithick said: “Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long, there are health risks. In England, there are on average 2000 heat related deaths every year. I ask everyone to take this seriously – young and old.” Ivan Browne, director of public health in the city said: “I’d urge everyone to do one more thing this weekend to stay safe in the heat. Much of this is about common sense, whether it’s taking an extra bottle of water in the car, staying indoors in the middle of the day, or checking in on an elderly neighbour.” Assistant chief constable, Kerry Smith added: “A serious danger this weekend is drinking alcohol for longer than usual outdoors – whether it’s in a park or your own garden. That could make you very poorly and you may need treatment at a time when the hospitals are simply too busy.” Chief fire officer, Callum Faint said: “Hot weather can lead to all sorts of risky behaviour. As emergency services we’re seeing more young children getting into trouble around water and more barbeques getting out of control.” Emergency meetings will take place ahead of the weekend to monitor the risks and take further action if needed. Residents are encouraged to follow the simple advice and visit the NHS website for information: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ Tips include: look out for others, especially older people, young children, and babies and those with underlying health conditions drink plenty of water; sugary, alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors open windows when it feels cooler outside and it’s safe to do so never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, or animals try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes

New licensing measures are due to be brought in across three areas of Leicester to help safeguard tenants of private sector rented homes and to help identify rogue landlords. Leicester City Council is introducing extra measures in three areas of the city, requiring privately-rented homes to be licensed in order to protect the most vulnerable people and improve the standards of private sector rented housing. The approach, known as Selective Licensing, will require all landlords of privately-rented properties to be licensed by the city council if they are in one of three main cluster areas of the city which have a high proportion of such properties – in some cases with as much as two thirds of all housing. One cluster area will include parts of Westcotes, Fosse, Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields wards, while another will include Stoneygate, and a third cluster will focus on part of the Saffron ward. The combined area of the schemes covers less than 20 percent of Leicester’s geographical area and fewer than one in five privately rented homes in the city, focusing on areas where there is evidence of ongoing issues, and strengthening the existing mandatory powers councils have to tackle problems. Selective Licensing places conditions on landlords to ensure issues such as gas and electrical safety, installation of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms are adequately dealt with, along with matters such as repairs and maintenance, waste disposal, tenancy management and addressing antisocial behaviour. The move to introduce Selective Licensing follows a three-month public consultation which ran from November 2021 to February 2022, in which more than 1,100 people took the opportunity to comment on a range of different options. The introduction of Selective Licensing was approved at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday, July 7, after going through the council’s process of scrutiny meetings where the scheme was supported unanimously. Leicester assistant city mayor for housing, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “For many a private rented tenancy is the only chance of a decent home including for an increasing number of families. The need for good quality, affordable housing has never been greater. “Ultimately we find some of the worst conditions in the private rented sector and in areas where there is a high concentration of poorly managed properties, community concerns arise that lead to a decline, or feeling of decline, within an area. “We are committed to working with and supporting landlords and tenants to improve the quality of private-sector rented housing in the city and protecting the most vulnerable people by ensuring their housing and their landlords meet a higher standard in terms of management and safety. “Supported by a robust enforcement policy, actions to improve standards in the private rented sector encourage sustainable communities and promotes good health and wellbeing.” The scheme is due to come into effect in October 2022 and will run initially for five years. The licence will cost £1,090 but various discounts will be available including for early applications, charitable organisations, properties with good energy efficiency and landlords with multiple properties. Money from the licensing scheme will be ringfenced for operating and enforcing it in the three target areas. It is part of a broader wide-ranging programme work under Leicester’s first ever Private Rented Sector Strategy, which was launched in November 2021 and sets out plans to support both tenants and landlords in the private sector.