New jobs for young people on Universal Credit are currently available with the city council as part of the Kickstart job creation programme. Kickstart has been devised by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help get young people aged 16 to 24, who claim Universal Credit, into meaningful jobs with local businesses. And to mark National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February), the city council is highlighting the 29 Kickstart jobs it currently has on offer, complementing the 27 council Kickstart roles that have already been filled. Currently out for recruitment are Kickstart roles in areas including sports, housing, social care, libraries, administration and procurement. Kickstart jobs are all guaranteed for at least six months, with options to progress to apprenticeships or further work placements. The city council’s adult education service also provides council Kickstart employees with a six-month employability training scheme to help them further their career prospects. Organisations taking part in Kickstart offer a six-month work placement for a minimum of 25 hours per week, paying at least the minimum wage. The jobs must be new, of good quality, and focus on specific, detailed roles. The DWP will pay 100 per cent of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, but employers can also top up this wage. The DWP will also pay employers £1,500 for set-up costs such as uniforms or training for people they take on. Manveer Gill, Kickstart Employment Advisor at the DWP, said: “Seeing young people getting into jobs and learning new experiences through Kickstart has been incredible. For someone to be able to work in a sector that really interests them but might not necessarily have had the experience or skills to get into that sector through a normal recruitment experience, means that we can have really rewarding conversations about the direction a young person wants their career to go in.” As well as already employing 27 Kickstart employees itself, the city council is acting as an intermediary to help small and medium-sized local businesses take part in the Kickstart scheme. Leicester City Council is well placed to do this, as its specialist Leicester Employment Hub works to put candidates in touch with employers across the city and county. In this way, a total of 112 Kickstart vacancies across Leicester and Leicestershire are either already filled or in the process of being filled. Assistant city mayor for jobs and skills Cllr Danny Myers said: “We know these are tough times for youth unemployment, so it’s really important we offer meaningful opportunities and support. We’ve offered a number of 12-month city council contracts – longer than the minimum of six months – to reinforce our commitment to Kickstart. “As National Apprenticeship Week gets under way, it’s the perfect time to highlight our Kickstart vacancies and make sure that young people know there are opportunities out there for them. “We’ve also been funded by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) to create a Kickstart extension programme. This will help local employers to extend their placements for a further six months, allowing young people the chance to start a career.” Nahida Ahmed, 23, is a Kickstart employee who started a community facilitator job in public health with Leicester City Council in September last year. She said: “Working as a community facilitator has stretched me and taken me out of my comfort zone. Joining regular team meetings to communicate with professionals across Leicester has helped me to improve my communication skills and grow in confidence. I have come out of my shell and I feel much happier in myself, as I know I will be making a difference in the community.” Joel Carter, 24, also a Kickstart community facilitator with the council, said: “Kickstart has been perfect for me. I always struggled with applying for jobs and this meant I got straight to an interview. I’m very grateful, it’s been a great experience that has taught me a lot and hopefully will kickstart my council career. What made the whole job even more special was my colleagues and managers who made me feel so welcome, which really helped my mental health and self-worth.” Nazira Vania, a project manager in public health at Leicester City Council, said: “The young people that have joined us through the Kickstart scheme are full of talent and potential. They have been a great asset to our team and have brought valuable skills and perspectives to our project.” The Kickstart scheme and Employment Hub are both key part of Leicester’s Economic Recovery Plan, which lists the ideas and actions the council and its partners are developing to help ensure Leicester’s local economy, jobs market and businesses can remain resilient and flourish in these challenging times. Kickstart vacancies are promoted only through the DWP, where work coaches discuss available opportunities with young people. For more information on city council Kickstart opportunities, young people can email kickstart@leicester.gov.uk or chat with their work coach. Leicester City Council News 09/02/22

Two members of an organised crime group who admitted to being involved in the supply of class A drugs have today (Wednesday 9 February) been jailed for more than 15 years between them. Sailesh Kumar was jailed for nine years and seven months after he pleaded guilty in December last year to conspiracy to supply cocaine. At the same time Kevin Thomson also pleaded guilty to the same offence and he was sentenced today to six years and seven months in prison. Both men were part of an organised crime group whose activities unravelled after officers from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), supported by teams from across the force, executed more than 50 warrants in the summer of 2019. The enforcement activity took place across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Liverpool. Kumar, 38, of Anglian Way, Coventry, was identified as the organiser who in February 2019 directed the exchange of more than two kilos of cocaine. He used 45-year-old Thomson, of Ambergate Drive, Birstall, as his courier to deliver the drugs to another member of the organised crime group. The enforcement was codenamed - Operation Clubman – and led by Detective Inspector Lee Hunt from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU). DI Hunt said: “To date a number of individuals have been jailed for more than 165 years between them, those sentences are a testament to the vast amount of work that has gone into this operation. “Officers have worked tirelessly on the evidence which has helped secure these convictions. “Those convicted ran a business-like operation and they all had a key role to play in the supply of controlled drugs onto the streets. “This was a significant operation for us but our work doesn’t end here. We know the supply of controlled drugs is a never-ending battle and there is always someone waiting to fill the gap left by others. “Our efforts to stop the misuse of drugs will continue and we will carry out further operations of this nature to disrupt the criminal activity.” EMSOU is a collaboration between the five forces of the East Midlands set up to tackle the most violent, serious and organised criminals in the region. Follow EMSOU @EMSpecialOps Leicestershire Police 09/02/2022

A number of images have been published today in a bid to reunite the stolen items with their rightful owners. In October last year officers executed a warrant at a site in Heather, near Coalville, Leicestershire, and recovered a number of kayaks and canoes from the unit. The items were believed to have been stolen from across the country and some were reunited with their owners. However, at least 20 items remain unclaimed and officers are urging anyone who recognises the equipment and believes some of it may belong to them to get in touch. Potential owners must be able to provide proof of ownership. Two people have been interviewed in connection with the incident and enquiries remain ongoing. Anyone who wishes to obtain further information or believes an item pictured may belong to them is asked to contact PC 1391 Adrian Coleman either via his email Adrian.Coleman@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk, 101 or report online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime number 21*620360.

A week of awareness about local support services for victims of sexual assault and abuse launches today (Monday 7 February). The campaign, called ‘It’s Not OK’, aims to reach under reported groups which include men, older women, those from faith backgrounds, students and LGBT+ communities. It’s Not OK is a partnership campaign between Leicestershire Police and local support agencies who all provide advice and support to people who have experienced these types of abuse, help them to deal with what has happened to them and work together to rebuild their lives. These services are available to adults and young people regardless of race, age, background or gender, whether or not the crimes are recent or historic or reported to the police. A new way for victims to report what has happened to them has recently been trialled. It is an online reporting facility which means people do not have to ring and speak to someone to discuss what has happened to them if they are not comfortable doing this. Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Batchelor said: “We know from research and experience that there are many reasons why survivors and witnesses don’t come forward and report sexual offences to the police and we want to change that, giving more options to report offences including the option to report anonymously.” Manager of Juniper Lodge (a Sexual Assault Referral Centre known as SARC), Millie Gant, said: “Sexual abuse and sexual violence are sensitive topics and we hope that our involvement in this week of awareness will encourage people to come forward who haven’t already. “We know there are barriers which impact on people choosing to come forward and we want to reassure those people that you will be treated non-judgementally. “Every person contacting us is given the time and space to discuss what they want to, with no pressure to report to the police. “The SARC is a safe place where you can discuss your options with a crisis worker regardless of your gender or gender identity. How you choose to proceed is entirely up to you, you will be wholly supported with all the decisions you make. “If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or violence or have concerns about a loved one, please know that everyone at the SARC, support organisations and the police, are accessible to you for advice. This can be either by telephone or initially on-line if you feel it is too overwhelming to pick up the phone.” Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, said; “Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: "Taking those first small steps in accepting help can be a difficult and painful experience. We are fortunate where we live to have the experience and expertise of a wealth of professionals and volunteers who are trained and ready to make that process easier. "Nobody should suffer in silence. We are working together as one team to support victims and walk with them during their journey to recovery." The campaigns format is via a series of social media graphics which depict images of those we are trying to reach along with real-life quotes from people who have used the specialised services on offer. This year we are also putting a voice to those experiences which will play out as users scroll through their social media feed. Here are some examples of service user quotes submitted: “My first appointment was not what I had built it up to be. Everyone was warm, down-to-earth and supportive. I came away feeling like it would be okay to talk about what happened to me.” “I’ve come such a long way. I wanted to address my childhood and I have, and I have now got closure which is amazing.” “I feel calmer, and I feel more capable in dealing with challenging memories and emotions.” Details for our partner agencies are in the table below: Trade Are a health charity, supporting the LGBT+ community with their sexual and overall health needs and concerns · 0116 254 1747 · info@tradesexualhealth.com First Step Work with male abuse survivors aged 13 and above 0116 2548535 · contact@firststepleicester.org.uk Quetzal Offer counselling and a helpline to women who have suffered sexual abuse as a child. 0333 101 4280 Jasmine House, Leicester Rape Crisis Offer specialist counselling and support for females aged 13 and above that have suffered sexual violence or assault. Office line: 0116 255 5962 Helpline: 0116 255 8252 www.jasminehouse.org.uk United against Violence and Abuse (UAVA) Provide a dedicated helpline along with specialist support including access to an independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) for males and females of any age, including children. · Helpline: 0808 80 200 28 · info@uava.org.uk · Text support: 07715 994 962 Juniper Lodge Is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) that offers support, forensic medical facilities and advice, to anyone aged 18 years and above regardless of whether a report is made to the police. · 0116 273 3330 · juniper.lodge@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

Julia (not her real name) was looking for love when she joined a dating website like thousands of other people up and down the country. The 43-year-old from Leicestershire, who retired from work on health grounds, was looking for love and after a short period of time believed she had found just that. Contacted by a man calling himself Mike some 18 months ago, he told her he was just a year younger than her and from Leicester originally. However, he was now in the army and based in Nigeria. The pair began exchanging messages and over a period of weeks, which ran into months, she believed they were developing a close relationship. Here Julia takes up the story… “He made the first move and of course I was flattered. We spoke via messenger or WhatsApp mainly and it felt like we had something. He told me he wanted to be with me and he dropped in familiar place names so I felt like he was telling the truth and we had things in common. He complimented me all the time and made me feel good about myself. “We would message a normal amount – sometimes three or four messages a day. He didn’t bombard me. He told me he was waiting for some kind of inheritance but that he was struggling for money and in debt until he received it. Eventually he told me he wanted to marry me. “That’s when he asked if I could send him money. At first it was only a small amount - £40 – and I was more than happy to help him. I sent it via bank transfer to someone he told me was an army agent. I believed him because I didn’t know how easy it was to access money when you’re in the army and abroad. “Then the amounts grew bigger but by then I was so in love with him, I would do anything to keep him happy and he always told me he would pay me back. It was just a case of waiting for his inheritance.” In fact, throughout their period of contact, Julia ended up sending him nearly £40,000. She took out three bank loans that she secured online and gave him all of her life savings, despite only speaking to him about six times over the telephone. “He always said it was difficult because of his work but by then I had been completely sucked into his lies,” she said. Julia also spoke to a woman purporting to be the fiancée of a friend of Mike’s from the army who had left some time earlier. “There was always a plausible explanation for things,” Julia said. “But I was getting frustrated and then I ran out of money and he still kept asking for more. Now I can see how I was duped into sending him money. He made me think he cared about me but really all he cared about was the cash. "I feel like if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. You usually think of romance fraud targeting someone much older, but clearly that wasn’t the case. This whole episode has knocked my confidence massively. I feel so angry that there are people out there who do this so I hope that my story can act as a warning to others not to believe everything someone is telling you and to look out for the warning signs and check out what they’re saying.” Latest available figures show that between November 2020 and October 2021, there were 130 male and female victims of romance fraud in Leicestershire who were scammed out of around £916,000. Dating, or romance fraud – as it is often referred – is described as, the act of someone creating a fake identity in order to enter into a relationship with a victim, with the intended outcome of stealing their money, personal information or both. Warning signs include: Travelling a lot, working abroad or saying they are posted overseas which provides an excuse not to meet in person. Complimenting you frequently and declaring their love early on. Little or no digital footprint with very attractive photos. Making excuses when asked to video call or meet in person. Asking for a small amount of money at first and perhaps using a tragic reason, such as a death, as to why they might need it. Nicole McIntyre from Leicestershire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “All too often we see situations like this where a persuasive and convincing criminal is involved. Julia finally reported her situation to Action Fraud and officers are now investigating. “I hope that what happened to her will act as warning to others about the dangers of dating fraud. There are people out there who seek to prey on others and steal their money. “Victims often feel guilty or ashamed, but it’s important to remember that these fraudsters are running an organised crime which they are very practiced in. “If this sounds familiar to you or you know a friend or relative who might be in a similar situation, raise the alarm bell and get in touch with either Action Fraud or call 101.” Leicestershire Police News

The discount is applied to all fee-paying courses for anyone who enrols by 28 February, on top of the 70% reduced fee, which is available to learners on certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, JSA, etc.) and for those on a low household income. Leicestershire residents looking to learn new skills or take up a new hobby can save 20% on fees for hundreds of part-time day, evening and weekend courses, as the discount deadline has been extended to February 28. The courses are open for enrolment from GoLearn, Leicestershire County Council’s Adult Learning Service and include a wide range of digital skills classes as well as Italian, Spanish, British Sign Language and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). There are also courses on online safety, first aid, pottery, Indian cookery, astronomy, yoga, drawing & painting, stained glass, textiles and much more. GoLearn also offers some free courses including help with CV writing, interview skills and online job application support. Other free courses include some aimed at supporting and maintaining good mental health, and courses supported by Leicestershire County Council’s Love Food, Hate Waste team including Healthy Cooking – Zero Waste and Healthy Vegan Cookery. For people who are looking to gain essential qualifications in English and maths, GoLearn offers free GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications to anyone who has never previously achieved a grade 4 or above (grade C in the old system). GCSE courses begin in September and Functional Skills courses can be joined throughout the year. Fast-track courses are available for people looking to achieve their qualifications quickly, with Pre-GCSE and Skills Builder courses available for anyone wanting to boost their confidence with English and maths ahead of joining an accredited course GoLearn is also offering an Essential Digital Skills Qualification – a free course aimed at complete IT beginners and which offers a route to more advanced IT courses and qualifications. The discount is applied to all fee-paying courses for anyone who enrols by 28 February, on top of the 70% reduced fee, which is available to learners on certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, JSA, etc.) and for those on a low household income. The courses are being run in venues across the county, both online and in the classroom to allow learners to fit study around life and work. All learners will receive expert help and support, with tutors on hand to provide help and guidance. All courses can be searched online at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/golearn Learners can also call GoLearn on freephone 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday – Friday 8.30am-7pm) and speak to a member of the team to find out more about the courses, fees or paying by instalments. Leicestershire County Council News

The competition to find the new home of Great British Railways officially opens today, with towns and cities across England, Wales and Scotland invited to apply. As part of the Government’s commitment to level-up the UK, and following the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, the new Great British Railways HQ will be based outside of London and bring a number of high-skilled jobs to the winning location. Local economies will be further boosted by a number of new regional headquarters across the country, putting decision making and investment at the heart of the communities who use those railways day-to-day. The creation of Great British Railways was announced as a major pillar of the once in a generation reforms launched by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail. Great British Railways will be a single guiding mind that ends the fragmentation of the rail industry and drives benefits and improvements across the network for passengers and freight customers. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Our railways have kept this country moving for almost two hundred years, but it’s time to kickstart a new age that will shape our network for the next two hundred. “I’m calling on people across the country to make the case for why the true home of the railways is on your doorstep.” Locations across the country with strong historical links to the railway are encouraged to make the case for why they should be the new home of GBR. The GBR Transition Team will shortlist the best applications in May, after which a public vote will help determine the winning location. Applications will be measured against six criteria: Alignment to Levelling Up objectives Connected and easy to get to Opportunities for Great British Railways Railway heritage and links to the network Value for money Public support This central Headquarters will be the heart of the rail network and provide strategic direction for the running of Great British Railways. Leader of the Great British Railways Transition Team Andrew Haines said: "This is the chance for cities and towns across the UK to pitch to be a key part of an exciting chapter in the history of Britain's railway." Local authorities, MPs and business groups are being encouraged to drive forward campaigns for why their community should be the #DestinationGBR by visiting www.gbrtt.co.uk/hq Today’s announcement follows the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper which sets out the Government’s plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity, with improving transport a core driver of this mission. It includes twelve bold national levelling up missions, which will be given status in law, and shift Government focus and resources to Britain’s forgotten communities throughout the 2020s.

PCC Rupert Matthew’s first budget for policing Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is now going into effect after the level of police precept* has been given the green light by the Police and Crime Panel of the Leicestershire Police area, which includes Rutland, at a meeting held earlier today (2 February 2022). Outlining his budget for 2022-23 Mr Matthews explained that it was designed to provide the Chief Constable with the funding necessary to deliver the improvements to local policing set out in the ambitious Police and Crime Plan that was approved by public consultation last year. “In setting this budget I needed to take into account the feedback I have received from local people across the City and two counties,” he said. “There is no point in asking for views if you don’t take any notice. That is why my Police and Crime Plan makes clear the areas in which the public and I wish to see improvements. I am after all a local resident too. “I expect greater visibility in the entire force area, with neighbourhood policing playing a major role across our city and two counties. I want to see the police working more collaboratively with local residents, listening and responding to the concerns raised in every community. Communications between the police and the law-abiding public must be improved. “I am further determined that the work to tackle crime in rural communities will be strengthened. I have also spoken to many victims of crime; it’s evident that we need to make sure that the support they receive is outstanding. “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will personally be spending a lot of time in our communities to establish what the public want from their police service and then representing that to the Chief Constable. “I’m very grateful to everyone who responded to my consultation on both the policing priorities and the amount of council tax paid towards policing. Their responses have shown overwhelming support for both my policing priorities and an increase in the amount of council tax that is paid towards policing. “Over 72% of respondents – and we had over 2,500 – voted to pay £10* a year more towards the sort of policing they want to see. That works out at 19p a week for more effective policing. This will include a better response to rural communities; state of the art technology infrastructure leading to improved communication between the police and the public; and more tailored support for victims of crime. “Now I will scrutinise the implementation of my expectations to ensure that local people receive the type of local policing service that they have explicitly asked for.” Mr Matthews’ budget has now been set at £223.2m for the coming financial year (2022-23), an increase of £10.9m over 2021-22. In support of the budget, the Commissioner proposed an increase of £10 a year for a Band D (the average) property taking the total amount of money that goes towards policing through the average property’s council tax bill to £258.23. This is approximately 13% of the whole Council Tax bill. Having discussed the reports presented, questioned the Commissioner and his team and considered the rationale for the increase, members of the panel voted in favour of the Commissioner’s proposals.

Men are being encouraged to talk to their friends about their feelings, as part of a campaign that aims to tackle the high levels of male suicide across Leicester and Leicestershire. A total of 455 deaths by suicide in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland were recorded between January 2015 and June 2021. More than 75% of those deaths – 353 – were men. The ‘Get the Ball Rolling’ campaign has been devised by the city, county and Rutland councils’ Start a Conversation partnership, and follows a report on male suicide published this year by Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire. It uses sporting references on beer mats, posters and on social media to show men how they can start a conversation with others, and where they can get help if they are struggling with their mental health. Local brewery Everards is backing the campaign by placing the beer mats and posters in its pubs across the city, county and Rutland. It’s also got the support of the United Leicester mental health hub, an online platform where members of the local sporting community share their own stories with the aim of helping others to talk and get the support they need. United Leicester is a partnership of the city’s four professional sports clubs and funded by their respective official charities. Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for public health in Leicester said: “We know that many men will feel more comfortable talking about sport than about their feelings, so we’re giving simple tips on ways to begin a conversation that might make all the difference to someone who is struggling.” Councillor Louise Richardson, county council cabinet lead member for public health, said: “It is so important to encourage more open and honest conversations about suicide and mental health, particularly in men. To have so many parts of the community, like United Leicester and Everards, come together to support Start A Conversation is brilliant.” Erika Hardy, head of marketing at Everards said: “This is a really positive initiative that we are proud to support. We recognise that the local pub is a great place for conversations and therefore a perfect place to share these important messages.” Steve Walsh, former LCFC defender and United Leicester spokesman said: “Get The Ball Rolling is an important campaign. It is well known that men generally do not discuss their feelings. If men spoke up about how they felt, it would go a long way to helping their mental wellbeing, so it’s great to see a campaign aimed at breaking that stigma.” Mark Farmer, Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire Advisory Board Lead for Mental Health said: “Our report on male suicide in Leicester and Leicestershire resulted in this campaign being created and is part of a response to our call for more to be done to reduce high levels of male suicide. We are delighted to support this new and innovative campaign to get men talking through sports about their mental health and would encourage men to take part." More about the campaign, advice on how to start a conversation about mental health and information on services on offer in Leicester is available at www.unitedleicester.com or www.startaconversation.co.uk/ Photo caption, left to right: Pictured in The Beer Hall, Everards Meadows, Enderby: Councillor Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Council; Steve Walsh, United Leicester;Jackie Owen, Projects Officer Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire; Erika Hardy, Head of Marketing, Everards; Asst City Mayor Cllr Vi Dempster, Leicester City Council; Mark Wheatley, Leicester City Council public health; Cara Squires, Leicestershire County Council public health.

On 14/15 March 2020 the National Space Centre hosted its tenth annual weekend dedicated to LEGO©, an event that was overshadowed by talk of a global pandemic, leading to the first UK lockdown just 8 days later. Two very long years later, with reduced capacity to support visitors and staff, the team are delighted to welcome back once again members of the Brickish Association to host a HUGE display of LEGO throughout the Centre. Malika Andress, spokesperson for the National Space Centre, said; “It is great to be able to bring back this very popular event. We opened table bookings last week and already have filled every gallery, meeting room and spare bit of space we have with awe inspiring LEGO creations. We are bringing back the LEGO mosaic that people can get involved in building, and Fairy Bricks will be on site to use the power of LEGO to brighten the lives of sick children in hospital.” Alongside a huge exhibition of LEGO there will be traders, competitions, mosaic building and all the other attractions the National Space Centre has to offer, so visitors get the “double whammy” of space and LEGO! The Chief Fairy from Fairy Bricks, a local charitable organisation working with the National Space Centre and Brickish Association to host this event, said; “Play is a vital part of the recovery process when children are in hospital. It provides comfort, distraction and is even used as an educational tool by Play Specialists to assist children with procedures they have to endure. Fairy Bricks aim to deliver LEGO to over 200 hospitals throughout the UK and 26 other countries per year.” Did you know? The LEGO bricks made way back in 1958 will still fit perfectly with those you play with today Laid end to end, the number of LEGO bricks sold in a year would reach more than five times round the world On average there are 80 LEGO bricks for every person on Earth A column of approximately 40 billion LEGO bricks could reach the Moon 1,300 LEGO pieces are made per second, 78,000 per minute and 4,680,000 per hour The Brickish Weekend is a Premium Event – Annual Passes are not valid. Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £13.50 for children and concessions. Under 5s are free. Book online now and upgrade to a FREE annual pass. BOOK HERE

When a private security company were out and about with their drugs dogs carrying out a workshop for children with special educational needs they didn’t expect to uncover a large-scale cannabis factory but that’s exactly what did happen. During one afternoon in November last year the force received a call from a security company, who train dogs in drug searches and private protection. The security company were doing a workshop for children with Special Educational Needs and they were using the cannabis sniffer dogs to help with the children’s sensory learning. During the workshop, the dogs have repeatedly gone to the wall of the adjoining unit where the cannabis was later found after the workshop had ended. When officers attended the unit, they found cannabis plants of various sizes with a street value of £1.3 million. The plants covered most of the top floor of the building. During a search of the building three men were found hiding in a storage cupboard. Subsequently, Renald Dema, Ali Hoxha and Juljan Jaku were charged with cultivating cannabis. At a hearing in December last year they all pleaded guilty to the offence and yesterday (Wednesday 2 February) Dema, 21, Hoxha, 29, and Jaku, 24, all of no fixed address, were sentenced. Dema was given two years and three months in prison, Hoxha was given two years and nine months in prison and Jaku was given two years and six months in prison. Detective Inspector Ross Dimmock from Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area, said: “This was a significant discovery which not only led to three people being arrested but also stopped more than a £1 million worth of drugs hitting our streets. “Those responsible for this cannabis factory thought their actions would go unnoticed and undiscovered but they were wrong. “We would like to thank the person reporting the discovery for their assistance and support during the investigation and subsequent leading proceedings. “Drugs are a plight on society and lead to criminality and the breakdown of relationships and families. We take these offences extremely seriously and will do all in our powers to bring people to justice.” If anyone has any concerns about drugs misuse in their area they are encouraged to report their suspicions via www.leics.police.uk

Girls and women who are interested in a career in carpentry, plumbing, tiling or painting & decorating can take part in free taster sessions this half-term. Starting on Monday 14 February and running daily until Friday 18 February, the Women in Constructionhalf-day sessions run from 9am-12 noon, or from 1pm-4pm. Places on the workshops are filling up fast, so girls and women aged 16 and over are urged to sign up as soon as they can to make sure they get a place on a session that suits them. The free Women in Construction taster sessions are run by the city council in partnership with Leicester College, with the council’s own qualified female trades operatives running the classes. Those who enjoy the sessions and would like to embark on a career in construction will be able to apply for the city council’s craft trade apprenticeshipscheme, when it’s advertised at the end of the month. Maria Pancholi, operational development team leader from the city council’s Women in Construction team said: “This is a chance for women to try something they may never have tried before in a supportive environment. “They will be taught by women already employed within the council’s housing team who can be looked upon as a shining example of what can be achieved with drive and determination. “These taster sessions could be the start of a whole new career, with the opportunity to gain a qualification as a tradesperson with the council’s housing services.” Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor responsible for housing, said: “We’ve been running these sessions for many years, and they’re a really good stepping stone for women who may not have thought about applying for a craft apprenticeship before. But because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to run them for the last two years – and that’s led to a drop in enquiries from women about our apprenticeships. “I hope that this year’s programme will get us back on track, and encourage more women to find out more about a craft trade apprenticeship – and help us recruit a workforce that reflects the community we live in.” The free taster sessions will be held from 14-18 February at Leicester College, Freemans Park Campus, LE2 7LW. More information and an online registration form is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/womeninconstruction Applications for the city council’s craft trade apprenticeship scheme – which covers plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating, bricklaying and plumbing – are due to open at the end of the month. Five out of the city council's 26 current craft trade apprentices are women, while 30 out of a total of 184 trade operatives at the council are women.