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Sir Alex retires: Leicester City managers during his reign

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Sir Alex Ferguson is to step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge of the club. Since his first match on November 8, 1986, the club has won 38 trophies – but how many managers have Leicester City got through in that time? Here is a list of those who have been in charge of the Foxes, during Sir Alex's time as Manchester United manager.The list does not feature caretaker managers who included: Kevin MacDonald, Tony McAndrew, David Nish, Chris Turner, Garry Parker, Steve Walsh, Garry Parker, Dave Bassett, Howard Wilkinson, Nigel Worthington, Jon Rudkin, Steve Beaglehole, Mike Stowell, Frank Burrows, Gerry Taggart, Chris Powell, Mike Stowell, Jon Rudkin, Steve Beaglehole, Mike Stowell. • RELATED ARTICLES: Sir Alex Ferguson to retireSir Alex retires: Leicester City players pay tribute to 'best manager'

Sir Alex retires: Leicester City managers during his reign


Students flats plan for post office

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Leicester's long-disused main post office is set to be converted into student flats. The four-storey 1930s building in Bishop Street has stood empty – costing the taxpayer £30,000 a year – since it was bought by Leicester City Council for £1.4 million in 2008. The council has agreed a deal to sell the building to student accommodation developer IMAP Properties, but the sale has not yet been formally completed. Although the value of the sale will not be disclosed until after contracts are formally exchanged, the Mercury understands the building will be sold for somewhere in the region of £800,000 – meaning a large loss to the public purse. IMAP said it intended to spend about £2.5 million renovating the property to create accommodation for 80 students. IMAP joint managing director Vijay Patel said, subject to planning permission for the conversion, the accommodation should be ready for the start of the 2014-15 academic year. He said: "We have had our eye on the building for six months. It is a magnificent structure in a good location. "The location was the key thing. We will be looking at a particular market – overseas students." His partner, Harvinder Hunjan, said the finished complex would include a coffee shop, gym, laundry and library. He said: "We are keen to start work on the site quickly, with a view to opening in September 2014." The council bought the building five years ago when the post office moved to WH Smith, in Gallowtree Gate, to save money. The authority had intended to spend £5 million turning it into a customer service centre but scrapped the idea two years later because of the cost. Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said there had been three serious offers for the building and he had accepted the highest one. He said: "I am pleased we have found a good use for the building and I am relieved to have it removed from the books. It was an ongoing cost to the council." Service charges, business rates and security costs came to about £30,000 a year. Some critics have said there is already too much student housing in the city centre, but Sir Peter said: "The universities and their students are a very important part of our economy. "It was not cost-effective to hold on to the building and we have taken a good offer." The building had been marketed for about £1 million. Tory opposition city councillor Ross Grant said: "This is disappointing because if the mayor was prepared to sign off on more student accommodation, surely he could have done a deal much earlier? "It shows people cannot trust Labour with their money, as the mayor and his councillors have lost about £750,000 on the old post office. This sale brings into question the mayor's plans for the city centre." Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Porter said: "I am glad it is being sold but it sounds like a big loss of public money." Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "New uses for old buildings is a good thing and this has been out of use for quite some time. I have no problem with it being student accommodation."

Students flats plan for post office

Man charged with string of burglaries

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A 36-year-old man has been charged with three counts of burglary following raids on homes in Earl Shilton, Oadby and Leicester. He is accused of breaking into a property in Tower Street, Leicester city centre, on Thursday May 2, where he allegedly stole a laptop computer, four tablet computers, two cameras, and a mobile phone worth £3,788. It is also alleged he burgled a home in Hinckley Road, Earl Shilton on April 29, where a laptop computer, tablet computer, jewellery, cash and a back door key were stolen. He is also accused of stealing a £200 laptop computer in a raid on a house in Leicester Road, Oadby, on March 28. The accused appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, where no plea was entered. He was remanded into custody to make a further appearance at Loughborough Magistrates' Court later this month. A 21-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of handling goods stolen in the burglaries. It is alleged that between April 28 and May 4 in Narborough Road, Leicester, she handled goods stolen from the Earl Shilton and Tower Street raids. She is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court next month.

Man charged with string of burglaries

Sir Alex retires: Leicester City players pay tribute to 'best manager'

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Tributes have been pouring in for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who is retiring after 26 years at the helm. Leicester City players were among the many admirers who took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Ferguson's decision. City keeper Kasper Schmeichel said: "Cannot believe the news I'm hearing. SAF Has been the manager of United nearly every day that I have been alive!" "Beyond gutted! The best manager that has ever lived! No question!" City striker Chris Wood tweeted: "Never thought this would happen this year!! Sir Alex the greatest manager ever!! #legend." Ritchie de Laet said: "Just heard the news about SAF gutted really !!" Leicestershire MP Jon Ashworth put aside team loyalties to express his admiration: He tweeted: "Right I'm a City fan but what a manager Ferguson was. Respect what he achieved and he's a good Labour man too of course." Fergie, 71, who has managed United since 1986, was rumoured to be on the verge of making a club exit. Manchester United this morning confirmed he will step down at the end of the season. Former Manchester United star David Beckham said: "The impact that he has with the team and the impact that he has with the players and fans - I don't think there is anyone around in football that has had that impact ever". Meanwhile MP George Galloway ‏tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson, greatest ever football manager Greatest Living Scotsman, all who love football salute you". And Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "Proud man. Great manager. Staunch Labour Party supporter. Sir Alex Ferguson will never be forgotten". RELATED ARTICLES:• Sir Alex retires: Leicester City managers during his reignFerguson to retire

Sir Alex retires: Leicester City players pay tribute to 'best manager'

Man charged with receiving stolen mountain bikes

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A 41-year-old man has been charged with four counts of receiving stolen goods following a spate of bicycle thefts. He is accused of receiving four stolen mountain bikes worth £2,175 at Thornton, on April 30. One of the bikes is alleged to have been stolen from a garden in Dorchester Close, Wigston, on November 3, last year. The second was allegedly taken from a back garden in Twickenham Road, on Leicester's Eyres Monsell estate, on October 25. Another was apparently stolen from Station Road, Wigston, on March 5 this year – and the fourth allegedly burgled from a shed in Meadowsweet Road, Hamilton, Leicester, on April 6 this year. The accused is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court next month.

Man charged with receiving stolen mountain bikes

Insufficient evidence to prove ex-boxer was murdered, court told

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A defence barrister told a murder trial today there is insufficient evidence to prove that former boxer Shaun Cummins was murdered. The former champion's body was found chopped up and inside two freezers at his home in Marriott Road, Saffron Lane, Leicester, on September 12. His unofficial carer, 29-year-old Thomas Dunkley, who denies murder, claims Mr Cummins, died of natural causes in his sleep. Defence barrister, David Mason QC told Leicester Crown Court, in his closing speech to the jury, that although Dunkley used a chainsaw to dismember the deceased - it was done after death and there was no evidence of pre-death injury. He said the pathologist in the case was unable to give any cause of death. Mr Cummins, who retired from boxing in 1995 was later left paralysed from the waist down following a motorbike crash in 2004. He needed daily help and Dunkley, his friend, gave up his job to look after him. Mr Mason said the prosecution claimed Dunkley could have stabbed the alleged victim in the neck or stomach – which may have been covered up during later dismembering. They also allege Dunkley, may have suffocated him, which would have left no trace. Mr Mason said: "Dunkley's case is Shaun Cummins was very unwell and he just died from whatever he was suffering from. "No-one disputes he was unwell and the nurses who saw him in the days leading up to his death say he "wasn't himself" and was "confused." He refused to see a doctor. Mr Cummins was suffering from a urinary tract infection and also had bronchial pneumonia. Mr Mason reminded the jury that the pathologist said if the "serious chest condition" was left untreated it would have been sufficient to cause death. He did not rule out foul play, however, because of the condition of the partially decomposed body when was examined. Mr Mason said no-one knew Mr Cummins had bronchial pneumonia until the post mortem. He said the defendant, of no fixed address, was suicidal and not thinking rationally before "bizarrely" chopping up the corpse – for which he gave no explanation. Mr Mason told the jury it was not a normal situation because: "A clinically depressed individual was looking after a difficult and controlling paraplegic." Mr Mason said within hours of the death Dunkley, who claimed he was bullied by Mr Cummins and not paid anything for looking after him, embarked on a "horrible, sick spending spree" with Mr Cummins money. But, he said: "It doesn't make him a murderer." Mr Cummins was last seen alive by nurses on September 1. Dunkley, who has no previous convictions, was arrested at a motorway service station near Wakefield, having fled from Leicester, in the early hours of September 13. He has admitted preventing Mr Cummins' lawful burial and fraudulently using his bank accounts, after the death. He denies stealing the alleged victims credit card and trying to take out two payday loans in his name before he died. High court Judge Mrs Justice Dobbs today sent out the jury to consider the verdicts. She told the jury of seven men and five women to put aside feelings of emotion or sympathy. She said: "A cool head and dispassionate appraisal is what's called for. "The real issue is did the defendant cause the death of Shaun Cummins. "As you knew the prosecution say they can't prove the cause of death but you can be sure because of his actions." They involved searches about stabbing and death on the internet, lies told around the death (to nurses) and others afterwards, the way the body was cut up and the subsequent use of the deceased's money. Mrs Justice Dobbs said: "The defendant says the (medical) condition worsened and he didn't want to see a doctor and died a natural death – and the defendant didn't kill him."

Insufficient evidence to prove ex-boxer was murdered, court told

Richard III visitor centre boss sets out his vision

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One of the newly appointed creative directors for the Richard III visitor centre has set out his vision for how the exhibition will become an award-winning attraction. David Masters has been handed the task of producing a world-class attraction at the former Leicester Grammar School, in Peacock Lane. He will share the role of creative director with Phil Songhurst, his colleague from design and consultancy firm Imagemakers Genevieve Adkins, of the University of Highlands and Islands, in Perth, Scotland, is to become interpretation specialist for the centre. Together they plan to transform the empty building into the Richard III visitor centre, which will open early next year. David said: "It's very early, but the ambition is to create an extraordinary visitor experience which tells the complete story of Richard III, including his discovery, and puts Leicester on the map as a city with great heritage. "The first thing is to get the building design right so it's welcoming and easily accessible. "Then comes the creative content, such as displays, films and interactive features." He said the temporary exhibition at the Guildhall is a modest example of how he envisions the new centre to look. "Our ambition is to create an award-winning centre. "We want to attract people who wouldn't normally visit museums or exhibitions - Richard III has grabbed people in a way that other historical finds haven't done for a while." The plans include constructing a small building around the original grave, which was excavated by University of Leicester archaeologist, in August, last year. David said: "By the time people get to the grave side, in the car park, we want them to have a much more contemplative and spiritual experience." The site was bought by the council last year for £850,000. The centre will include the story of Richard and the Wars of the Roses. Other exhibitions will feature the details of the archaeological dig and the scientific process of identification. "We want to tell people about the miracle of the story," said David, who has worked with organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust and English Heritage. He added: "The odds of finding him were huge - he'd been buried for 500-years and survived all of the construction and building going on around him. "We also want to show the passion that the Richard III Society invested in the project." Creative team member, Genevieve Adkins, has been appointed as an interpretation specialist. She said: "I am really looking forward to working on the Richard III project, having previously helped transform some of the UK's most visited heritage sites, including the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, which was recently voted the UK's best heritage attraction by Which? members." City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The new visitor centre will be at the heart of the Richard III story in the city, and I am delighted that we've now got the creative expertise needed to bring the story to life." Dozens of people marched through York to show their support for bringing the remains of Richard III back to the historic northern city on Monday. About 100 people dressed in Medieval clothing paraded with flags and banners in support of a campaign to have the Plantagenet monarch reinterred in York. The march was led by the king's 16th great grandniece, who said she was on a "moral crusade". Campaigner Vanessa Roe is also part of the Plantagenet Alliance - a group of 15 people claiming to be related to King Richard, who have launched a legal battle to prize the remains away from Leicester. The case is expected to start some time this week and will be heard in the High Court, in London. The Alliance claim that the exhumation licence issued by the Ministry of Justice, which gives the University of Leicester the power to bury the former king at Leicester Cathedral, should be revoked.

Richard III visitor centre boss sets out his vision

'The likes of Sir Alex won't be seen again'

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Alex Ferguson would not have survived if he was starting out as Manchester United's manager today. Football sociologist John Williams believes the pressures of the Premier League and the demand for instant results would have led to an early exit from Old Trafford. Mr Williams, a lecturer at the University of Leicester, was speaking after the Manchester United boss stepped down after 27 years at the club. He said: "It is not clear if it was brilliant foresight by the club or his bloody mindedness that saved him at the beginning." It is commonly held that a winning goal by former Foxes player Mark Robins in a cup tie at Nottingham Forest on January 7, 1990 saved him. The under-pressure manager was in danger of being sacked had United lost and gone out of the Cup, as they were 15th in the league and had already been eliminated from the Football League Cup. However United went on to win the cup that year and set the pattern for Sir Alex's years of unrivalled success. Mr Williams added: "The pressures in the Premiership now are much greater than in those days. "It is unlikely that a manager would last more than five years in any event. They would either be sacked or would want to move on." But Mr Williams added: "Over the years he has shown an ability to put fear into players while getting them to play for him. "He also refused to allow players to dictate to him and he knew when it was the time for a player to move on. "He could spot and develop talent but he also had luck. He inherited a youth team containing David Beckham, Paul Scholes , Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers. "His only true howler was signing Juan Veron for £28m in 2001." Mr Williams, a Liverpool supporter, said: "The only downside is that I don't think he was as successful in Europe as he could have been. United being the richest club in the world at the time should have won more than two Champions League titles." De Montfort University's Dr Neil Carter, author of the first academic history of football manager, said Sir Alex is "the most driven individual in the history of football". Dr Carter, of DMU's Centre for Sports History, said Ferguson's management style had now become the norm for many Premier League managers keen to emulate his success. "Football management is about four key areas – judgement of players, tactical acumen, motivational skills and dealing with the media," he said. "Ferguson showed that there was no room for sentiment in his dealings with players. He was happy to move on players like Beckham, Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistelrooy. "He brought in some key players like Roy Keane and Eric Cantona but when he thought their use was coming to an end, he had no qualms about selling them. "He's got tactical nous, as we saw in the '99 European Cup Final when he brought on Sheringham and Solskjaer. Man Utd have always played an attractive, forward-thinking game and Fergie has continued that tradition." Dr Carter also described Sir Alex's legendary "hairdryer treatment". "He has motivated them and this style of motivation has fed through football," he said. "As managers want to model success, so they draw on that model, a very kind of authoritarian, autocratic style. As much as he plays the players, he plays the press – he has admitted to "banning a few journalists now and again" to keep them in line. "He uses the press as a man management tool. Look at when he humiliated David Beckham in public when he did not turn up for training. He told the press Beckham was not being truthful, dropped him for the Leeds game and then made him sit in the stands. "He's shown a passion for the game, no individual in the history of the game has ever been so driven. I think he will miss the day to day contact, the hands-on running of the team. "When people come to research the history of the game, they will see how Man United's period of success co-incides with the birth of the Premier League, and the commercialisation of the game. United have capitalised on that in way other clubs haven't. And they have been able to do that, to a large extent, because of Sir Alex Ferguson." The Fox fanzine editor Gary Silke said: "We will not see the like of Sir Alex Ferguson again. I don't think a manager would be given the time to get his team playing as he was. He got a life-line because of the success in the FA Cup because that was much more thought of then than it is now. "I think that David Moyes of Everton is likely to be appointed as he has refused to sign a new contract with Everton. However I do not think it would be trouble free with Sir Alex likely as he is likely to be in an office down the corridor." Mr Silke interviewed former City manager Frank O'Farrell who succeeded the legendary Sir Matt Busby at United in the early 1970s. He said: "Frank said that he was always aware of Sir Matt who had a bigger office than he did. It was not a success and I think David Moyes could be in a similar situation." He added: "There is talk of Mourinho but I believe he is too far down the road with Chelsea." Former City boss Martin O'Neill, once tipped as a natural successor to Sir Alex is not in the running. Mr Silke added: "Perhaps five years ago it would have been a likelihood, but not now." Former City and United boss Frank O'Farrell did not want to talk about the conditions the successor to Sir Alex would have to endure. He had a turbulent time in the shadow of Sir Matt Busby. Mr O'Farrell, speaking while on holiday in Ireland, said: "I have said all I am going to say about that. I am so glad that I am out of it all." * Sir Alex's record against Leicester City is very impressive with United beating the Foxes 2-0 a few weeks after he took over in November 1986. Since that fixture United have won 13, drawn four and lost only two matches against City. The last City victory was in 1998. Ferguson, 71, has won 38 trophies in total since taking over from Ron Atkinson on 6 November 1986, including winning this season's Premier League. He is the most successful manager in British football history having won 38 trophies including 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two European Champions Leagues. RELATED ARTICLES: Sir Alex retires: Leicester City players pay tribute to 'best manager'Sir Alex retires: Leicester City managers during his reignFerguson to retire

'The likes of Sir Alex won't be seen again'


Students rescued from flat fire

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Three students were rescued from the top floor of a three-storey building after finding themselves trapped inside the burning property. Firefighters used ladders to scale the town house in Highfields, Leicester, and had to break through a window before plucking the occupants to safety. Two people were taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation after the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning. Emergency services were called to Evington Street at just after 3.30am. A fire service spokesman said: "Initially, just two pumps were sent but they immediately put in a call for extra assistance and two further pumps were sent. "Persons were reported trapped inside the property, which is divided into separate flats. "Three people were rescued by firefighters from the upper floor using a 9m ladder." Firefighters used breathing gear to enter the property and search the remaining flats. "Three ground floor residents had managed to flee and were already accounted for on the fire service's arrival," said the spokesman. East Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched several ambulances and medical support vehicles to the scene. A spokeswoman said: "Our emergency medical dispatchers sent several resources in response. "They included highly skilled clinicians in fast response cars and ambulances. "The first arrived on scene within five minutes of the call being picked up in our control. "Our control also dispatched members of our hazardous area response team and Dr Matt Woods from the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme. "Two people were taken by ambulance to the Leicester Royal Infirmary with smoke inhalation. "We don't have further details on their condition." The fire service spokesman said the fire started in the kitchen of a ground floor flat, which was gutted in the blaze. "The cause is believed to be a faulty fridge within the ground floor flat," he said, adding that the fire itself was contained in the ground floor flat. "There is extensive damage by fire, heat and smoke to the flat and smoke and heat damage to the remainder of the property," he said. The fire was extinguished and damping down completed by 4.48pm when fire control received a stop message from the crews. Leicestershire Fire Service's Red Cross emergency support service attended to scene to offer comfort and support to the building's occupants. At 8am residents gathered in the street as the clean-up operation got under way. One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm just glad no-one was badly hurt." Another said: "I slept through the whole thing. It looks a pretty big mess." The landlord of the property, who did not want to be named, said: "Fortunately, no-one was seriously hurt. "When I arrived just before 4am the students were a bit shaken but quite calm. "The fire brigade did a great job in attending very quickly and containing the fire in a safe and proper manner." He said temporary accommodation had been found for his tenants.

Students rescued from flat fire

Leicestershire MPs response to Queen's speech

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A Leicestershire Tory MP has said existing policies are more important than any future legislation set out in the Queen's Speech. Today Queen Elizabeth II set out a raft of proposed measures from the Government for the year ahead. She stressed the Conservative and Liberal Democrats Coalition's first priority was to strengthen the UK economy but also outlined plans to restrict immigration, put a cap on social care costs for the elderly and curb anti-social behaviour. No legislation was suggested that would lead to a referendum on EU membership. Conservative North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said: "There's little legislation that can be passed before the next General Election (in 2015). "The most important thing is to implement the policies already put down such a welfare reform like the roll out of universal credits. "The successful roll out of this will be totemic for the Government. "It might not win us the next election but if it doesn't work it could lose it." Mr Bridgen said he was disappointed there was no legislation paving the way for a referendum on EU membership but was pleased that measures were proposed to better control immigration and prevent so-called health tourism. He said: "I have spoken about this before. There is a danger that Britain will become the number one destination for people from abroad seeking health care funded by the British tax-payer and that is not fair." He said the policies outlined by the Queen had a "heavy leaning" to immigration in response to UKIP's recent success in local elections. Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, described the Queen's speech as "totally underwhelming". He said, on Twitter: "Couldn't they have come up with something today to help young people get back to work?"

Leicestershire MPs response to Queen's speech

Ed Slater called up by England for tour of Argentina in summer

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Uncapped Ed Slater will be Leicester Tigers' only representative on England's tour of Argentina this summer. The 24-year-old has been chosen as part of Stuart Lancaster's 32-man squad, which includes 11 players who could make their first appearance in national colours. Slater's call-up is just reward for an outstanding campaign which has seen him make 20 appearances and keep Graham Kitchener on the bench for much of the last two months. He is joined in the uncapped ranks by the likes of Calum Clark (Northampton Saints), Billy Vunipola (London Wasps), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), and Christian Wade (London Wasps). With six Leicester Tigers on the British & Irish Lions tour, England said that fly-half Toby Flood and centre Anthony Allen were being rested. Other Tigers who may have made the squad but were not included in the squad were Jordan Crane, Thomas Waldrom, Mat Tait and George Ford.

Ed Slater called up by England for tour of Argentina in summer

Leicestershire made to toil on opening day at Worcester

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Leicestershire's bowlers found the going tough at New Road yesterday as they began their Championship match with Worcestershire. To their credit, they stuck to the task and the home side only marginally took the day's honours, County attack refusing to let the batsmen run away with matters at any stage. Rain in the late afternoon and early evening sliced the best part of 30 overs from the opening day and by stumps Worcestershire were on a steady 198-3 in the 67th over after winning the toss and batting on a pitch where run-scoring was far from easy - providing the bowlers found and maintained the right line and length. Ollie Freckingham made an early breakthrough when he had Daryl Mitchell caught at slip and there was another wicket in the morning session when Moeen Ali was caught off Rob Taylor for 48, Michael Thornely accepting the chance on each occasion. However, Leicestershire were only able to pick up one more wicket during the afternoon session, though they did keep a lid on the Worcestershire run-rate. Matt Pardoe was the batsman dismissed, bowled by the off-spin of Jigar Naik after grinding his way to 59. .

Leicestershire made to toil on opening day at Worcester

Live traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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6.20pm: Recovery works expected to take place at around 6.30pm at the accident site between Skeffington and Tugby on the A47.6.10pm: A broken-down lorry on the city-bound side of Newarke Road in Thurmaston has now been removed and traffic is starting to ease after earlier delays. 5.47pm:Drivers are being advised that a breakdown is causing delays on the city-bound side of Newarke Road in Thurmaston. Traffic is slow back towards the Asda island. 5.40pm: An accident is partially blocking the A47 Uppingham Road, Leicester-bound, between Skeffington and Tugby. 4.30pm: Area Traffic Control says traffic is slow on Northgate, Narborough Road and around the Pork Pie Island in Leicester. 3.30pm: The A453 has reopened between the M1 island at Kegworth and the Finger Farm island for the A42 following an earlier vehicle fire. 3.00pm: The A453 is currently closed from the M1 island at Kegworth at J24 towards the A42 due to a vehicle fire. Queues are building.For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report at: www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather.CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @thisisleics or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

1,000 jobs set to be created in Hinckley

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Up to 1,000 jobs are set to be created at a new parcel delivery hub in Leicestershire. French firm DPD is planning to create a £100 million distribution site in Hinckley. The depot should be up and running by the end of next year if planning consent is given. The 330,000sq ft development, planned for Hinckley Commercial Park, off the A5, will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Bosses says the expansion is due to increased demand from online shoppers. DPD delivers goods on behalf of major retailers. Dwain McDonald, DPD chief executive, said: "The Hinckley site provides us with the optimum location in terms of motorway links for the whole of the UK and the new hub will give us the capacity, scale and flexibility to meet the future demands of our rapidly growing customer base." If given the go ahead, the depot would be built by developer Goodman, which owns Hinckley Commercial Park. DPD currently has three hubs and 50 depots across the UK. Charles Crossland, of Goodman, said: "DPD is one of the world's largest parcel delivery specialists, and its decision to locate at Hinckley Commercial Park is testament to the quality of the site, transport connectivity and the available local workforce. DPD's planned investment into this parcel hub will be considerable, and greatly benefit the local community and wider region." Councillor Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: "We welcome the jobs being brought to the area by Goodman and anticipate these being the first of many hundreds to come to the borough as a result of the council's regeneration programme. "We have been working over the last few months with Goodman and the team from DPD to facilitate this state-of-the-art facility on land allocated for new employment at Sketchley Brook. This will significantly contribute to the council's regeneration plans for securing over £1 billion investment in economic growth in the area over the next 10 to 15 years, creating jobs for local people. We look forward to future partnership working with DPD to promote apprenticeship and secure the best possible opportunities for residents of the borough."

1,000 jobs set to be created in Hinckley

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton reshuffles his cabinet

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Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton has reshuffled his cabinet after victory in last week's elections. Coun Rushton's Tories regained control of County Hall but saw their tally of councillors drop from 33 to 30 after Thursday's election. Coun Rushton was re-elected as group leader at the weekend along with Byron Rhodes as his deputy. Now he has announced who will take on what responsibilities in his cabinet. There is only one new face in the ten-strong team - Coun Peter Osborne, who represents the Rothley and Mountsorrel Division. He takes over responsibilty for transport from long-serving Lesley Pendleton who did not seek re-election. Coun Dave Houseman is still in charge of adult social care but the responsibility for heritage, leisure and arts passes to Coun Richard Blunt, who is also in charge of planning. Coun Rhodes holds onto his post as County Hall's finance spokesman and Joe Orson keeps his community safety and policing relations brief. Coun Ivan Ould is still the cabinet member for children and young people and Blake Pain will be the economic development portfolio holder - supporting the leader - and will take charge of waste management. Coun Pam Posnett is the only woman in the cabinet and is in charge of equalities, trading standards and environmental matters while Ernie White keeps his health and wellbeing portfolio. Coun Rushton said: "This is a strong team and what is needed for these challenging times. "We will continue to focus on our priorities and we are united in ensuring the county council delivers the best services at the lowest cost. "The challenges facing the county council are so serious that it is important the opposition parties work with us. "Therefore the transformation board I established before the elections will continue with two places each for the opposition parties. "In the same spirit, I am offering each opposition party the chairmanship of a scrutiny committee and the vice-chairmanship of the council to the larger opposition party."

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton reshuffles his cabinet


Leicester City thank fans for their patience during queues for play-off tickets

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Leicester City Football Club have issued a heartfelt thanks to its "brilliant" supporters for their patience during the queues for tickets ahead of tomorrow night's big match. The Blue Army are just two games from Wembley, and three away from the promised land of Premier League football. But first they face Watford in the home leg of the play-off semi-final – with the King Power Stadium expected to be a 32,000 sell-out. Nearly 28,000 tickets have been snapped up so far, with extra tickets released earlier today after the deadline for season ticket holders to purchase their own seats passed. "The supporters have been brilliant", said a club spokesman. "We'd like to them everyone for their patience over the last few days." The excitement generated by City's last-gasp win at Forest on Saturday to propel them into the final play-off spot left the club struggling to keep up with demand for tonight's home leg. Sunday and bank holiday Monday saw thousands of people queuing for tickets outside the ground, while the volume of inquires crashed the club's ticket line and website. It has led to some scathing criticism from some of the Foxes faithful. Season ticket holder Michael Rayns, 65, of Rugby, said: "In previous play-off years, season ticket holders were given priority before tickets went on general sale. "It would have cut the queues and lessened the confusion." Disabled fan Steven Palmer, 49, from Wigston, said he was unhappy that disabled supporters were expected to queue for so long. He said: "Prior to the Cardiff play-off game a few seasons ago disabled supporters were able to go in comfort to the ticket office on the day before tickets went on sale to other groups." "The whole sales procedure has been a fiasco!" The club spokesman said: "We are absolutely delighted that the tie has generated so much excitement in the city and are doing everything we can to satisfy the high level of demand for tickets from our supporters." He said more than 25,000 tickets were sold in three days, mostly through the club website, which did experience some issues on Sunday morning. Tickets for Sunday's second leg at Vicarage Road have sold out. He added: "We do, however, understand that the increased demand has led to difficulties for some supporters wishing to purchase tickets. "Following the bank holiday rush, service online, over the phone and in person has been more accessible. "We apologise if supporters have experienced difficulties with their ticket purchases." He added: "We are expecting the largest crowd of the season for Thursday's game and supporters are urged to purchase tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment." The ground holds 32,262 people. The biggest ever attendance for a football match was 32,188 for a friendly against Real Madrid on July 30, 2011.

Leicester City thank fans for their patience during queues for play-off tickets

Watford wait on injured keepers for Leicester City clash

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Watford boss Gianfranco Zola will wait until tomorrow to decide whether to risk first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia in the play-off semi-final first leg at King Power Stadium. Almunia dropped out of last Saturday's final league game of the season against Leeds because of a tight hamstring and Zola said he remains a doubt to face Leicester City. His second choice, Jonathan Bond, suffered a facial injury in the first half and was stretchered off. Bond did not suffer a concussion and has been flown to Italy for a specially made mask to protect a broken nose so he can return to action if needed. "Jonathan looks nice with his mask but we will give the goalkeepers another 24 hours before deciding who to play," said Zola. "Jonathan has no other problems. Jonathan was cleared straight away and attended the dinner (on Sunday) where he was not too bad. "Manuel is better but we want to wait until tomorrow to give him more of a rest and more treatment before deciding." Watford will also be without centre forward Troy Deeney, who is suspended for the first leg after being sent off for two bookable offences against Leeds last Saturday. Dreeney has 19 goals for the season including the first in Watford's 2-1 win at City recently. Argentine striker Fernando Forestieri could come into the side, but Zola has been reluctant to partner him with Matej Vydra in the past and may instead opt for Swiss striker Alex Geijo, one of several Watford players on loan from Italian club Udinese. Zola said his side could cope with out Deeney. "We have options up front," he said. "We know the importance of Troy but I have options and I am sure we still have enough quality to do a good job. "There is a possibility (Geijo will start). I will decide tomorrow. I could also go for Forestieri and Vydra." Whoever he picks, Zola knows his side will face a stern test at King Power Stadium. "They are a team we have faced already twice and we know the quality they have in the team so we know it is going to be a tough game," he said. "They know us and we know them very well but it will be a different game so we will have to re-plan for this match. It will be ok and we will go there and play our game."

Watford wait on injured keepers for Leicester City clash

Pork found in Leicester schools' halal lamb burgers

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Halal lamb burgers have been removed from 19 city schools after tests revealed pork in a sample burger. Traces of pork were found in the frozen product supplied by Doncaster-based manufacturer, Paragon Quality Foods Limited following DNA tests conducted on behalf of Leicester City Council. The burgers have been on Leicester school menus since January this year and are the only product supplied to the city council by the firm. Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for schools, said she was "appalled by the situation." Coun Dempster said: "The council took immediate action when it was discovered and the product was withdrawn from school menus immediately ahead of further tests being carried out. We will not be using this company again. "It's disgraceful that none of us can have confidence in the food we eat. We regret any distress this will cause families and staff, and would like to reassure them that robust action is being taken to address this serious matter." Regular tests have been carried out on behalf of the council since the horse meat scandal in February when traces were found in beef products across the country. The council was informed of the results on April 18 and says it withdrew the product the following day to await further tests. All other Halal products used in the council's kitchens are supplied by another company, The Punjab Kitchen Ltd, based in Tyneside. Tests have shown that they are Halal compliant. Education bosses have sent out 6,000 letters to parents and head teachers at the affected schools this week to tell them about the situation. Trevor Pringle, the city council's director of young people's services, said: "We will not be purchasing any further products from this supplier and we have made it clear to all our suppliers that this is totally unacceptable. We are taking urgent legal advice about the next steps." The Food Standards Agency has been notified of the contamination, along with local authority bosses in Doncaster. Taylor Road Primary, in St Matthews, Leicester, is among the schools which received the lamb burger However, head teacher Chris Hassall, said that it had not been served in school since March. He said: "The horse meat scandal made me very cautious about the food we were serving in school and regardless of its halal content, we did not consider it to be the healthiest option - therefore it was removed from our menu. "I eat school dinners myself everyday and I want to be assured that children are receiving nutritious food that is what it says it is. "I'm pleased that we took our own precautionary measures and that Leicester City Council has been pro-active enough to carry out tests since this scandal immerged. "Muslim parents need to have confidence in school food and the council has been absolutely transparent about its findings." The council has been working with the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) as part of its investigations. Suleman Nagdi from the FMO said: "This is a shocking and unacceptable development. As Muslims, we cherish our strict dietary needs, which are well known and have been developed for well over a thousand years. The consumption of pork and alcohol is prohibited for all Muslims. "This recent event will raise an issue of confidence in our community as to the measures and processes that are put in place that gives assurance of Halal meals. All due diligence procedures should be thoroughly reviewed and bolstered where necessary and should include intermittent and random sample testing which should encompass DNA testing. "It's hoped that this will not occur again and the community are now looking to the city council and our elected councillors for this assurance and to rebuild the confidence that has clearly been shaken." The federation has also urged the council to take legal action against the company concerned. Mr Nagdi added: "We feel that such a prosecution would be in the public interest and would send a clear message to all businesses in this sector that contamination will not be tolerated." For a list of schools affected click hereclick here

Pork found in Leicester schools' halal lamb burgers

Leicester City are 'buzzing' ahead of the play-off, says Liam Moore

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Leicester City are 'buzzing' ahead of the play-offs, defender Liam Moore has warned rivals Watford.

City take on the Hornets tonight in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at King Power Stadium before a sell-out crowd of 32,500.

Moore said that City go into the tie on a massive high after their dramatic win at Nottingham Forest, which clinched a play-off spot.

Moore, who has risen through the youth ranks at City and came on as a second-half substitute at the City Ground, described last week as the greatest moment of his fledgling career to date – but said he now dreams of reaching Wembley.

"I always believed," he said.

"People were asking me on Twitter if we could still do it and 100 per cent I still believed. I know what quality we have in this squad.

"Okay, we were looking for a snooker with Bolton's result, but I think we ultimately deserve to be in this position.

"It was the greatest moment of my career so far.

"I was only young when we last went to the play-offs. I remember watching it on television. But to be part of it this time and actually on the pitch was amazing.

"Definitely I want more. Saturday was amazing but what would it be like to play at Wembley, the biggest stadium in England? It would be amazing.

"We are all buzzing."

Moore believes City have learned from their two league defeats to Watford and are confident.

"We have played them twice and we learned a lot," he said.

"In the last game, I think we were a little unlucky. It was a world-class goal that won it.

"I thought we started well and if we can go into this game and start well we can take them on. We know more about them and could get the win.

"Watford may be down after conceding the goals they did at the weekend, but we are going in there on a high.

"There is pressure for both teams because we have got so far now.

"We believe in ourselves and will be very disappointed if we don't make it."

Leicester City are 'buzzing' ahead of the  play-off, says  Liam Moore

I did have my play-off doubts, admits Leicester City's Nigel Pearson

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Nigel Pearson has admitted he thought his Leicester City side's promotion dream was over after their poor run of results left their play-off hopes in jeopardy.

The City boss said he had to remain positive for the sake of his players, but admits doubts did enter his head.

However, the manner in which they qualified for the play-offs has made Pearson even more determined to take the chance they thought they would not get.

City entertain Watford in the play-off semi-final first leg at King Power Stadium tonight and, although City will start as underdogs after losing twice to the Hornets this season, Pearson said there was a determination, almost desperation, to make the most of the unlikely opportunity.

"I think when we got to four or five games before the end of the season, the table was shaping up to an extent where every game felt like a must-win game," he said.

"Yet you look at the last five or six games and that has not been the case.

"When we got beaten at home by Watford it became mathematically a different equation, but while there is hope you have to stay as positive as you can.

"There is no doubting the fact that when you get to the point where it is no longer in your own hands that is always going to be a different scenario.

"But we are there now and we have to make the most of it.

"We are in the play-offs with the lowest points total, but we are in. We have had to go through a difficult run of form to get there but we are in there and now we have the same chance as the other three sides.

"We have to try and do everything we can to take it.

"It is such an important period for all the teams in the play-offs but for us, because we left it late, it is a great opportunity."

Pearson doesn't believe the fact Watford did the double over City this season will have any significance in the play-offs.

"We go into these games now and the perspective will be different because we go in there on the back of a positive result," he said.

"I am sure people will talk about how they were potentially going up automatically, but I don't think there will be a hangover.

"Because it is over two legs, it is a completely different scenario anyway.

"I learned from those games that they are a good team, that they have a style of play they stick to."

I did have my play-off doubts, admits Leicester City's Nigel Pearson

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