Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

'Wrong grave' couple reject church bid to solve dispute

0
0

The issue of whether a body buried in the wrong grave should be moved is to be referred to the Diocese of Leicester's top legal expert.

The Diocesan Chancellor, Mark Blackett-Ord, who is based in London, will make a ruling on whether a body buried in the wrong plot at St Andrew's churchyard, in Thringstone, should be moved.

Rose and Charles Dickson were devastated after discovering someone had been buried in the grave they had bought to be next to their dead son.

Rose, 63, and Charles, 64, bought the grave next to their son, Stewart, who was buried there after he died, aged 27, in 2011.

The couple, of Thringstone, met the Archdeacon of Loughborough, the Venerable David Newman, and the Rev Alan Burgess, vicar at St Andrew's, to try to find a solution.

Mrs Rose and her daughter, Yvonne McIlwraith, 42, of Hugglescote, were offered the plot next-but-one to Stewart's.

Ms McIlwriath said: "We have said all along the only plot acceptable is the one next to my brother. It is a horrendous mistake by the church and they have to abide by our wishes.

"We feel for the other family but we have no option but to take our stance."

Mrs Dickson said: "I have had my son taken from me in life, I don't want to be separated from him again in death."

The Archdeacon has referred the matter to the Chancellor.

Both he and the vicar have apologised to the family.

The Rev Burgess said: "This is an understandably distressing situation for everyone concerned.

"On behalf of myself and the local church, I apologise unreservedly to the two families who have been affected by what has happened."

Ms McIlwraith said her family this week received a letter from the Archdeacon offering two plots – one free of charge – to try to resolve the issue.

She said: "Our position remains the same. We want the body removed."

Liz Hudson, director of communications at the Diocese of Leicester, said the matter was to be referred to the Diocesan Chancellor for a ruling.

She said: "We have tried to find a solution that satisfies both families but have been unable to. We have no choice but to refer the matter to the Chancellor and await his decision, which could take some time."

Ms Hudson said that if a body was to be moved it would involve an exhumation licence and a reburial licence. Should an appeal against any decision made by the Chancellor be requested, it would be to the Court of the Arches.

'Wrong grave' couple reject church bid  to solve dispute


Eyes on the pies as Walker and Son's shop returns to Leicester

0
0

There's good news to get pork pie fans' mouths watering.

Award-winning pie makers Walker & Son has announced its new pie shop will open at the end of next month.

The firm will return to its former Walker & Son shop, in Cheapside, Leicester, where it sold its pies for many years.

The shop was known for its long queues of pie lovers, particularly at Christmas.

The company sold the shop and it passed through the hands of various food companies, who continued selling Walker & Son pies, but the tradition ended when Fife Fine Foods closed 15 months ago. Walker & Son announced it was returning to the site in December, when it opened a "pop-up" shop for just four days.

On its first day of opening, the 1,300 pies it had in stock had sold out by 10.30am and thousands more pies were sold during the next few days.

Tracey McLoughlin, finance director at the company's Charnwood Bakery, in Beaumont Leys, said: "We want to develop Walkers and build on the success we had at Christmas with our pop-up shop.

"People showed us that they were still very keen on pork pies and we want to carry on the fantastic Leicestershire tradition with this flagship shop.

"We want to create an up-market, classy shop but maintain the traditional aspects of Leicestershire pork pies."

The company, which was set up in the 19th century and spawned the Walkers Crisps brand, has continued making pies in Beaumont Leys and selling them in supermarkets.

Walker & Son also had one of the most successful days at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray last month.

It collected 10 awards for its products including first, second and third place in the coveted Melton Mowbray Pork Pie class.

The shop will have a grand opening at the end of June, with VIP guests and samples of pies and other hot food.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the shop would be making a very welcome return to the city centre.

He said: "It's great news. Walker and Son has been a traditional feature of Leicester for many years.

"This will hopefully bring more people into the city and it's really good to have another popular food business in the area around Leicester Market, which has long been known for quality food.

"It will be a real magnet, as it was for many years."

Sir Peter said reinforcing the city's reputation for food was important over the coming months as the renovation of the market begins.

Eyes on the pies   as Walker and  Son's shop  returns   to Leicester

Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage

0
0
The Leicester Mercury's website covered the City's play-off semi-final second leg match against Watford live with text commentary as the game at Vicarage Road unfolded. Matchday commentator James Sharpe provided details of the action minute-by-minute as well as analysis of the game. Replay James Sharpe's live match commentary and updates below.

Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage

We were one inch from Wembley - Rob Tanner's verdict on Watford v Leicester City

0
0

Football isn't just the cruellest of sports – it can be positively sadistic, as Leicester City discovered yesterday.

City didn't just suffer play-off heartbreak, they had their hearts ripped out and dangled in front of their faces before being crushed – all in just 20 amazing seconds.

A week ago they were thanking the football gods for their passage into the play-offs.

Yesterday, they suffered the most excruciating exit after a passage of play that no-one who witnessed it will ever forget.

Anthony Knockaert stood over a penalty in the sixth minute of added time which would have sent City to Wembley and given the club the chance to compete for the £120million on offer to the play-off winners in the Premier League.

The City fans were probably praying to those same footballing gods that the little Frenchman would score.

But the gods turned their back on City as 20 seconds later keeper Kasper Schmeichel was picking the ball out of the net and City's dream was over.

It is tough enough to take for City fans to see their side bow out to such a late winner, for it to come from their own penalty miss is incredible.

Manager Nigel Pearson has spoken before about the fine margins in football, but those margins have never been so small.

Had Knockaert's firmly struck penalty been an inch higher, Manuel Almunia would not have saved it with his feet. One inch!

Comparisons will be made with Knockaert's fellow countryman Yann Kermorgant and his penalty miss that contributed to City missing out on a place at Wembley three years ago, but that would be unfair.

Knockaert had performed superbly and struck his spot kick confidently down the middle, but Almunia was able to save with his feet and then block Knockaert's follow-up.

City didn't have time to contemplate the significance of that moment as Watford broke and the ball was whipped into the box. Jonathan Hogg headed the ball down and Troy Deeney hammered home the winner.

There have been some dramatic moments in City's history, but none like this.

City's lead from the first leg had been wiped out after just 15 minutes when Matej Vydra, who had missed chances in the first game and at the start of the second leg, ghosted in behind the City defence and beat Schmeichel with a superbly struck volley.

But City edged ahead again in the tie when David Nugent, who always scores at Vicarage Road, headed home the equaliser four minutes later from a corner.

City were struggling to cope with Deeney and Vydra in attack and, in the 66th minute, the two combined and Vydra put the Hornets ahead, and level in the tie.

To their credit, City pushed for a winner and when Knockaert was adjudged to have been tripped inside the area by Almen Abdi deep into added time, City were one kick away from Wembley.

But agony was just a kick away too.

Related Content • Article: It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson • Article: Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage• Article: Watford's Gianfranco Zola shows respect for Leicester City's Nigel Pearson • Article: Last-gasp winner and the reactions! (Video and Pics) • Article: Play-off ecstasy then agony for Leicester City fans• Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - Leicester fans at the match • Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - agony for Leicester fans • Pictures: Watford 3 Leicester City 1 (Agg 3-2)

We were one inch from Wembley - Rob Tanner's verdict on Watford v Leicester City

Organisational brain behind raid honoured

0
0

Relatives of a Leicester airman described as the organisational brain behind the Dam Busters will be guests of honour at a service marking the raid's 70th anniversary.

Royal Air Force veterans will honour the 53 airmen of 617 Squadron who died in the daring "bouncing bomb" raid on vital dams in Germany on May 16, 1943.

The Royal Air Force Association's (RAFA) county branch plan a wreath-laying service at Victoria Park war memorial, Leicester, on Wednesday.

The event, the first of its kind in Leicester, will remember the late Harry Humphries, who served as Wing Commander Guy Gibson's adjutant.

His grandson, Robert Love, 52, from Littlethorpe, contacted the Mercury after we issued an appeal on behalf of organisers.

"It's a lovely gesture," he said. "We're very grateful to be given the opportunity to join the veterans in remembering the airmen who lost their lives on the raid."

Harry, who died in 2008, aged 92, worked as manager at Parker Shoes, in Leicester, before and after the war, before retiring with wife, Ethel, to Norfolk for the last 30 years of his life.

His logistical mastery was crucial to the success of the Dam Busters raid – codenamed Operation Chastise – having been promoted to Flight Lieutenant on the eve of the mission at the insistence of Gibson to be his right-hand man.

It left him just 48 hours to make all the essential arrangements for the aircrew, including everything from organising flying rations to getting them to the right aircraft in time.

Harry, who wrote a book on his experiences – Living With Heroes, published in 2001 – was also responsible for sending telegrams to the families of the men who didn't return.

He and his late wife had a son, Peter, and two daughters, Pat and Pauline.

They have five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, with many still living in Leicestershire.

Ethel passed away in February, aged 96, while Pauline died several years ago.

Robert said: "I am so proud of my granddad. He used to tell me all about the Dam Busters and I have an inscribed silver cigarette box given to him by Guy Gibson after the raid, which has pride of place on my mantelpiece."

Robert's mum, Pat Love, 77, who lives in Wigston, said: "We are all really touched by the invitation to attend the service to the Dam Busters.

"Dad's book was called Living With Heroes and that's the way he saw them."

Ex-RAF policeman and RAFA branch secretary Roy Rudham, 70, from Clarendon Park, Leicester, who has organised the commemoration, said: "Harry played a crucial role in the success of the Dam Busters and we feel privileged and honoured that members of his family will be joining us for the memorial service."

Serving airmen with 617 Squadron, which is now based at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, will also attending the service.

Organisational brain behind raid honoured

It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson

0
0

The devastation in the Leicester City camp after their cruellest of play-off defeats yesterday was all too clear.

Manager Nigel Pearson said it would take a long time for everyone associated with the club to get over the heart-breaking way their Wembley dream was dashed at Vicarage Road.

French teenager Anthony Knockaert missed an added-time penalty which would have sent City into the play-off final. Instead, it was Watford who snatched the goal on the break just 20 seconds later which keeps their promotion hopes alive.

That late Troy Deeney goal saw Watford win 3-1 on the day and 3-2 on aggregate.

It was a remarkable and dramatic end to a tie which could have gone either way.

But the manner in which City were beaten will take some time to get over, Pearson said after the game.

However, he said City were in a better position than a year ago and he was confident he would get the opportunity to lead them in another promotion challenge next season.

"I can't think of a worse way to go out but that is how it panned out," he said.

"It is a cruel game. It is very difficult to put into words exactly how the players, staff and supporters are feeling.

"It is a very cruel way to finish the game, to have the opportunity to win the tie to going out within a few seconds. That reality is an illustration of how tough it is to be successful.

"It is difficult for the players to take at the moment, and there will be a lot of reflection going on over the next few days and weeks. But we have to get on with it. We are still in a better position as a football club than we were a year ago.

"We have a lot to improve. It is about results ultimately and about us getting Premiership status. This season has been frustrating at times but we have had our chances. Unfortunately (against Watford), we haven't taken them. If you asked them all, I am sure they would all have preferred not to have experienced this and losing in the way they have. Life is like that.

"It is only a week ago we were talking about heroes in the last minute. It shows you how difficult it is to be successful and to have a balanced view on it.

"I know what needs to be done in the summer.

"I am confident I will get the opportunity."

Related Content• Article: It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson • Article: Watford 3 City 1: Replay live, interactive coverage• Article: Watford's Gianfranco Zola shows respect for Leicester City's Nigel Pearson • Article: We were one inch from Wembley - Rob Tanner's verdict on Watford v Leicester City• Article: Last-gasp winner and the reactions! (Video and Pics) • Article: Play-off ecstasy then agony for Leicester City fans• Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - Leicester fans at the match • Pictures: Watford 3 City 1 - agony for Leicester fans • Pictures: Watford 3 Leicester City 1 (Agg 3-2)

It will take a long while to get over heartbreak – Leicester City boss Pearson

Government HS2 tunnel rethink set to protect thousands of jobs in Leicestershire

0
0
The Government has said it will tunnel its proposed High Speed 2 rail line under a site earmarked for an industrial development that could create 7,000 jobs in Leicestershire. It had been feared that the proposed Roxhill complex near East Midlands Airport would be put in jeopardy by the 250 mph train line which is slated to run right through the site. However today Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said the 1.9 kilometre tunnel already proposed to take the line under the airport could be extended by a further kilometre so it does not interfere with the Roxhill project. His announcement comes after a series of discussions between county council leader Nick Rushton and North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen with Department of Transport officials. Coun Rushton and Mr Bridgen argued the potential loss employment from the development being sacrificed to HS2 would have been a hammer blow to the local economy. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "These changes have the potential to deliver huge economic benefits for the East Midlands on top of the already considerable opportunities HS2 will bring the region. "They also show that we are both maximising the economic impact of HS2 as well as listening to concerns of those affected by it. "We will continue to work with stakeholders, to identify critical issues such as Roxhill and propose revisions to the scheme where possible." Coun Rushton said: "I am pleased by this because I have been doing a lot of inside track work. We raised a concern with the Government and it is always nice when those concerns are listened to. "The potential loss of Roxhill was our major concern but there are still others - the loss of housing at Measham, and further industrial development at Ashby. "This solves one of the problems. "Not everyone will be happy. People in Lockington do not want Roxhill or HS2 and were hoping each might supper the other." Coun Rushton has been arguing for the stretch of HS2 between Birmingham and Leeds to be rerouted out of Leicestershire altogether, going through Derby. Senior development director at Roxhill Kate Bedson said: "Our proposals for a new strategic rail freight interchange with six million square feet of associated warehousing have the potential to create 7,000 jobs, providing a boost to the economy in the region. "Since the announcement, through our MP and local authority, we have enjoyed an early and positive dialogue with the Department of Transport and HS2 Ltd and are very pleased with the decision to amend the proposed route. "This now allows us to consult with the public and other bodies on our plans before submitting our application at the end of the year."

Government HS2 tunnel rethink set to protect thousands of  jobs in Leicestershire

Leicester Tigers sell out of Twickenham final tickets

0
0
Leicester Tigers' allocation of 7,500 tickets for the Aviva Premiership final against Northampton Saints have already sold out. The club have requested more and are waiting on an answer from tournament organisers. The sales reflects the huge demand to see the league's first all-East Midlands final. Tickets went on sale after the final whistle of Leicester's 33-16 win over Harlequins on Saturday priced at £40, £50 and £60 and they were all snapped up by season ticket holders and members before they even reached general sale. Some tickets are still available through the Ticketmaster website. See www.premiershiprugby.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk for availability and details. The last remaining coach places with the Tigers Travel Club are still available from the Tigers ticket office. Prices are £25 season ticket holders and £30 all other supporters. The Saints are expected to receive a similar allocation for the game.

Leicester Tigers sell out of Twickenham final tickets


Man killed in motorbike crash

0
0
A motorcycle rider has died after a crash on a Leicestershire road yesterday. Anantkumar Morjaria, 51, of Leicester, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision in Melton Road, Lowesby, at about 10.15am. He was riding a yellow Ducati M900 motorcycle which was travelling northbound towards the village of Lowesby, when his vehicle collided with a tree. Officers from Leicestershire Police's serious collision unit are appealing for witnesses to the collision. Detective Constable Paul Bingham, the investigating officer, said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who saw the distinctive motorcycle being ridden before the incident to call us." Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1288 Paul Bingham on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man killed in motorbike crash

Celebrities congratulate Claire Lomas as she finishes 400-mile charity bike ride

0
0
Claire Lomas was congratulated by a host of celebrities as she completed her 400-mile bike ride today. She celebrated at the finish line, at the London Eye, with Gary Lineker, Daybreak's Dan Lobb and Spice Girl Mel C. Prime Minister David Cameron also offered his congratulations via twitter. He said: "Congrats @Claire80Lomas who completes her hand cycle around Britain today for @SpinalResearch & @TNSIF #clairescycle" Gary Lineker tweeted: "Just saw the finale to an extraordinarily inspiring effort from Claire Lomas for #NSIF 22 day hand-cycle #humbling." Mel C also wrote on twitter: "Congratulations!!!! You did it. You are amazing. I am in total awe of you. What we doing next? xxx " Claire tweeted: "Wahoooo finished." Claire, 32, of Eye Kettleby, Melton, was paralysed from the chest down after a riding accident six years ago. The cycle challenge began in Nottingham on April 22 and has taken her to places including Leicester, Peterborough, Cambridge and Oxford. Along the way she has met hundreds of schoolchildren and so far raised about £60,000 for two spinal injury charities. Claire, who walked the London Marathon in 17 days last year, has used a hand-powered bike on her latest challenge. More to come

Celebrities congratulate Claire Lomas as she finishes 400-mile charity bike ride

Four Leicester Mercury journalists nominated for awards

0
0
Four staff members from the Leicester Mercury have been shortlisted in the Midlands Media Awards. Photographers Mike Sewell, Chris Gordon, Alex Hannam and reporter Peter Warzynski are among the nominations which will be announced on June 13. Nominations for the Awards, organised by Nottingham-based Cloud 9 Event Management on behalf of Birmingham Press Club, were announced today (May 13). The winners will be revealed at a presentation evening at The Holte Suite, Villa Park, in Birmingham. Peter Warzynski has been nominated journalist of the year, Chris Gordon has been nominated in the news photographer of the year and news photograph of the year categories. Alex Hannam and Mike Sewell have both been nominated in the sports photographer of the year category. Peter Lowe, managing editor of Sky News, who chaired the judging panel, said: "There was excellent work in all types of media and disciplines. But we were particularly struck by the way in which local newspapers -- among the most hard-pressed institutions in the ever-changing media landscape -- are still delivering sharp and original journalism for the benefit of their readers. Long may it continue." Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said: "I would like to congratulate our members of staff who have been nominated for the Midlands Media Awards. "It shows was a high calibre of staff we have here and is a compliment to their work. "These nominations come on the heels of the nominations the Leicester Mercury received for the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards the results of which will be announced on Friday." The Midland Media Awards are being sponsored by Birmingham Airport, with further support from Barclays Bank, Birmingham City University, Bournville College, East Midlands Airport and Drayton Manor Theme Park.

New bid for £6.6 million cycle path improvements

0
0
Cyclists could benefit from nearly four miles of extra cycle paths throughout the city. Leicester City Council has bid for £6.6million of Government cash to create the new traffic-free cycle tracks alongside main roads heading into and around the city centre. The aim is to get more commuters switching to bicycles to ease congestion and make the city more environmentally friendly. Plans include a cycle link between Narborough Road and the forthcoming Jubilee Square, and to link the west side of the city centre from Newarke Street down to Freemen's Common and Leicester College. The cash would also help pay for planned improvements along the Golden Mile. The city council last year outlined plans for a more pedestrian-friendly design for the busy shopping street. The cycling bid includes a cycle network linking Leicester city centre, Belgrave Road, Abbey Park and the National Space Centre. It would also pay for a 500-metre two-way cycle track along Belgrave Road's central reservation as well as 25 new or upgraded pedestrian crossings along the route. City mayor Peter Soulsby said it would be the most ambitions extension of city cycle paths in years. He said: "This bid shows our ambitions for the future of cycling in Leicester. "The vision is to make cycling an ordinary, everyday means of transport in our city." He said the cycle paths would be a big boost to his attempt to link city areas under his Connecting Leicester project, which includes work to extend New Walk to the west along Newarke Street. He said: "With Connecting Leicester, we are already improving pedestrian and cycling links between our historic buildings and the retail heart of the city. "This bid shows our ambition to extend that into surrounding neighbourhoods. "Key to this would be the creation of more traffic-free cycle lanes. "This would take cyclists off busy roads and help encourage more people to use their bikes on direct routes in and out of the city centre, where they can feel confident and safe. "We want to elevate the status of cycling so that even more people can enjoy the benefits to their health, the environment and their wallets." The bid, made to the Department for Transport's Cycle City Ambition Grant scheme, also includes proposals to create six new 20mph zones in busy residential areas and near to schools. It would also pay for 500 new bike parking racks in neighbourhood shopping areas and new cycle route signs. Cyclist Steve Daniels, who owns Naked Bikes in Burnmoor Street, Leicester, and cycles in from East Goscote each day, said: "It all sounds brilliant and a cycle lane along the Golden Mile would be great for me. "I've been nearly knocked off three times this year already on that stretch of road." An announcement on whether Leicester's bid has been has been successful is expected in late June.

New bid for £6.6 million cycle path improvements

New NHS 111 number launch delay in Leicestershire

0
0
The launch of a new freephone number for people needing medical help or advice has been put on hold. The NHS 111 number - intended to make it quicker and easier for people to get non-emergency medical help - was due to replace NHS Direct in six weeks' time, on June 25. However, the three clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across Leicestershire and Rutland have said "it is important to ensure the service is fully fit-for-purpose and met local patients' needs before the service launched." Dr Avi Prasad, co-chairman of the Leicester City CCG, said: "Any delay in implementing a new service is disappointing but the safety of patients must always come first. "We have learned lessons from other areas where the service is live." Dr Prasad said the CCG is working with Derbyshire Health United, which won the contract to provide the call centre services for the new number, to make sure the service is up to scratch. The CCGs were among a handful in the country which delayed starting the service which was launched in the rest of the country on April 1. Dr Prasad added: "We are working to ensure that we have a high quality service that properly meets the needs of patients living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. "The system will only go live in our area when the CCGs are confident that it is ready to do so." Dr Prasad said decisions were continuing with NHS Direct and the GP out-of-hours services to make sure that patients are cared for before the new service is launched. He said NHS England, the organisation responsible for overseeing the work of the CCGs, has backed the decision to defer the launch of the scheme. No new date for the launch has yet been set. Health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "This isn't good enough. "It is very disappointing. This scheme should have been set up months ago. Out of hours patient care needs to be improved, it is causing huge problems for A&E."

New NHS 111 number launch delay in Leicestershire

Murder victim's mother issues appeal for witnesses

0
0
The mother of a woman who was found shot dead in a house in Hinckley has a made an appeal for witnesses to come forward. Hayley Pointon, 30, herself a mother of two children, died following an incident at a house in Sunnydale Road at around 10.45pm on Sunday. February 3. A post mortem examination confirmed she died from a single gun shot wound. Four men have been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries. Now Hayley Pointon's mum has called for people to help the police bring those responsible to justice. She said: "We appeal for any information to help catch and convict the people or person who took Hayley away from her two young children, family and friends. "This crime cannot go unpunished as we are all suffering each day it continues while we wait for justice to be done. We will not rest until those responsible are caught and punished. Please come forward, this won't end until justice is done." Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood is leading the investigation into the murder of Hayley Pointon who came from the Coventry area. He said: "It's now three months since Hayley was murdered during an incident in Sunnydale Road, Hinckley. Our investigation into Hayley's death continues to be a priority and we'll not stop until we have brought those responsible to justice. "During the last three months we have arrested four men in connection with the incident and all of them remain on police bail pending further enquiries. "Despite the arrests, we are still urging anyone who can assist with the investigation to contact us. Two young children have lost their mother and Hayley's family are desperate for anyone with information to come forward. "If you can help in any way then get in touch. We appreciate it's not always easy coming to the police and maybe some people feel there may be repercussions if they do. "The information you provide will be treated with the utmost confidentially and if you can't contact the police please contact Crimestoppers anonymously." Anyone with any information can contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Murder victim's mother issues appeal for witnesses

Delays for Leicester motorists after car and truck in collision

0
0
A car was involved in a collision with a truck on the city's inner ring road causing rush hour delays for motorists this afternoon. The car was knocked sideways in the collision and was left blocking one of the westbound lanes on the A47, Vaughan Way, between Bath Lane and Castle Street. Police said no one was seriously injured in the collision, which happened at about 3.40pm. But there were delays for motorists in the area as the northbound lane of the nearby Southgates underpass was closed following the incident. The underpass was re-opened by about 6.15pm. A police spokeswoman said: "An ambulance conveying a patient to the Leicester Royal Infirmary checked to see if anyone was badly injured. "They was no-one who needed treatment and they continued to the hospital." She said the incident involved a collision between a car and a truck. The central reservation on the road was also damaged. She said that police officers were on the scene for more than two hours to direct traffic and oversee the removal of the vehicles.

Delays for Leicester motorists after car and truck in collision


Hospital storage shed destroyed in blaze

0
0
A blaze destroyed a storage shed at the Leicester General Hospital this afternoon. Four fire crews were called to the incident off Coleman Road at 1.45. The building which measured 8metres by 2 metres was destroyed. No-one was injured and the cause is unknown.

Hospital storage shed destroyed in blaze

De Montfort University's Mill Lane plans to go on display

0
0
Plans to redevelop the heart of De Montfort University's campus are to be shown off in a public exhibition on Wednesday. University bosses want to landscape Mill Lane and turn it into a new public space. The route was open to traffic until August when Leicester City Council agreed the university's request to pedestrianise it. Officials say the planting of trees along the road and the creation of grass areas will provide a safer and more pleasant environment for students staff and visitors. Some residents however said they would have preferred the road, which links Oxford Street and Western Boulevard to be kept open to traffic. Detailed designs for the new public space have been drawn up, and a public consultation is being launched giving people the chance to see the plans and comment on them. An exhibition, which will include artists' impressions of the scheme, is being held on Wednesday at Trinity House Chapel, in The Newarke, from 1pm to 7pm. Staff from the university's estates department and the council's highways officers will be available answer questions about the scheme. Residents and businesses are also being invited to the exhibition, along with university staff and students. De Montfort University is funding the scheme as part of a £100 million redevelopment of its wider campus. The university's deputy director of estates and commercial services Umesh Desai said: "These are exciting times for DMU as we continue our investment in our campus to provide the modern, inspiring environment our students and staff deserve. "Our ambition is to create an open, green and pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy right at the heart of the university, and welcome the views of our local community." Paul Rodgers (corr), of Jarrom Street, who opposed the original move to stop traffic accessing the road, said: "Do they really want to hear what people round here think? If they did they would never have closed the road to traffic in the first place. It's a paper exercise and it will happen whatever objections are raised." However Grace Dancey, 30, from Leicester's West End said: "I cycle down Mill Lane often and it's much better without the cars. "Once there are some trees and a bit more greenery I think it will be wonderful." The redevelopment work is due to begin in September and should be completed by August 2014. The city council and university will work together on the scheme, with the city council carrying out the design and building work on behalf of the university. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "De Montfort University's plans to create this new landscaped area within Mill Lane will certainly make it a safer and more pleasant route for pedestrians who use it everyday, and this is a good chance for people living and working nearby to see the proposed design and give their views."

De Montfort University's Mill Lane plans to go on display

Speedway: Leicester Lions beat Ipswich Witches

0
0

Leicester Lions returned to winning ways with a 48-44 success over Ipswich Witches at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium on Sunday.

After three consecutive away defeats, the Lions will have been pleased to get some Premier League points on the board.

However, they must be kicking themselves for not taking a maximum three-point haul after being 46-34 ahead with just two heats to go.

Credit to Ipswich for battling back with two 5-1s to gain a losing bonus point but this was a missed opportunity for the Harry Jordan Haulage-sponsored Lions.

Early rain, which turned to drizzle, appeared to give the Lions an edge over the visitors.

The opening heat set the agenda when Ben Barker made up for a sluggish start to pass Leicester's pairing and, with team partner Ritchie Hawkins in third, Ipswich were all set to take the lead until Jan Graversen passed Hawkins on the final bend.

The second race took three attempts to complete due to a double exclusion for the two Ipswich reserves.

It meant Simon Nielsen and James Sarjeant were able to cruise around for five gift points, although Sarjeant set the home fans' nerves on edge by falling, only to remount to finish the race.

Lasse Bjerre, who had flown in that day from competing in the World Under-21 qualifier in Poland, was at his daring best to catch Morten Risager on the exit of the fourth bend to win heat three.

The momentum continued with Magnus Karlsson, Kevin Doolan and Jan Graversen winning the next three heats to put Lions 26-9 ahead.

Ipswich made their second attempt for double points in heat eight and Cameron Heeps won by a comfortable margin to bank a 7-2.

On the face of it, there was still no cause for concern in the pits for Lions. Karlsson had the measure of Barker in heat 11 before the Ipswich rider fell and, with Nielsen finishing second, Leicester were 12 points ahead with four heats remaining.

The points were shared in heats 12 and 13 but then Heeps and Risager both out-gated the Leicester pairing in the penultimate race. Worse was to come for the home side in the final race when Karlsson fell attempting to overtake on the outside of bend two.

Bjerre tried all racing lines to find a way past the Ipswich riders but his endeavours came to an abrupt halt when he collided with the safety fence on the exit of turn four.

Leicester 48: Kauko Nieminen 6+1, Jan Graversen 8+1, Lasse Bjerre 10+1, Kevin Doolan 7+2, Magnus Karlsson 10+1, Simon Nielsen 5+1, James Sarjeant 2+1.

Ipswich 44: Ben Barker 9, Ritchie Hawkins 2, Rohan Tungate 4, Morten Risager 11+2, Leigh Lanham 2+1, Adam Ellis 4+1, Cameron Heeps 12.

Speedway: Leicester Lions beat Ipswich Witches

'Wife bled to death within two minutes'

0
0

A woman who was stabbed four times by her husband bled to death within two minutes, a court heard yesterday.

Raihana Rezayi died in the bathroom of her home when she suffered catastrophic internal bleeding after being stabbed by husband Yacoub Rezai, Leicester Crown was told.

Forensic pathologist Stuart Hamilton said the wound which killed the 23-year-old mother-of-two was the one that punctured her stomach and severed her aorta.

Rezai (32), of Hand Avenue, Braunstone, denies murdering Ms Rezayi – the mother of his two children – on November 13. Judge Michael Pert QC has told the jury Rezai accepted he was responsible for the killing – the issue was "whether it is murder or manslaughter".

Dr Hamilton said Ms Rezayi was also stabbed in the back, in the elbow and in the knee. He said none of those stab wounds contributed to her death.

Pc Laura Cooper, of Thames Valley Police, told the court how Rezai walked into Reading police station and said he had killed his wife in Leicester.

Pc Cooper said after she charged him with murder he asked how his wife was.

Bobbie Cheema, defending, said this showed quite clearly Rezai did not fully understand what was happening and needed an interpreter.

Pc Cooper said: "I noted it in my pocketbook and read it out to him. He signed it saying he understood.

"We realised he needed an interpreter for an interview."

The trial continues.

'Wife bled to death within two minutes'

NHS 111 number launch delay

0
0
The launch of a new freephone number for people needing medical help or advice has been put on hold. The NHS 111 number - intended to make it quicker and easier for people to get non-emergency medical help - was due to replace NHS Direct in six weeks' time, on June 25. However, the three clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across Leicestershire and Rutland have said "it is important to ensure the service is fully fit-for-purpose and met local patients' needs before the service launched." Dr Avi Prasad, co-chairman of the Leicester City CCG, said: "Any delay in implementing a new service is disappointing but the safety of patients must always come first. "We have learned lessons from other areas where the service is live." Dr Prasad said the CCG is working with Derbyshire Health United, which won the contract to provide the call centre services for the new number, to make sure the service is up to scratch. The CCGs were among a handful in the country which delayed starting the service which was launched in the rest of the country on April 1. Dr Prasad added: "We are working to ensure that we have a high quality service that properly meets the needs of patients living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. "The system will only go live in our area when the CCGs are confident that it is ready to do so." Dr Prasad said decisions were continuing with NHS Direct and the GP out-of-hours services to make sure that patients are cared for before the new service is launched. He said NHS England, the organisation responsible for overseeing the work of the CCGs, has backed the decision to defer the launch of the scheme. No new date for the launch has yet been set. Health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "This isn't good enough. "It is very disappointing. This scheme should have been set up months ago. Out of hours patient care needs to be improved, it is causing huge problems for A&E."

NHS 111 number launch delay

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images