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Air amublance called to crash in Market Harborough

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The emergency services attended the scene of a two-car crash in Market Harborough this nmorning. The incident, at 9.26am, closed the A4304 Lubenham Hill, between Harbrough Road and Coventry Road in the town, for almost three hours. An air ambulance arrived at the scene at about 10.30am, but later left. Four people are said to have been involved in the incident, which involved a blue Honda and a black Ford Fiesta. It is not thought anyone was seriously injured and the road was cleared by midday.

Air amublance called to crash in Market Harborough


Countdown to lottery prize deadline

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A lottery winner has until 11pm tomorrow to claim a prize of £260,536. The winning ticket, bought somewhere in north west Leicestershire, matched the five main numbers and the bonus ball number on the lotto draw on Saturday, February 16. A National Lottery spokesman said: "Time is running out for the winner of this prize, but we are still hopeful someone will come forward.#"We are urging everyone to check their old tickets one last time or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding. "This life-changing prize could help make dreams become a reality for someone." The numbers drawn were 7, 20, 27, 39, 46 and 48 and the bonus ball number of 49. If no-one comes forward with the winning ticket before the deadline, the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to National Lottery good causes. With all National Lottery tickets, players have 180 days from the draw to claim a prize. Anyone who believes they have a winning ticket for any of the draws within the past 180 days should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.

Countdown to lottery prize deadline

VIDEO: Snow leopard cubs born at Twycross Zoo

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Twycross Zoo has revealed two endangered snow leopards have been born to proud parents Irma and Suou.

The cubs, both males, were born on May 1, but the news has just been announced.

The boisterous cubs are the second litter to be born at the zoo since Irma and Suou arrived there in 2010.

The youngsters, who have yet to be named, have today gone on show to the public.

Dr Charlotte Macdonald, living collections curator, said: "The cubs are growing at an incredible rate and Irma is doing a great job and allowing them to venture further away from her each day."

The birth was filmed by Chris Howard, from BBC Earth's YouTube channel Earth Unplugged.

Chris Howard from BBC Earth's YouTube channel 'Earth Unplugged' followed the birth of the two Snow Leopards cubs and filmed them emerging in to their habitat for the very first time.

Ms Macdonald said: "It is always amazing to be able to see cubs being born, especially for such a secretive species. Very few people will have the opportunity to see snow leopards being born, so the footage we have been able to capture is unique."

Sharon Redrobe, zoological director, said: "The birth of the cubs is particularly important to the breeding programme for this species.

"It is vital we maintain a genetically healthy population in captivity that acts as a safety net population for snow leopards in their natural range.

"Originating from a zoo in Japan, Suou is particularly important genetically, so these cubs will go on to play an important role in the breeding programme in the coming years."

VIDEO: Snow leopard cubs  born at Twycross Zoo

Leicestershire unemployment: Claimant count drops

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Latest unemployment figures show county's dole queue has continued to shrink, albeit at a slower rate than before. Figures released this morning show the claimant count for Leicester and Leicestershire fell by 176 in July – down to 20,484. It followed a drop of 714 in June, the biggest month-on-month fall since the New Year. Nationally, the unemployment rate remains at 7.8 per cent. It also comes at the same time of news that the eurozone had emerged from recession after 18 months of economic contraction, giving further confidence to the UK jobs market. Max Boden, policy manager at Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said the local figures offered further hope that the region's economy was on the up. He said: "The fact that there was a drop of about 700 the previous month suggests a steady downward trend in claimants, which is in line with what we've been expecting. "We've seen a number of independent forecasts from the region recently which have also been encouraging. "I believe this is mainly organic growth, caused by a general uplift in the economy. "We know that manufacturing is beginning to grow but there are also things like the housing market picking up which has a cascading effect because when people move house they refurbish and bring in people like decorators and plumbers. "We are aware that construction has been picking up, particularly with the help-to-borrow finance for first-time buyers aimed at new-build properties which has been a stimulus for builders. "These are contributing factors and, more than anything, a measure of confidence." The chamber estimates there are between 24,000 and 26,000 vacancies in the county, but a lack of training among the unemployed has made many of the jobs hard to fill.

Leicestershire unemployment: Claimant count drops

CCTV released of man involved in shop attack in Broughton Astley

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Police have issued CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about an assault on a man in shop in Broughton Astley on Tuesday.(13) The attack left the 54-year-old man with what police describe as "significant" injuries after he was punched and kicked. It took place between 3.20pm and 3.30pm in the Co-op Store in Main Street. The suspect is described as white, 45 to 50, of slim build, approximately 5ft 10ins tall with black cropped hair and a black beard. He was wearing a distinctive red and brown striped woolly hat which had tabs over the ears, a black bomber jacket, tee shirt,black trousers and wellington boots. He is believed to have moved to the area recently. Anyone who witnessed the attack or can identify the man is asked to contact PC Dean Munsey on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

CCTV released of man involved in shop attack in Broughton Astley

Shop alcohol licence bid turned down over drinking fears

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A fresh bid for permission to sell alcohol at an off-licence where a cellar had previously been turned into an illegal drinking den was thrown out this morning. Vina Parmar made the application for a premises licence for Jay's General Store, in Belgrave Road, Leicester, six months after its previous licence - held by her son Nikunj - was revoked. Mr Parmar opened up the cellar and allowed men to spend hours there drinking alcohol and eating snacks from the shop. He said he believed he was acting within the law. However, Leicester City Council removed his alcohol licence in February following several warnings. The decision was upheld by magistrates when Mr Parmar mounted an appeal. This morning, a city council licensing panel rejected the new application by his mother. Bobby Smiljanic, the council's licensing enforcement manager, told the panel: "The business belongs to the family and Mrs Parmar was often there while men were drinking in the shop. "We believe this is just a paper exercise and nothing has changed. We believe if a licence was granted we would have the same problems which resulted in the licence being revoked. "We believe there would still be alcohol drunk on the premises - a culture has developed and people expect to be allowed to drink there. "It's still owned by the same family, all of whom allowed drinking to take place on the premises." Pc Tejas Mavani, of Leicestershire Police's licensing department, opposed the application. He said: "With the same management structure in place, I have no confidence whatsoever that the licensing objectives would be upheld. "I don't think things will change and if the licence is granted the same things will happen. I don't believe Nikunj Parmar will have no influence in the business. "There are no conditions I can think of which will secure the licensing objectives with this management structure." He added: "The drinking would continue without a doubt. "The temptation and pressure to continue it is too high. "Mrs Parmar is the premises licence holder and has been on the premises on previous occasions when the law has been broken." As part of the new application, Mrs Parmar offered to bring in a new premises supervisor, Prakash Rathod. He told the panel he would not allow the drinking to continue. He said: "It would not continue under new management like myself, I would not allow that sort of thing. "I have already run an off-licence for three years without a single issue. I am going to work with Mrs Parmar and make sure everything is done in the right way." But the application was rejected. Dismissing the application, panel chairman Annette Byrne said it was felt that licensing objectives would not be upheld. Mrs Parmar and Mr Rathod said they would be appealing the decision.

Shop alcohol licence bid turned down over drinking fears

Firefighters rescue cat from blazing flat

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Firefighters rescued a cat after a faulty toaster caused a fire in a kitchen at a flat in Leicester today. Fire crews from Central and Wigston stations wore breathing apparatus as they rescued the animal from a first floor flat in Pendlebury Drive, West Knighton, at 1.52pm. The fire, which was extinguished by 2.27pm, caused severe fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the whole of the flat.

Firefighters rescue cat from blazing flat

Motorists fined during campaign

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More than 1,000 motorists have been fined after they were caught committing the four most common causes of death and injury on roads.

Police handed out the fines in the past 12 months to people who were driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while at the wheel, speeding and drink driving.

The campaign, known as the Fatal Four, is run by Leicestershire Police and the Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership.

Before the ticketing campaign began a year ago, officials had spent 18 months stopping offenders but only giving them a ticking off and asking them to watch road safety videos.

During the 27 operations that have taken place in the past year, 800 drivers and passengers have been fined £30 for not wearing a seatbelt, while 160 people faced the same penalty for using their mobile phones while driving.

Also, 145 people caught speeding were fined £60. One drink driver was caught during the sessions.

The total comes to more than £37,000.

The Government increased the penalties for three of the Fatal Four offences last week.

On-the spot fines for speeding and mobile phone has risen from £60 to £100.

Failing to wear a seatbelt now attracts a penalty of £60.

The maximum penalty for drinking and driving remains at £5,000, a ban and possible imprisonment.

Jonathan Clarkson, of the Leicestershire Road Safety Partnership, said: "Most people who are stopped seem to understand why we are doing it.

"Obviously, they don't want to be fined, but we always explain why we are taking that action.

"We are making a difference. Certainly I would like to think that the 800 people who were caught driving without a seatbelt will think twice before doing that again."

A mum, who was fined £60 after she was caught driving without a seatbelt during one of the operations, said: "I know the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt and I will make sure I don't do this again.

"This was a happy day because I was taking my son to school for the first time. I have learned the lesson the hard way."

The latest operation was staged on Wednesday at the St George's Retail Park, in the city.

Motorists fined during campaign


Growth upturn 'encouraging'

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The UK economy is recovering faster than thought after official figures showed surging exports helped drive growth 0.7 per cent higher between April and June.

The Office for National Statistics revised second quarter growth up from its first estimate of 0.6 per cent, boosted by higher output across construction, manufacturing and parts of services.

Economists said the recovery was also looking more "durable" as output was helped by a 3.6 per cent increase in exports and rising business investment.

Growth more than doubled from 0.3 per cent expansion in the first three months of the year and experts said more upbeat data in recent days had fuelled hopes of another strong reading in the third quarter.

The Treasury said the upward revision to gross domestic product confirmed the UK is "moving from rescue to recovery".

A spokeswoman said: "There is still a long way to go, but the economy is on the right track and the Government is committed to its economic plan that has already cut the deficit by a third and enabled the private sector to create over 1.3 million new jobs."

Markit chief economist Chris Williamson said it was a "very encouraging picture of a broad-based upturn across almost all sectors of the economy". JP Morgan economist Allan Monks said: "The demand side looks even more balanced than we thought, which sends an encouraging message about the longevity of the recovery."

A drop in Britain's net trade deficit fell to £3.2 billion in the second quarter from £4.3 billion in the first quarter, and contributed 0.3 per cent to the increase in output.

Net trade has added to Britain's growth for two consecutive quarters for the first time since early 2011.

The 3.6 per cent exports surge was the highest since 2011, with imports up 2.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter, the biggest gain since 2010's third quarter.

DLT: My wife is standing by me

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DJ Dave Lee Travis has said his wife is standing by him as he faces allegations of sex offences.

The 68-year-old yesterday appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he indicated that he will plead not guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault.

He is accused of committing the offences between 1977 and 2007 against alleged victims aged between 15 and 29.

Travis, whose real name is David Patrick Griffin, has denied any wrongdoing since he was first arrested on suspicion of sexual offences in November.

His lawyer Martin Bale indicated to the court that he would plead not guilty to the charges.

Addressing a scrum of reporters outside the building, Travis, of Mentmore, Bedfordshire, said: "I am supported by my wife and friends. My wife is not here today and the reason that she is not here today is because I detest hare-coursing."

After the short hearing, he told reporters inside the court building that he could not talk about the case.

He said: "I either talk for a long time or I don't, and at the moment I'm not talking."

Travis, who was charged last week, was told his case will be sent to Southwark Crown Court, where he will next appear on September 6.

He was released on bail with the conditions that he lives at his home in Mentmore and does not contact the alleged victims.

Wearing a grey suit, white shirt and patterned tie, he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, and to query what the next hearing would involve.

Travis was charged as part of Operation Yewtree, the police investigation prompted by the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, but the accusations have no connection to the disgraced television presenter.

DLT: My wife is standing by me

Hague urges rapid Syria action

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William Hague refused to rule out any options over Syria as he insisted the only "plausible explanation" for the atrocity on the outskirts of Damascus that is said to have killed 1,300 was a chemical attack by Bashar Assad's regime.

The Foreign Secretary is involved in a series of talks with key international figures over the next steps to take and stressed that "time is of the essence" in getting UN weapons inspectors to the scene.

Speaking at the Foreign Office, Mr Hague warned the UK would be ready to go back to the United Nations security council to secure a stronger mandate "for the world to speak together more forcefully about this" if there is no movement over the next few days.

Father and son may sue police over trial ordeal

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A father and son may sue the police after being taken to court for tackling a man burgling their business.

Steve Iliffe, 54, and son Daniel, 26, from Burbage, are considering taking the action against Leicestershire Police after enduring a nine-month ordeal which ended when a judge threw out the case against them last week.

Grandfather-of-four Steve Iliffe said he suffered a heart attack in a cell, triggered by the stress of his arrest, and had to be taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, then transferred to Glenfield Hospital.

Mr Iliffe said: "This whole thing has been a complete nightmare for the family.

"It has nearly killed me and almost ripped our family apart.

"It has been nine months of hell.

"I think I have no option but to sue the police.

"All we were trying to do was protect the business that was putting food on the table for our family."

The Iliffes have written to the Leicestershire force's professional standards department calling for an investigation into the handling of the case.

Steve and Daniel were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after tussling with Petre Ilie when he was caught burgling their scrapyard, in Hinckley, on December 1.

The pair, both former soldiers, were eventually charged with the lesser offence of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.

However, Judge Michael Pert QC, sitting at Leicester Crown Court on August 15, ordered that the case against them be dropped.

The judge said the Crown Prosecution Service had not done enough to produce Ilie, who had been deported to Romania after being convicted of burgling the Iliffes' premises.

He said the father and son could not receive a fair trial because there would be no opportunity to cross-examine Ilie.

Steve Iliffe said: "We had suffered a string of burglaries and went up on to that roof only because the police had refused to do so because it breached health and safety regulations."

He said he grabbed Ilie by the shoulder and hit him once in the chest to restrain him.

His son admitted striking the intruder on the hand with a wooden roof baton to try to dislodge an eight-inch metal bolt from his grasp.

Dan Ilife said: "My partner is due to have a baby in October and I didn't know if I would be in jail or not.

"In our eyes, we should have received a pat on the back, not be arrested for attempted murder then charged with GBH."

Leicester Crown Court heard that Ilie (39) already had a number of convictions for burglary, failing to surrender and breaching court orders in the UK, under the name Christopher Tudor.

He was deported in 2010 but managed to get back into the country.

He was then arrested again alongside the Iliffes.

Father-of-four Ilie admitted burglary with intent to steal and the attempted burglary of a nearby business earlier that night.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail and deported for a second time on his release in March.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "We have received a formal complaint in this matter which is being investigated by our professional standards department.

"Therefore, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time."

Jellyfish are surprising catch

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Angler Simon Bowerman has netted a few unusual fish in his time – but his latest catch had a real sting in the tail.

The 22-year-old was amazed to see jellyfish in the water during a fishing trip to a freshwater lake at Newbold, near Ashby.

Simon, a sales assistant at Redline Motorcycles in Loughborough, grabbed a net to catch a couple of the one-inch wide jellyfish to prove he was telling the truth.

Biology experts have identified the creatures as hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbyi, which were indigenous to the Yangtze River valley in China.

Simon said he could not believe his eyes when he saw them.

"I was doing a recce of the lake when I looked in and saw the jellyfish swimming about," he said.

"I raced back to my car and got a net and fished a couple of them out to have closer look."

Simon, who has been fishing since the age of four, said he had never caught anything so strange.

He said: "I have landed a few odd fish in my time but these things take the biscuit.

"I expect to see jellyfish at the seaside but not in a freshwater lake miles from the coast."

Simon said none of his friends believed him when he told them about his unusual catch.

"I knew that would be the reaction so that's why I fished a couple out and took some pictures," he said. "I even took a video so that people could see it was not a wind up or a stunt."

Like every good angler, Simon put the jellyfish back in the water.

He said: "I might go fishing at the lake but I don't think I will be swimming there.

"I know they can't really hurt humans but I'm not prepared to take that chance."

A biology expert from the University of Leicester said the jellyfish were almost certainly hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbyi.

Dr Iain Barber said: "It is not a UK native, being originally indigenous to the Yangtze River valley in China, but it was first discovered in the UK in 1880 in water-lily tanks in Regents Park, where presumably it had been introduced with the plants."

Dr Barber said the jellyfish were now "well established" across the northern hemisphere and had been recorded sporadically in the UK since they were first seen here.

"It has been found in Leicestershire before and is not particularly rare – the warm summer might well have contributed to the growth and reproductive success of this population," he said.

The jellyfish were last spotted in Leicestershire in 2006.

Experts say they do have stinging cells. However, the sting is used for paralysing very tiny prey and has not been proven to have the capacity to pierce human skin.

Jellyfish are surprising catch

Hoggy fails to bowl over TV judges

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Cricketer Matthew Hoggard was left "gutted" to get no further than the quarter finals in Celebrity MasterChef.

The Leicestershire player, who used to bowl for England, faced a string of tough challenges but impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with how committed he was to cooking.

But after making it through the first cut, last night's show was the end of the road.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I'm gutted to be leaving but I really enjoyed my time on the show – if I could do it again, I would."

The 36-year-old had 75 minutes to cook up a scallop and king prawn starter with mango and chilli salsa in a Thai curry sauce, followed by roasted Gressingham duck breast with roasted sweet potatoes, stir-fried vegetables and an orange and sesame sauce.

As well as being judged by the show's hosts, the food on last night's show was tasted by three former Celebrity MasterChef champions – former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, actress Emma Kennedy and children's television presenter Andi Peters.

Gregg criticised the "very confused flavours" of Matthew's starter, John said he didn't like the dish at all and Emma said he had an undercooked scallop.

Presenter John said: "Right now, I think Matthew's being a bit over ambitious – he's trying too much, too soon."

Celebrity MasterChef is in its eighth series and started off with 16 familiar faces from showbusiness, music and sport.

Last night's battle was for a place in the final eight.

Celebrity MasterChef continues next week, when the remaining contestants battle it out for a place in the final.

The next show will be aired on BBC1 at 8pm on Wednesday.

Hoggy fails to bowl over TV judges

Drug dealer caught after argument in city library

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A drug dealer who was caught with crack cocaine after causing a disturbance in a public library has been jailed for seven years.

David Forde (34) denied the charge of possessing the class A drug with intent to supply, but was convicted by a jury following a trial.

Giving evidence in his defence at Leicester Crown Court, he said that he went to New Parks Library, in Aikman Avenue, Leicester, at 1.30pm on October 2, intending to improve his education.

However, he ended up arguing with another library user, whom he thought was making too much noise. Due to his swearing, the library manager called the police.

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said Forde was seen taking some small items from his pocket, wrapping them up in a torn leaflet and putting them inside a newspaper on a table in front of him.

The man he had been arguing with told the police there was something in the newspaper.

When Forde heard police officers were on the way to the library, he suddenly remembered what was in his pocket and tried to get rid of it, the court heard.

Forde, of Withens Close, New Parks, was caught with five wraps of crack cocaine.

He initially told the officers the drugs were nothing to do with him.

He later told police he found the drugs on a chair in the library.

Mr Murphy said: "He said, in interview, he suspected it was drugs and put them in his pocket as he saw an opportunity to make some money."

However, when he gave evidence, Forde said contrary to intending to make money, he actually meant the drugs were a way of "saving money," because he was a user of crack cocaine. Forde, who has two previous convictions for dealing cocaine, told the jury he no longer dealt in drugs but used crack cocaine himself once every two or three weeks.

Forde accepted possession but said there was never any intent to supply the drugs.

He was convicted by an 11-1 majority verdict.

As a three times convicted drug dealer, he received the statutory minimum seven-year sentence.


Key city road reopens early

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A major route into the city has reopened to traffic, 24 hours ahead of schedule.

The A426 Lutterworth Road, in Aylestone, has been closed for nearly six weeks for improvements to bus lanes.

County Hall confirmed this phase of the £5 million joint project with the city council has now been completed.

A spokesman said: "Lutterworth Road is open, although there is still minor work at the left filter turning at Soar Valley Way into Lutterworth Road. Motorists can still turn left."

'Thanks for saving daughter'

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The family of New York taxi crash victim Sian Green have issued a statement thanking those who saved her life.

Doctors have also praised the optimism of the 24-year-old, from New Parks, Leicester, who was hurt when she was hit in Manhattan on Tuesday.

They have revealed Ms Green's left leg had to be amputated below the knee.

Sian, who lives with her boyfriend in Blaby, remains in hospital in New York following the horrific crash.

She is undergoing treatment at the city's Bellevue Hospital Center.

Her mother, Sonia, dad Jason and boyfriend William Lord, 26, have all flown out to be at her side after friends and relatives clubbed together to buy the plane tickets.

Sonia and Jason, from New Parks, Leicester, said in a statement issued by the hospital: "There are not enough words to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped our family during this time."

They said they would especially like to the thank everyone at the scene of the accident, especially plumber David Justino and Dr Mehmet Oz, who worked to stem the flow of blood before she was taken to hospital.

They thanked the emergency services personnel at the scene and staff at Bellevue. They also thanked the New York police department, British Airways staff, employees at the Pennsylvania Hotel and their family and friends.

Sian was hit by a yellow cab in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning – the first day of her second trip to New York.

Her best friend Keshia Warren, from Leicester, was at her side when the crash happened.

She tried to stem the flow of blood from Sian's legs with a passer-by's dog leash.

Dr Spiros G Frangos, director of surgical intensive care unit, at the hospital, said: "Given the condition of the lower leg, replantation was not an option."

Family and friends are organising fund-raising events to help the family meet expenses caused by the tragedy.

Family friend Sue Brooke-Smith is organising a fund-raising musical evening at the Nottingham Oddfellows Club in Humberstone Gate, Leicester, on October 11.

People who would like to help can call her on 07511 439777.

'Thanks for saving daughter'

Traders grab sandbags after storm alert

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Sandbags were handed out in Market Harborough yesterday as traders feared the town could be flooded again.

The Environment Agency issued a severe weather warning at 9am yesterday.

Shopkeeper Malcolm Lever-Jones said: "I am taking appropriate precautions. I have been fitted with weather-proof shop front after the problems in Coventry Road.

"The warning from the Environment Agency said if a storm hits then Market Harborough is liable to flood again."

Harborough District Council ensured sandbags were available in the town centre.

On Saturday, July 28, at least 40 town centre shops and businesses were flooded.

An investigation has been launched to find why a £2 million flash flood prevention scheme installed in 2005 failed to protect properties.

The warning predicted severe rain storms could start last night and continue throughout today.

Disabled man found new home

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a Wheelchair user evicted from his home two weeks ago is due to move into a new home.

Vincent Tumulty, 51, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), is to move into the one-bedroomed flat in Saffron Lane estate, Leicester.

He was forcibly removed from his previous home in Clarendon Park, Leicester, after allegedly abusing neighbours.

He spent the first two nights after his eviction under a wooden shelter outside the house.

He has since been staying at the Dawn Centre, in Leicester.

He said: "Spending nights outside is no good for me and it really affects my MS in a bad way. Being in a house will be much better for me."

A Leicester city council spokesman said: "We are pleased to say Mr Tumulty has accepted our offer of a property and arrangements are being made for him to move there.

"This is an interim offer. We will continue to work with Mr Tumulty to meet his needs."

Leicester Tigers to wheel out the big guns against Jersey

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Some of Leicester Tigers' British & Irish Lions will make their season bow in club colours when the team take on Championship side Jersey today.

Tigers travel to the Channel Islands for the second consecutive year to take on a home side that has just maintained its Championship status after a first-ever season in the second tier.

Last year's visit produced a 34-21 win for Tigers at St Peter in front of a crowd of more than 4,500, and there is another big support expected this weekend.

With just one more game of the pre-season schedule to go after this fixture, at home to Ulster on August 31, director of rugby Richard Cockerill will need to get game-time under the belts of some of his biggest names, who have only just returned from their summer holidays.

Although he would not be drawn on which of those players will start in Jersey, Cockerill said he would send out a strong team as he continues preparations for the Aviva Premiership opener against Worcester on September 8.

"All the lads who need to play will play," he said. "Some might need a little more rest than others but we only have two games left and then we start.

"The season will come up on us very quickly. Worcester have a new management and playing staff, and they will come here with renewed impetus and look to get it right.

"It's a big start for us. We are working hard and we are integrating all of those guys back into the squad.

"And, more than ever this season with the late arrival of the Pacific Islanders and the Lions, we are a little short of time together.

"We are a little bit behind where we would like to be, but September 8 is the most important date."

Cockerill confirmed that the two players who picked up injuries against Montpellier in Geneva, Thomas Waldrom (calf) and Jamie Gibson (knee), were both progressing well and could play this weekend.

He also said the progress of Mat Tait, Miles Benjamin, Ed Slater, Louis Deacon and Anthony Allen, who are battling back from surgery, is "very promising".

Leicester Tigers to wheel out the big guns against Jersey

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