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Cosby residents unable to enjoy outdoors because lawns are overgrown

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Elderly and vulnerable people say they are unable to enjoy the outdoors – because their lawns are too overgrown.

People in residential housing in Forryan Close, Cosby, claim the housing association has let the grass grow to more than a foot high.

Despite East Midlands Housing apparently agreeing to cut their lawns 10 to 12 times a year, the residents said they have only been cut once so far this year.

Mary Hood, who has been a resident there for the past eight years, said: "We've sent lots of e-mails and called lots of times and we're not getting anything in return – we're just being ignored.

"I know it seems trivial, but we're old and we rely on the housing association to do things like this for us." The 83-year-old said the housing association used to cut the lawns regularly, but now the area looked like a "slum".

She said: "We can't go out into our gardens because they're overgrown and a number of people are afraid about falling over and hurting themselves.

"We've got elderly, disabled and vulnerable people – young and old – here and we would like to sit in our gardens and enjoy the sunshine, but we can't."

Rob Martin, 67, who has lived there for six years, said the grass had grown to the height of his knee.

He said: "We just want to be able to look out and admire our surroundings, which we can't do at the minute because it's all overgrown. The grass goes up to your knee, so it's about a foot-and-a-half tall.

"One or two people have a go at cutting it, but it's too much for us all to do.

"It's having a detrimental effect on the area."

Christine Ashton, executive director of housing at East Midlands Housing, admitted they were a "little behind schedule" with the grass-cutting because they had only recently taken over the contract.

Ms Ashton said: "We understand the concerns raised by the residents of Forryan Close and take this issue very seriously.

"We are committed to ensuring that we provide them with a regular and effective grass-cutting service.

"We've recently taken over the contract for grass-cutting and have written to the residents in Cosby about this service and the number of visits that they can expect in the year.

"We regret that we are a little behind schedule and are sorry for any inconvenience and frustration that this has caused."

Ms Ashton said they were doing everything they could to ensure they got back on track as quickly as possible.

She said: "We hope that the residents affected will see a difference in the very near future."

Cosby residents unable to enjoy outdoors because lawns are overgrown


Leicester City: 'Lest-tah' lad Guy Branston is back and dreaming of top job

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You can take Guy Branston out of Leicester but you can't take 'Les-tah' out of Guy Branston.

Sixteen years after he began his career with his beloved hometown club, and 481 appearances and 19 clubs later, the 35-year-old defender has finally called time on his playing days, but life could be about to come full circle for Branston.

His career has taken him all over the country, from Rotherham, to Sheffield, Oldham, Peterborough, Nottingham, Torquay, Bradford, Aldershot and Plymouth, but while he and his football boots have been wandering, his heart has remained in Leicester and he hopes to join City's academy coaching staff under the guidance of his former district junior coach Jon Rudkin.

"I love Les-tah," says Branston in a thick Leicestershire accent. "It was fantastic growing up in Leicester. We had a great junior league around here and I was in the same age group as Emile Heskey.

"My club, Narborough & Littlethorpe, always seemed to come up against Ratby, who had Emile in their ranks. Even then everyone knew all about him and how good he was.

"I was confident and thought I could cope against him and, in some games, I did, in others I didn't."

It was during one clash with Heskey that Branston caught the eye of City scouts who were watching the future England striker.

Branston's dream of signing for City came true, although ultimately he was unable to break into the first team.

"I had a fantastic coach in David Nish and it was great coming through the academy," added Branston.

"He made me realise that football was a serious job and I had to knuckle down, which I did, and I was offered schoolboy forms and then an apprenticeship.

"I started to get in and around the reserves and then the first team, and it was great as a Leicester lad.

"It was impossible to get into that first team though because we had the likes of Steve Walsh, Matt Elliott and Gerry Taggart back then. They were great players to learn from but it soon became apparent I wasn't going to break through.

"To be fair, I wasn't ready for the Premier League then. I was raw."

After loan spells with Rushden & Diamonds, Colchester, Plymouth, Lincoln and Rotherham, Branston eventually moved to Rotherham in 1999 without making a City appearance, but he fulfilled one ambition with the Millers two years later.

"Rotherham were promoted to the Championship and I got to play at the King Power Stadium against City, which was an amazing experience," he said.

"To go there as an underdog and face City, who we called the 30-grand-a-week boys, and take them on was amazing. We gave them a run for their money as well."

But after five promotions and so many clubs, and some incredible experiences, Branston says there remains one highlight from his career.

"Signing for City," he said. "Not many lads from Leicester can say they became a professional with City."

Branston is one of football's colourful characters. Not content with just being a professional footballer, he is the acclaimed author of 'The Footballer's Journey', an engaging and entertaining account of life as a footballer, as well as conducting media work.

He also runs his own company, All About Ballerz, a rapidly growing platform for amateur and professional footballers to upload content in the hope of being signed by an agent or a club, using his app for highlighting and tracking footage on film called Get Noticed.

It is fair to say Branston likes to keep busy, and now he is hoping to team up once again with Rudkin, for whom he played as a junior and worked briefly alongside coaching within City's academy.

"I have done some coaching at the academy before and it is a great club, with some really good coaches like Trevor Peake and Chris Tucker, and some talented young players," he said.

"Hopefully, I can work there again and work towards being a manager one day.

"I would love to manage City. That would be fantastic."

Leicester City: 'Lest-tah' lad Guy Branston is back and dreaming of top job

Leicester City's move for Cardiff striker Frazier Campbell is in doubt

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Leicester City's bid to sign striker Fraizer Campbell is in doubt after they refused to meet the player's wage demands.

City have triggered an £800,000 relegation release clause in the 26-year-old's contract with Cardiff and have made Campbell an offer.

However, City's package does not match Campbell's demands and unless either party relents, then the move will not take place, although talks are described as ongoing.

City have adopted a strict wage policy this summer to maintain some parity among the squad's earnings and to not disrupt the spirit within the camp, and are reluctant to break that wage structure.

Campbell has started pre-season training with Cardiff, who have also offered him a new contract, but he is keen to stay in the Premier League and it is understood he is also talking to Crystal Palace, who are now favourites to sign him.

City boss Nigel Pearson is a big admirer of Campbell, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, and would love to team him with his current crop of strikers.

Pearson wants to bring in at least one more striker and, despite having three bids turned down for Leonardo Ulloa by Brighton, City remain interested, although they refuse to match the £10million asking price.

Meanwhile, City have confirmed captain Wes Morgan has signed a new three-year contract.

The 30-year-old has committed his future to City until 2017 and said he was excited about leading City into the Premier League this season.

"I'm delighted to finally commit my future to this club," he said. "Winning promotion with this squad last season and lifting the Championship trophy were the proudest moments of my career and I can't wait to hopefully lead the team out on the opening day of the Premier League season.

"We've all worked so hard to win promotion. There are some big challenges ahead in the next few years and I'm excited to be part of it."

Morgan is the latest member of the Championship title-winning side to commit his future to the club.

Kasper Schmeichel, Danny Drinkwater and Matty James have signed new deals, while last season's top-scorer David Nugent has also agreed a new contract, which should be officially announced shortly.

City are also talking to Liam Moore and Jeff Schlupp's representatives, while Andy King and Jamie Vardy will discuss new deals next week.

Meanwhile, City have announced they will be unveiling the new Puma first-team strip on Saturday, July 19. The new kit is available on pre-order.

Leicester City's move for Cardiff striker Frazier Campbell is in doubt

Slaughter-free dairy farm to be set up in Leicestershire

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Britain's first commercial slaughter-free dairy farm is to be set up in Leicestershire.

Seven bulls and five retired milking cows are already enjoying life on the designated site – 52 acres of farmland near Groby.

But the Ahimsa Foundation, which is behind the project, is hoping a milking herd will be moving in next year.

It will produce a range of dairy products alongside fruit, vegetables and other crops.

Foundation director Sanjay Tanna said: "Our aim is to work in partnership with the animals."

The foundation already produces milk products to a subscription-only customer base in the South East in partnership with an organic farm in Kent.

Mr Tanna said: "We now have land in Leicester where we can establish a dairy farm run entirely to our own principles."

They say the Groby project will be the first commercial slaughter-free diary farm in Britain.

Normally, male calves born to dairy cows are killed or sold for veal, while cows are killed when they get older and cannot produce as much milk.

Mr Tanna said: "We see our cattle as more than commodities and want to respect and engage with them as sentient beings.

"A key aspect will be meaningful employment of bulls. We are hoping to train them to pull carts or ploughs on our land."

He said the farm would be a commercial operation inspired by Bhaktivedanta Manor at Aldenham in Hertfordshire, donated to the Hare Krishna movement by George Harrison.

"Its vision includes cows being milked by hand rather than machine, and cows being retired following milk production, rather than killed.

"We have secured an excellent project manager, one of the top in Europe.

"He will be joining in September and he is both a hand-milker and ox-driver. He has over 15 years of experience running and developing a successful smallholding in Hungary."

Fellow director Nicola Pazdzierska said: "A cow can live until she's 20 years of age. But in a lot of conventional dairies they are culled when they are five or six.

"We think that's no way to repay the generosity of a cow after all that she's given us."

Calves will also be allowed to stay with their mothers for up to six months and they will not be de-horned. They will also be fed treats including carrots.

She said oxen power was also being chosen instead of conventional tractors.

She said oxen didn't contribute to climate change, use fossil fuel, or compress the earth as a tractor did.

She said: "The health and the quality of the soil is absolutely vital to being able to grow food."

An appeal has been launched to help set the farm up, but the plan is for it to become self-sustaining.

People interested in supporting the appeal can visit:

www.ahimsamilk.org/how-to-help/new-dairy-revolution/

Slaughter-free dairy farm to be set up in Leicestershire

Man 'bitten in face by dog' after groups of youths fight in Leicester street

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A man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after being attacked by a dog after two groups of youths were involved in a street fight.

The man's face was covered in blood as his friends tried to drive off in their car.

Another man was injured and the car had its windows smashed in the incident.

The two victims were taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment after police were called to the scene in Deepdale, Rowlatts Hill on Thursday.

It is believed the incident broke out at about 6.30pm.

A witness said: "I was picking my car up after an MOT when I saw a young man with blood over his face."

He said he spoke to the three youths who were with him. They said they had been attacked and he had been bitten in the face.

"His face looked all chewed up," the witness said.

He said the youth was in a bad way, being sick.

He said he saw about 15 other youths in the area. He said: "Some of them were carrying sticks and they ran off down Deepdale after the attack."

He was told the four youths had been confronted by the gang and tried to escape in a car. They were chased towards a garage forecourt before the attackers ran off.

One young mum, who lives in Deepdale, said: "It happened about 6.30pm to 7pm. One young man was sitting in a car and had blood all over his face.

"Police blocked off the end of Deepdale and were only letting people who live here through to their homes.

"I don't know what caused it."

Another resident said: "We have not had problems like this for a while. It is very worrying."

Police believe the two groups involved in the incident were known to each other.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We got a call at 7.08pm from Leicester police. From the information we were given, it wasn't classed as a life-threatening emergency.

"We took another call from them later to say that our services were no longer required."

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.

Man 'bitten in face by dog'  after groups of youths fight in Leicester  street

Give us a job, your majesty! Hundreds of applicants chase 14 posts at Richard III centre

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Hundreds of people applied for the 14 jobs at the Richard III visitor centre.

The £4 million attraction is due to open on Saturday, July 26, and there was huge demand for the posts on offer.

Iain Gordon, director of the centre, said 400 people applied for the 14 jobs.

He said: "We had a lot of interest in the jobs. The vast majority seemed to be female applicants.

"There were 170 applications for seven front-of- house staff."

Mr Gordon was updating a city council scrutiny commission on progress with the centre in the former Alderman Newton School, in Peacock Lane, near the spot where the monarch's remains were discovered by University of Leicester archeologists.

The city council has funded the development of the centre, called Dynasty, Death and Discovery, but it will be run independently by a trust.

Chairman of the trust Martin Traynor is pleased about the number of people seeking work there.

He said: "We are doing something very exciting for the city of Leicester and it's encouraging people want to be a part of that."

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It's fascinating to see how many people have applied. I am certain it will be a brilliant experience for visitors but also a really interesting place to work.

"Of course, it is a reflection that a lot of people are looking for jobs at the moment, but I have been told the applications have come from far and wide where normally one would expect applications from the local area."

It is the latest example of large numbers of people chasing new jobs.

The recently opened Red Hot Buffet restaurant in Leicester's High Street had 2,000 applications for 80 posts.

Mr Traynor said it was expected about 120,000 paying customers would visit the centre in the first 12 months, but this figure would probably tail off in later years .

He said: "That figure is based on the 200,000 people who visited the Guildhall Richard III exhibition over a 14-month period.

"That was a modest attraction, but the big difference is the Guildhall was free.

"I actually think 120,000 is probably conservative."

Mr Traynor told councillors there were options such as discounting entry prices to be considered if visitor numbers were lower than hoped for.

He said: "I do not want to be coming back to the council for subsidies."

He said it was vital the centre found a way of maintaining a decent number of visitors so it could develop cash reserves to be spent on refreshing the centre's offer.

Mr Gordon said his team were looking at other ways of bringing in cash to counter the likely fall in visitor numbers in future years. These include having functions and weddings at the centre.

kingrichardiiivisitor centre.com

Give us a job, your  majesty! Hundreds of applicants chase 14 posts at  Richard III  centre

Firefighters rescue horse from ditch in Skeffington

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Firefighters rescued a horse after it got stuck in a ditch. Crews from Billesdon and the technical rescue unit from Southern station were called out at 6.18pm last night by the owner. The crews used a strop to pull the horse out of the ditch of Main Street in Skeffington. The animal was left with the owner and a vet.

Firefighters rescue horse from ditch in Skeffington

Plane diverted after suffering a problem shortly after taking off from East Midlands aiport

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A plane declared a mid-air emergency shortly after taking off at East Midlands Airport. The 737 Jet2 flight from East Midlands to Heraklion left at 5.40pm yesterday and circled above the airport as a precautionary measure. The emergency was declared shortly after the plane's delayed take off. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were in attendance at East Midlands Airport. A spokeswoman said: "We were told the plane was circling at 21,00 feet after declaring there was problem. "It is standard procedure for us to mobilise crews." Two crews from Loughborough, two from Coalville, one from Ashby and one from Shepshed with the command support vehicle from Shepshed were sent to the airport. The plane was diverted to Manchester airport and landed just before 7pm. All passengers were safe and well.

Plane diverted after suffering a problem shortly after taking off from East Midlands aiport


Man arrested after woman suffers heart attack in Leicester city centre

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A man was arrested today after ambulance staff went to the aid of woman who had suffered a heart attack. The man was detained by police after an ambulance crew was called to a domestic address in East Street, Leicester city centre, at 9.47am. A police spokesman said: "A man was arrested for breach of the peace at the scene. "We were called out by the ambulance crew to assist at the scene." It is believed the woman was taken to hospital.

Man arrested after woman suffers heart attack in Leicester city centre

Firefighters called out to several accidents in space of eight hours

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Firefighters were called out to deal with a number of accidents in the space of eight hours yesterday. Fire crews from Kibworth and Central station were called out at 2.43pm after a crash between a car and a HGV in Post Office Lane, Newton Harcourt. Two people were treated at the scene by ambulance staff but were not believed to have gone to hospital. More than six hours at 9.02pm firefighters from Lutterworth were called out to a one-vehicle incident on the A14 near junction 1. A recovery truck moved the vehicle. No-one was injured. Half an hour later a crew from Western station was called out after a two-vehicle crash on the western-bound section of the A46 near to the junction with the A50 between Groby and Glenfield. No-one was injured in the incident. At 10.10pm a fire crew from Moira attended a one-vehicle incident on Blackfordby Lane in the village. The driver reported the car was smoking and smelled strongly of petrol.

Firefighters called out to several accidents in space of eight hours

Leicester Race for Life 2014 - runners join fight to beat cancer

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Thousands of women will be taking part in the Race for Life at Leicester's Victoria Park today. For a lot of the runners it will be emotional day as they make their way around the five or 10km route in memory of someone they have lost to cancer or to mark their own battle with the disease. The 5km event starts at 10.30am and the 10km run begins at 2pm, with the runners aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK. Participants can expect good weather today, with forecasters predicting a dry day with sunny spells, a slight risk of showers and temperatures reaching up to 19C. We'll be following the event live here. Tweet us your pictures @Leicester_Merc and let us know if you're running Leicester's Race for Life for someone special #raceforlife And watch this space for our photographer Chris Gordon's galleries of pictures from the event. Good luck to everyone taking part! See more pictures from this morning's run: Gallery: Leicester Race for Life 2014 - 5km run See more pictures from this afternoon's run: Gallery: Leicester Race for Life 2014 - 10km run

Leicester Race for Life 2014 - runners join fight to beat cancer

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

David Michael Raby (58), of Kate Street, West End, Leicester, pleaded guilty to stealing meat worth £50.31 from Tesco, Narborough Road, Leicester, on May 18. He was fined £70 with a £20 victim surcharge.

Kyle Simpson (30), of Cropthorne Avenue, North Evington, Leicester, pleaded guilty to stealing a Digihome TV worth £179.99 from the Co-op, the Haymarket, Leicester on May 21. He was give a community order including drug dependency treatment as a non-resident patient for six months and attending probation appointments over 12 months. He was ordered to pay £179.99 compensation, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Adam Daryl Williams (24), of Windermere Street, Wigston Magna, pleaded guilty to stealing money from his employer Sainsbury's between February 27 and March 7. He was ordered to pay £1,200 compensation. A community order was made for him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Stephen Alexander Watkins (29), of the Dawn Centre night shelter, Conduit Street, Leicester city centre, was committed to prison for 14 weeks after pleading guilty to entering St Martin's Coffee Shop, St Martin's Walk, Leicester city centre, on May 25 with intent to steal.

Martin Andrew Wallace (30), of Maromme Square, Wigston, pleaded guilty to stealing an iphone5 black worth £541 at Leicester Railway Station on March 15. He was fined £300 with £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Gemma Whitehead (32), of Repington Row, Aylestone, Leicester, pleaded guilty to stealing clothing worth £40 belonging to Asda, Leicester, on May 21. She was given a community order including 40 days on a Just Womens project, and told to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Dennis Agyeman (21), of Western Road, West End, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis at Leicester when required and to driving while disqualified on June 7.

He was committed to prison for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work within the next 12 months. On the driving while disqualified charge, he was ordered to pay £125 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for week beginning July 7

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Mobile speed carea sites in Leicester. Leicestershire and Rutland for week beginning Monday, July 7 B4114 Leicester Road, Enderby 40mph B5006 Tamworth Road, Ashby B4114 Leicester Rd, Sharnford A6004 Alan Moss Rd, Loughborough A563 Atlee Way, Leicester B581 Broughton Way / Station Rd, Broughton Astley A5199 Welford Road, Leicester A607 Norman Way, Melton (westbound) A606 Nottingham Road Melton A607 Thurmaston Bypass, Thurmaston A607 Melton Rd, Waltham A607 Melton Rd, Waltham on the Wolds A6 Loughborough Rd, Birstall / Wanlip A50 Route: Field Head - Groby A563 Asquith Way, Leicester A447 Swan'ton Rd / Wash Ln / Ibstock Rd, R'stone A5199 Leicester Road, Wigston A4304 Kilworth Rd / High Street, Husbands Bosworth A4304 Lubbenham Hill, Market Harborough A563 Glenhills Way, Leicester A4304 Lutterworth Road / Station Road, N Kilworth A4304 Lutterworth Road, Walcote (Community Concern) Hardwicke Road, Narborough (Community Concern) Huncote Road, Narborough (Community Concern) B5324 Ashby Road / Rempstone Road, Belton (Community Conern) Markfield Road, Ratby (Community Concern)

Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for week beginning July 7

New Leicester Cathedral Gardens officially opened

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Civic dignitaries were joined by hundreds of people for the official opening of the new £2.5 million Leicester Cathedral Gardens this weekend. The event was marked by two days of celebration and activities called "the garden of life". The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, , speaking to the gathering from a stage next to the cathedral, yesterday, said: "These gardens are the fruit of so many years of planning by so many people. "I hope you all are going to feel at home here. "It is your space. It is for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond. "It is for people of all faiths. Ours is a city of all nations and we hope this place will be a place of healing." Ajay Kukdiya and his wife Daksal and their three-year-old son Vatasal went along to the opening. Mr Kukdiya, 32, of Narborough Road, said: "We came here to see what was happening and we are glad we did. "It is a fabulous area and everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming. These gardens have a lovely gentle feel about them." Mrs Kukdiya said: "Our son is having a great time watching the dancers and listening to the choir. "It is amazing that there is this space to explore in the middle of a busy city." Colin Bent and his wife Averil, of Coalville, were at the event to see their granddaughter Ellen Bowley sing in a schools performance of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Mr Bent, 71, said: "This is an amazing transformation at these gardens. "Not that long ago this place looked like a bomb had gone off in it. Now it is a beautiful space full of art and water features and places to sit." Mrs Bent, 69, said: "Our granddaughter has not stopped talking about appearing here. "We are here to support her but also to see just how wonderful they have made this place. I have to say they have done a very good job indeed." David and Vicki Lewis, of Glenfield, were there with their grandchildren Oliver, 12, and Freya, 9. Oliver said: "This place is good. I am looking forward to going on the climbing wall." Freya said: "It is lovely. I am going to have fun in the drum workshop." City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he was delighted to be at the opening of the gardens. He said: "To have such a green oasis right in the very heart of this city is marvellous. County Hall contributed and commissioned a £250,000 sculpture work called Towards Stillness, which is sited in the garden. Leicestershire county council leader Nick Rushton said: "This cathedral is the physical and spiritual heart of the city and the county and we are pleased to have been able to work with the cathedral and the city council on this wonderful project." The two-day celebrations were started by a performance in the gardens by the Curve Youth Theatre. Yesterday there was a climbing tower, puppetry and puppet workshops, face painting and nail art, a drumming workshop, balloon modelling, comedy, dance and music. Today there was more stage entertainment, along with a programme of medieval activities, with costumed performers, displays, storytelling, falconry and jesting.

New Leicester Cathedral Gardens officially opened

Postman jailed after hoarding letters and stealing from packages

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A postman who hoarded more than a 1,200 undelivered letters and stole items from several packages has been jailed for 12 months. Royal Mail investigators found that Mark Nevin (37) had helped himself to two watches, a £50 cash birthday gift and chargers for a mobile phone and an iPod. Nevin, who was based at Hinckley delivery office for 10 years, pleaded guilty to delaying the transmission of mail and theft, between August and October last year. James Thomas, prosecuting, said an inquiry was launched when a customer complained about a postal packet not being delivered on Nevin's round, on October 26. He had reported unfit to work due to illness that day and staff members visited his flat in Middlefield Lane, Hinckley. He was not at home, but in the hallway they saw his Royal Mail bicycle with undelivered mail in the rear panniers. When he returned to work three days later he was suspended and his home was searched on October 31. Mr Thomas said: "There were 1,208 unopened mail items dating back to August 3 and 103 items of opened mail, which included banking documents and new bank cards. "There was no evidence of any misuse of the cards or financial documents." Mr Thomas said: "There's a high level of trust placed in postal workers and the integrity of the system and Royal Mail depends on that trust." Sentencing, Judge Simon Hammond said: "It was betraying the trust of his employers and fellow postal workers. "Letters that go astray can cause considerable inconvenience and distress. "It must be clear if postal workers steal from the Royal Mail they must receive a custodial sentence." The items stolen amounted to in excess of £100, Leicester Crown Court was told. Judge Hammond said: "The gravity of this isn't the value, it's the damage to the integrity of the Royal Mail. "This was a high level of breach of trust." Lynsey Knott, mitigating, said: "He bitterly regrets it and he's ashamed he finds himself in court. "He's also relieved it was brought to the attention of his employer. "For a number of years he's been addicted to heroin which he's been trying to combat and has sought help. "He's trying to reduce his drug use; it's the ultimate reason why this all happened. "He found his health was deteriorating, leaving him lethargic and lacking energy. "He had hepatitis C and underwent seven months of treatment during 2013. "The offending began, due to his symptoms, when he was unable to complete the deliveries. "He took the mail home with the intention of delivering it the following day. "It added to his existing work and the cycle continued until he found himself with the mail backing up and he was unable to cope. "The majority of letters were unopened. "Items were taken from some letters and others were already damaged and he saw the contents. "The temptation was there in front of him and he was in financial difficulty."

Postman jailed after hoarding letters and stealing from packages


What's the best chippy in the county according to readers?

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It has only been open for three-and-a-half months but George's Tradition has been voted the best chippy in the county by our readers. Last week the Mercury launched an online poll to find out which of the county's chippies was our reader's favourite. After more than 300 people voted on our Facebook page, George's Tradition, in Loughborough, beat dozens of other nominations to the top spot. General manager Piers Goode said: "It's fantastic, we're all very happy. It's absolutely brilliant. "It makes all our hard work worth it and assures us we're doing a good job." The shop, which is part of a chain of 10 restaurants and takeaways located across the Midlands, gained nearly 15 per cent of the votes. It was among 70 nominations across the county our readers thought battered the best catch and fried the best potatoes. "I think we won because we pride ourselves on selling fresh produce and we always put our customers first – we have a very good relationship with our customers," said Piers. "Of course, our homemade fish batter sells itself, it's our very own secret recipe." Piers said he would like to thank the shop's customers for voting and they planned to "continue doing the best work we possibly can". Alex Jarrett, who voted for George's Tradition said they were the best "hands down – second to none". Joanne Watson agreed. She said: "George's Tradition Loughborough – best fish and chips ever." Danni Kingston said: "George's Tradition, in Loughborough, hands down does the best chips – not just in Leicestershire but the whole Midlands." Nicole Mann said: "George's Tradition, in Loughborough, is by far the best." George's Tradition was followed closely by Chris's Fish and Chips, in Barwell, which came second. Birstall Fisheries claimed third place, with Bucks Chippy, in Leicester and Grimsby Fisheries, in Welford Road, following closely in fourth and fifth place. This week we are asking our readers to vote for their favourite Leicestershire hairdressers. To vote, visit our Facebook page by searching for Leicester Mercury. We also want you to send in a selfie of you having your hair done at the hairdressers you are nominating. Send your pictures to: newsdesk@leicester mercury.co.uk The poll will be open from midday tomorrow Monday. July 7 and will be closing at midnight on Thursday, July 10.

What's the best chippy in the county according to readers?

Five-year old boy has life-saving heart transplant operation

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Five-year-old Theo Jones relied on life-saving medication to keep him alive. But now thanks to a new heart the youngster from Loughborough has a new lease of life. Theo was a permanent hospital patient relying on constantly administered medication - but earlier this year he had a heart transplant operation at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital. Now Theo, who celebrates his sixth birthday on July 21, can laugh and joke and climb at the same time when previously he did not have the energy to do more than one thing at a time. There were times when his parents Willow Langdale-Smith and Colin Jones just hoped a donor could be found in time. Willow, 34, struggles to hold back the tears as she talks about Theo - who has an older brother Sacha and sister Tabitha and a younger brother Barney. She said her son had turned from a "cold, grey child" to one that is "pink and warm" thanks to his new heart. Willow has spent day and night by her son's side, catching up with her older children some weekends and half-terms. She said: "It has been deeply traumatic to be separated from family and friends. "It has been worrying, lonely, isolating and at times boring not knowing how long Theo was going to be there. "You have a child living on borrowed time and you have to deal with your own fears and your child's." Theo's heart was severely damaged by a virus which he contracted at a week old. Initial treatment seemed to work but early last year Theo's health deteriorated and doctors said the only solution was for him to have a transplant but it could take two years to find a donor. His health quickly deteriorated over the next few months and he was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was permanently attached to a drip so that life-saving medication could be administered round the clock. Then in April doctors told Willow they thought they had a donor heart. She said: "I didn't dare take the news on board. I suddenly realised my whole body was shaking. I couldn't help thinking about the family who were saying goodbye at the same time as Theo had a new chance. "I went and sat outside the hospital to see if I could see the car with the heart arrive - I didn't." Theo's operation began around midnight and there was no news until around 7.30am. Willow said: "It was difficult, the new heart wasn't working, the doctors were finding it difficult to control the bleeding and Theo had to be put on Ecmo - extra corporeal membrane oxygenation - which oxygenates blood outside the body and doctors couldn't stop the bleeding. "He was really very poorly but the doctors said they had seen similar before. "The amount of technology used to keep him alive was unbelievable." Theo was in intensive care for eight weeks before little by little he began to recover and is now well enough to be at home. Willow said: "He was very weak to start with and Theo still uses a wheelchair but he can now climb the stairs without being sick. "It is difficult thinking of the future. Theo is among the first wave of children growing up with transplants and I think the longest living transplant success to date is around 30 years. "But this, thanks to a donor, is buying him not a cure but a quality of life, even if it isn't a very long life."

Five-year old boy has life-saving heart transplant operation

Power cut due to cable fault hits homes and businesses in West End, Leicester

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More than 200 homes and businesses in Leicester suffered a power cut after an underground electric cable developed a fault yesterday. Residents and traders in Narborough Road, West End, suffered power cuts for different lengths of time after the fault was reported at 9.29am. A spokesman for Western Power Distribution said a team was sent out and had to dig up the road to locate the cable and repair the fault. He said: "A total of 202 customers were affected during the day. "We got the first report of the fault at 9.29am and the last customer had supply reconnected at 8.53pm." Nick Shove, who owns and runs Bar Nine in Narborough Road said they suffered a two and a half hour power cut. He said: "We had loads of people in watching the World Cup quarter final between Argentina and Belgium when the power suddenly went off at about 6.30pm. "It was like someone had just flicked big switch and everything went dead. "We lost a lot of customers because they just left as they wanted to watch the match. It really affected our business badly." Mr Shove said he walked out of the bar and could see that many of his neighbouring businesses had suffered a power cut too. He said: "We did what we could to carry on. "We went cash only at the bar and a customer rigged up speakers to a mobile phone to provide some music. "The power went back on just before 9pm and we recovered and had a good Saturday night." The Western Power Distribution spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience customers may have suffered. "We worked as quickly as we could to ensure that people were reconnected as soon as possible."

Thousands take part in Leicester's Race for Life

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Brave mum-of-two Amy Aitken has terminal cancer but took part in Leicester's Race for Life to help others. The 39-year-old, who has cancer in her lungs, yesterday (SUN) walked the 5km course at Victoria Park in Leicester with her two daughters in aid of Cancer Research UK. Amy, of Kibworth, who has breathing difficulties due to the cancer, said: "I know it may be too late for me but I am doing this to help others. "I may not be here for next year's race but I am happy to do my bit this year with my beautiful daughters and fabulous friends." Amy, who was told by doctors last August that her cancer is terminal, was one of 4,800 women taking part in the Leicester Race for Life at Victoria Park. The park was a sea of pink as 3,500 women tackled the 5km race at 10.30am and 1,300 took part in the 10km event at 2pm. Amy took one hour and 10 minutes to complete the 5km course with daughters Daisy, 17, and four-year-old Scarlett. More than 140 friends formed 'Team Amy' and raised more than £7,500 by tackling the race. Amy said: "It was hard work and I was so out of breath but I was determined to finish the course. "Whenever I felt as if I could not go on my daughters and my friends and the thought of helping others kept me going. "I am taking every day as it comes because doctors told me the cancer was terminal. "The thing is that I am stubborn and will keep fighting to the end." Daisy, a student at Beauchamp College, Oadby, said: "My mum is the best mum in the world. "She is a total inspiration to me and to everyone who knows her. "She will never give up hope she might beat this cancer and so will I. We will fight it all the way together." Amy's reason to take part in the race was just one of many inspirational stories among the thousands of women participating. Jeanette Dunkley tackled the 5km course to keep a promise she made to her dying husband. The 46-year-old, from Thurnby Lodge, said: "My wonderful husband Lee died from cancer in March last year aged just 43. "Before he died we talked about many things and he told me he wanted me to do this race to try to help raise money to fund research into cancer. "He said he knew it was too late for him but he wanted to do this to try to help others. That was so typical of his caring nature." Jeanette was joined in the 5km race by her sister Karen King, of Bushby, and a dozen friends. Jeanette's 13-year-old son Harry was there to cheer his mother on. Five friends got together and braved the sunny weather by completing the 5km course dressed as nuns. The 'Nuns on the Run' from Lutterworth were Sharon Smith, Caroline Emmett, Zoe Booth, Sarah Downs and Debbie Birchall. Sharon, 45, said: "We are here because we all know someone who has suffered from cancer whether it be a friend or a relative." A dozen runners - four mums and eight children - tackled the course as the 'Mrs Dad Dancers'. The mums were Sally Muir, Corinne Hutton, Helen Fort, Bella Tomlinson and Margaret Vernon. The children were Milly, 16, Becky, 13, Evie, 13, Scarlett, 12, Elki, 11, Libby, 11, Esme, 7, and five-year-old Florrie. Sally Muir, of Burton Overy, said: "Our husbands all ride bikes and raise money for charity and call themselves the 'Dad Dancers. "We thought we would take a leaf out of their book and call ourselves the 'Mrs Dad Dancers'. It's all good fun and for a great cause." Amy Hall, of Cancer Research UK, said the event had been a tremendous success. She said: "It never ceases to amaze us just how wonderful all these women are. "Once again they have turned out in their thousands to have fun and to raise money for a brilliant cause." Last year the event raised more than £335,000. Race for Life will also take part in Loughborough on Sunday July 27, beginning at Market Place in the town. To enter Race for Life call 0845 600 6050 or go to: www.raceforlife.org See more pictures from this morning's run: Gallery: Leicester Race for Life 2014 - 5km run See more pictures from this afternoon's run: Gallery: Leicester Race for Life 2014 - 10km run

Thousands take part in Leicester's Race for Life

Driver escapes unhurt after car flips and lands on roof on hard shoulder of M1 in Leicestershire

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A driver escaped injury after a car flipped over and and landed on its roof on a motorway today. Three fire crews attended the one-vehicle incident after the car landed on its roof on the hard shoulder of the northbound section of the M1 between junctions 21A and 22 in Leicestershire. Crews from Western, Southern and Coalville fire stations were called out at 1.58pm to deal with the incident. A police spokeswoman said no-one was injured in the incident.

Driver escapes unhurt after car flips and lands on roof on hard shoulder of M1 in Leicestershire

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