A landmark building which has been largely empty for over a decade could be sold.
The agent in charge of finding a new owner for St George's Central – widely known as the Blue Tower – said although a serious bid for the Leicester site had stalled, he was hopeful of moving it forward.
Kevin Mersh, a director at commercial agent Savills, said he hoped to revive the bid, made by a property developer, after it hit legal issues.
The 22-storey building, in St George's Way, has occupants for about a quarter of the site, include a Premier Inn hotel.
"It was in solicitors' hands to sell the property to a particular party, but that has not proceeded," said Mr Mersh.
"We are progressing discussions with that party and a number of others.
"We are only interested in selling the whole thing.
"These are specialist property companies, people that only specialise in owning and developing property."
St George's Central was effectively repossessed by Anglo Irish Bank in 2009 from developer Magnet Property Investments.
Commuters faced rush hour chaos when two cars crashed at a busy junction on a main route into Leicester this morning. Police were called to the collision at the junction of Knighton Lane East and Welford Road at 6.40am. No-on was injured but lanes were blocked for about two hours while the vehicles were recovered, causing long tailbacks.
FOLLOWING the shock defeat of world champions New Zealand on their last outing, England flanker Tom Croft admits the Red Rose are under pressure to emerge victorious from the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
The Leicester Tigers ace earned a recall to Stuart Lancaster's squad ahead of the opener against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, following eight months out through injury.
Croft is unlikely to be available to Lancaster until the later stages of the competition, particularly after leaving the field early in only his second game back from an eight-month injury layoff as his club side Leicester Tigers beat Wasps in the LV= Cup on Saturday.
But the 27-year-old admits he will have an eye on events in the Calcutta Cup, and is aware of the need for Lancaster's men to get off to a good start.
"The win against New Zealand was massive for England as a whole in terms of restoring faith and giving the boys confidence," he said.
"Going into the Six Nations there will be a lot of pressure on them.
"After that win they will be expected to go well and in that first game against Scotland will expect a big show, with hopefully the right result going our way.
"I think if we are going to build upon where we were last year, only losing one game, we have really got to push on and aim to win the title this year.
"It's a highly contested tournament. We have got the players that were blooded for the first time in the last Six Nations and now they have a few more caps through the summer and in the autumn.
"They are more experienced now, and hopefully we can push on and really put pressure on the other teams."
SSE has launched Rugby Energy, supporting community rugby clubs by giving them advice on saving money on their energy bills. To kick start 2013 SSE are offering clubs £10,000 worth of kit. For your chance to WIN just register on www.SSERugby.com and find out how your club can start benefitting.
Leicester City's npower Championship match away at Cardiff City will now take place on Tuesday, April 9 (kick-off 7.45pm).
The match was rescheduled because of City's FA Cup Fourth Round Replay against Huddersfield Town, which will take place on Tuesday, February 12.
The game at the Cardiff City Stadium now falls between Leicester's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, April6, and the home game against Birmingham City on Saturday, April 13.
Flood warnings are no longer in place in Leicestershire but four roads remain closed due to flooding.
The following roads remain closed in both directions:
- Syston Road, in Cossington, both ways at Cossington Mill.
- Slash Lane, in Sileby, both ways between Sileby Road and Mountsorrel Lane.
- Sileby Road, in Sileby, both ways between Barrow Road and Slash Lane.
- Granite Way, in Mountsorrel, both ways between A6 and Leicester Road.
Flood alerts are still in place for the River Wreake and tributaries from Stapleford to the River Soar at Syston and on the Lower River Soar at Slash Lane, in Sileby, and the Mountsorrel to Sileby Road.
More rain is forecast for later today and tomorrow. Outbreaks of rain will spread across the Midlands this afternoon and will be heavy at times. It will remain mild with maximum temperatures of 12C. Tonight it will be overcast and windy with more rain. Tomorrow will continue to be cloudy with outbreaks of rain. Flooding on Sileby Lane, Mountsorrel, LeicestershireFlooded paths at the Waterside Pub, Sileby Lane, MountsorrelHGV's negotiate floodwater on Granite Way, MountsorrelHorses in floodwater in fields at the A6 between Barrow and SilebyFlooded road at Cossington
People from Melton Mowbray and further afield flocked to Pera Conference Centre on Saturday with their antiques, to take part in the filming of the ITV show Dickinson's Real Deal - and the chance to walk away with hundreds of pounds in cash.
Visitors brought along their antiques for valuation - and if selected for filming - had the chance to accept or reject a cash offer from a professional dealer. David Dickinson was on hand throughout the day to offer advice to sellers, who could also choose to send their antiques to auction instead.
The auction itself will take place on Wednesday 3 April 2013 at Golding, Young and Mawer auction house in Grantham. The recording in Melton Mowbray will be used as part of a series of 80 programmes to be broadcast on ITV throughout 2013 and 2014; with footage from the day used for up to four separate shows.
If you missed the day, then Dickinson's Real Deal is filming again in Leicestershire on Saturday 16 February 2013 at Loughborough College.
Did you go along to Dickinson's Real Deal in Melton Mowbray? Let us know if you got the 'Real Deal' by adding your comments in the box below. (You'll need to Join / Login - but this can be done with your Facebook, Google or Twitter ID).
Clubs have less than 72 hours to secure the signatures of their model players, as the transfer window will slam shut at 11pm on Thursday.
We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer news and gossip every day this week.
Share your thoughts or transfer predictions by commenting below or tweeting with the hashtag #ThisIsTransfer. In Summary:
MONDAY Speculation over Richie Wellens loan move
FRIDAY City extend loan of Man Utd's Michael Keane UPDATE 4.40PM: Swindon Town striker Paul Benson has completed a loan move to Cheltenham for the rest of the season.
The deal was revived after Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio made it clear Benson was no longer in his plans, BBC Sport reports. UPDATE 4.20PM: Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will sign a four-and-a-half year contract with AC Milan subject to passing a medical tomorrow, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 3.50PM: Plymouth Argyle striker Rhys Griffiths has been told he can leave Home Park by manager John Sheridan.
The 32-year-old, who was signed by former Argyle manager Carl Fletcher in the summer, has according to Sky Sports been told he is surplus to requirements.
He will be allowed to move on if he can find a new club. UPDATE 3.40PM: Reading have agreed a fee with Sheffield United for striker Nick Blackman.
Blackman is set to undergo a medical at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday ahead of signing a four-and-a-half year deal, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 3.40PM: West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted there is 'total confusion' regarding Mohamed Diame.
The future of the midfielder, who has been linked with Arsenal and Aston Villa, remains unclear. UPDATE 3.30PM: York City have brought in Derry striker David McDaid on a two-year contract.
McDaid becomes the club's fourth new signing. UPDATE 3.30PM: Port Vale "are holding fire on contract talks until they know which division they will be playing in next season", Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 2.40PM: Notts County chairman Ray Trew has given Keith Curle the go-ahead to add to his squad ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline, Sky Sports reports.
Curle is eager to bolster his attack after allowing veteran striker Lee Hughes to leave the club by mutual consent. UPDATE 2.30PM: Cardiff City have signed Connah's Quay striker Rhys Healey for an undisclosed fee. The 18-year-old has penned a contract which will keep him at the club until 2015. UPDATE 2.20PM: Patrick Kisnorbo has extended his Ipswich Town stay until the end of the season. UPDATE 2PM: Blackpool are reported to have rejected a bid from Reading for England Under-21 winger Tom Ince. UPDATE 1PM: Ipswich are set to finalise a deal for Colchester United's Anthony Wordsworth, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile Birmingham have reportedly rejected an enquiry from Norwich for defender Curtis Davies. UPDATE 12PM: Harry Redknapp has confirmed Queens Park Rangers have expressed an interest in Stoke striker Peter Crouch.
The boss said he doubts a deal will happen, however. UPDATE 11.45AM: Chelsea have made an approach for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, Sky Sports reports.
Birmingham are considering selling Butland due to their financial problems, Sky Sports says. UPDATE 11.30AM: Oldham Athletic have signed former favourite Paul Murray on a contract until the end of the season after the midfielder recently left League One rivals Hartlepool United, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 11.25AM: Bournemouth have confirmed striker Frank Demouge has joined Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC Kerkrade on loan for the rest of the season, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 11.20AM: Leeds United have emerged as favourites to sign Stephen Warnock ahead of West Ham . UPDATE 11.15AM: Reading manager Brian McDermott has confirmed the club have made a bid for Blackpool winger Tom Ince. UPDATE 11AM: Queens Park Rangers striker Rob Hulse has joined Millwall on loan until the end of the season.
He will help to cover the recent sale of Darius Henderson to Nottingham Forest, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile St Johnstone have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Michael Doughty on loan. Saints manager Steve Lomas said: "We have taken young Michael Doughty from QPR. They have kindly let us have Michael." UPDATE 10.30AM: Nottingham Forest must prioritise the signing of Birmingham City's Chris Burke before the closure of the transfer window.
The Post says Forest cannot afford to have a void to fill.
Forest have upped the ante in their efforts to sign Burke, by lodging a fresh £500,000 bid for the winger. UPDATE 10AM: Bolton have agreed a deal to sign Irish starlet Cian Bolger from Championship rivals Leicester City, Sky Sports understands. UPDATE 9.50AM: Reading are lining up a move to hijack Crystal Palace's swoop for Sheffield United striker Nick Blackman, Sky Sports understands. The Potters could see a number of ins and outs before the closure of the transfer window on Thursday.
Possible outs include Peter Crouch to Queens Park Rangers (The Sun), Kenwyne Jones to Turkey or Swansea (various), Asmir Begovic to a Manchester club (but presumably not Rochdale – The Sun).
Possible ins include: Danny Graham (The Times), Carl Jenkinson (Mirror), Andreas Cornelius (Signal Radio) and Brek Shea (Soccer By Ives). Hull City look set to meet further frustrations in their efforts to re-sign Ahmed Elmohamady before Thursday's transfer deadline, with Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill reluctant to approve a second loan this week.
Elmohamady has been back at the Stadium of Light for the last fortnight after seeing his influential season-long loan with the Tigers unexpectedly cut short on January 15.
Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rejected the latest speculation Barcelona striker David Villa could move to the Emirates Stadium this month. Sunderland goalkeeper Johnny Maddison is joining Crawley Town on loan until the end of the season. Albion are eager to extend the month-long loan of 19-year-old Manchester City winger Adam Drury.
Gary Rowett said: "The idea was that we might extend it if it was going well for both of us and I'm talking to Manchester City about doing so". Bolton Wanderers have joined the race for the signature of Bristol City star Albert Adomah.
The 25-year-old winger is already wanted by Championship promotion contenders Crystal Palace, who have had two bids turned down since last Thursday.
The Post has learned Palace will now face competition from Championship rivals Bolton. Colchester midfielder John-Joe O'Toole has extended his loan stay with League Two side Bristol Rovers.
O'Toole joined the Pirates on New Year's Eve. He will now remain at the Memorial Stadium until April 2 - taking his loan up to the maximum 93-day period. Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is on the radar of QPR manager Harry Redknapp, the Sun reports.
According to the newspaper, Redknapp wants 31-year-old Crouch to play for him for a fifth time.
Stoke is also one of three clubs understood to be interested in bringing back Lazio striker Mauro Zarate to England.
According to Sky Sports, Stoke, Sunderland and Liverpool have "cast an eye in Zarate's direction". Swansea City striker Danny Graham has asked to quit Swansea, reports suggest.
Last night the 27-year-old reportedly told Michael Laudrup he wants out for "personal reasons", hours after the Swansea chief insisted Graham could stay. Swansea refused to comment, and at 8pm yesterday Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed reports claiming the striker has requested a move.
Sunderland remain poised to complete a £5.5m transfer, with Graham still believed to be Martin O'Neill's top target.
Laudrup revealed he could sign a player on loan this month amid mounting speculation over the future of Graham.
Meanwhile Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm has emerged as a shock target for Barcelona, talkSPORT reports.
The 29-year-old, who joined Swansea in a bargain deal from Utrecht, is contracted to the Liberty Stadium club until 2016.
And in other City news, Wayne Routledge has followed Michu's lead by signing a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2016.
Routledge had 18 months left on his current deal, but his stellar performances this season have been rewarded with a fresh three-and-a-half year deal. Exeter forward Elliott Chamberlain has joined Bath City on a one-month loan deal.
The 20-year-old will be available for tonight's home match against Welling United. Hull City manager Steve Bruce yesterday admitted he is struggling to bring in a new striker to replace the injured Sone Aluko. Port Vale have extended striker Calvin Andrew's contract until the end of the season.
Andrew has made seven appearances for the League Two leaders since signing a short-term deal in November.
Andrew says he is confident he can find his peak form and impress Vale fans in whatever position boss Micky Adams asks him to play. Cheltenham have signed midfielder Jason Taylor on a two and-a-half year deal after his release from Rotherham.
The Millers cancelled the 26-year-old's contract by mutual consent on Monday and he joined the Robins just hours later. Gillingham midfielder Danny Jackman has joined non-league Kidderminster on an 18-month contract.
The 30-year-old midfielder has linked up with Harriers in order to be closer to his family, Sky Sports reports. Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton is poised to join Spanish side Real Mallorca on loan for the remainder of the season, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has this morning confirmed talks have started with Andreas Weimann regarding a new contract.
Weimann still has 18 months left on his current deal and Lambert says it would be "great" if the striker signs an extension. West Bromwich have rejected a second offer from QPR for unsettled striker Peter Odemwingie.
Albion turned down an initial bid earlier this month and they also refused Odemwingie's formal transfer request last Friday. Wolves central defender Richard Stearman is poised to join Ipswich on loan for the remainder of the season, Sky Sports reports. Wigan are stepping up their efforts to sign Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero from Mexican side Monarcas Morelia in a £2.75million deal, according to the Daily Mail.
The decision comes after the club was priced out of a move for Spartak Moscow's Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is among Bayern Munich's top summer transfer targets as incoming manager Pep Guardiola begins planning for next season, the Independent reports.
Meanwhile Brendan Rodgers has admitted he is hopeful of making additions to his Liverpool squad before the transfer window shuts on Thursday night. Arsenal have opened formal talks with Barcelona to sign David Villa, Goal.com reports.
The Gunners' contract negotiator Dicky Law has been in Spain to negotiate the transfer of the country's all-time leading goalscorer, and Arsenal are hopeful they can push through the deal.
Meanwhile AZ Alkmaar's midfield starlet Adam Maher has been urged to join Arsenal - by his own manager.
According to the Metro, Maher's boss Gertjan Verbeek has advised the youngster to stay put for this season and hold out for a better move to the Gunners.
Verbeek said: "I think Arsenal would be a good environment for him".
And the Sun claims free agent David Beckham has agreed a top-secret plan with Arsenal to train with the first-team squad while he ponders his next move.
In other news, Grant Holt could be allowed to leave Norwich City if Chris Hughton, the manager, can sign either Celtic's Gary Hooper or Ricky van Wolfswinkel of Sporting Lisbon, the Guardian reports. Galatasaray have announced the signing of former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba on an 18-month deal. Tottenham are trying to pull off a last-minute swoop for £20m Brazilian striker Leondro Damiao from Internacional, according to the Daily Star. Fulham are close to signing Brazilian-born Belgium international striker Igor de Camargo, from Borussia Monchengladbach, according to the Mirror. Blackburn's loan striker Colin Kazim-Richards is being recalled by Galatasaray and sold to Bursaspor, the Mail reports. Southampton are monitoring Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino, as Hoffenheim could be prepared to sell the player, according to reports in Germany.
Firmino has a contract with the Bundesliga club until June 2015.
North, who also pleaded guilty to common assault, will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on 15 February.
Adam Barker, 34, of Willoughby Gardens, Oakham, was also charged with Mr Corby's murder and unlawful wounding causing grievous bodily harm to another man. The murder charge has been dropped and Barker pleaded not guilty to a lesser charge of causing actual bodily harm. He will be tried at Leicester Crown Court on 16 March and has been released on bail until then.
Pedestrians and cyclists had to dodge an enormous pool of water after a water pipe burst near De Montfort University's campus. The burst underground pipe, in Grasmere Street, forced the pavement to burst open, and saw water pouring into nearby Mill Lane. A spokeswoman from Severn Trent said members of the public reported the leak to the company on Sunday and repairs began today. She said: "We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we repair the burst water pipe. "It did not affect the water supply to customers in the area." The spokeswoman said that further repairs were due to be completed tomorrow. She added: "Both the footpath and road will be fully reinstated by the end of tomorrow."
Severe tailbacks have been caused on the southbound carriageway on the M1 near Lutterworth after a lorry broke down and fuel spilled on the carriageway. One lane has been closed while the spillage is cleared near Junction 20 with the A4303. The incident occurred shortly before 3.30pm. Lane reopened at 4.22pm
Rail bosses have accused politicians of scaremongering over concerns thousands of jobs could be jeopardised by the High Speed 2 (HS2) route.
Last week, the Leicester Mercury revealed the route of the second phase of the £32 billion project to carry 225mph passenger trains between the West Midlands and Leeds. The details were confirmed by the Government yesterday.
The announcement the line would cut through North West Leicestershire before entering a 2km tunnel under East Midlands Airport was met with dismay.
The detailed route shows HS2 re-emerging from the airport tunnel in the middle of a site earmarked by developer Roxhill as a rail freight depot.
Roxhill would create 6,000 jobs and secure millions of pounds for road improvement projects in the area.
Both Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton and North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said it was unlikely both projects could progress.
However, the Government-owned HS2 Ltd company hit back yesterday.
A spokesman said: "It's simply scaremongering to say it will hold back development.
"The planned freight hub in north west Leicestershire will already be rail-connected and we want to ensure that both this development and HS2 can go ahead.
"We will be meeting the developers very shortly to work together to find the best route for both projects.
"HS2 is an engine for growth that will create jobs and boost our economy."
Nobody from Roxhill was available for comment yesterday, but Councillor Rushton said he was unconvinced by HS2's assurances.
He said it would be a huge loss to the county should the Roxhill scheme be called off, particularly as HS2 will not have a Leicestershire station.
The nearest stop will be a new station at Toton Sidings, between Nottingham and Derby.
Coun Rushton said: "They told me I could ask for the tunnel to be extended so it does not come out in the Roxhill site. Well, that would bring it out in the middle of Lockington.
"The detailed proposals show them occupying the same space.
"I can't see how they will make it work."
He said he feared communities along the routes, such as Measham, Packington and Tonge, would suffer from the noise of high-speed trains.
Mr Bridgen said the outlined HS2 route passed very close to his home in Appleby Magna, as well as his vegetable business, AB Produce, in Measham.
He said: "It goes right through the field outside my front door. I suppose it shows there is no favouritism.
"I am also a couple of weeks away from putting in for planning permission for an extension to my factory – an anaerobic digester which will create electricity.
"Where does this leave that?
"I already have concerns about the cost of HS2, the damage to the countryside and whether it would re-balance the regional economy as planned.
"Having seen the impact it would have on North West Leicestershire, where we would suffer all of the pain and none of the gain, it only reinforces my views against HS2.
"It will create a blight now which will affect the area for years to come."
A spokesman for the airport said it was unaware of the tunnel plans when contacted by the Mercury last week.
Yesterday, a spokesman said: "We will clearly need to digest the announcement and we will then work closely with HS2 to understand the implications for East Midlands Airport in more detail."
National Forest Company chief executive Sophie Churchill said the HS2 route would affect the area. "This is, potentially, another major transport route cutting a line right across the forest," she said.
The Government has said HS2 would boost the economy by slashing rail journey times.
The line between Birmingham and Leeds is unlikely to open before 2032.
North West Leicestershire Labour Party spokesman John Legrys said: "It will sterilise development along that corridor for 20 years and if it does cost us Roxhill, those jobs will be a huge loss."
Councillor Rory Palmer, Leicester's deputy mayor, said: "Any benefits which HS2 will provide are decades away. In my view, the urgent priority for rail improvements in the East Midlands is upgrading the Midland Mainline.
"The Government plans say faster trains will be on the Midland Mainline by the end of 2019 but we need it to be sooner than that.
"There will be benefits for the East Midlands from HS2, but those advantages are decades away.
"We need action now to boost the regional economy and bringing forward the Midland Mainline plans can help to do that."
HS2 Ltd said it expected 105 properties would need to be demolished to make way for the Birmingham to Leeds leg, but could not say yesterday how many of them would be in Leicestershire.
Some compulsory purchases of property will be inevitable.
A consultation was launched yesterday and is due to last until April 29.
MPs have rejected a plan which could have seen the political map of Leicestershire redrawn before the 2015 General Election.
Yesterday the Government was hoping to get approval for a review of constituencies that would see the number of MPs cut from 650 to 500.
However the Liberal Democrats voted with Labour against their Conservative Coalition partners.
By 334 votes to 292 they voted accept changes made by peers which mean the boundaries will not be redrawn until at least 2018.
Under the changes the existing North West Leicestershire constituency would have been split and Coalville would have been linked with Keyworth, 24 miles away in Nottinghamshire.
Current Tory MP Andrew Bridgen voted with the Government despite the fact it would have meant his constituency would have been carved up.
He said the move would have saved £25 million a year as there would be 50 fewer MPs and ensured constituencies with equal populations.
He told the Mercury: "It's a conspiracy against the Conservatives between Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the minority parties and I hope they feel a twinge of conscience.
"However this will change eventually but it means we will fight 2015 on the same boundaries. I will continue to represent the people of North west Leicestershire until they tell me they want someone else.
"I have always supported the review and just because the Boundary Commission came back, independently with a recommendation that I was a victim of, I didn't feel I could change my position."
North West Leicestershire Labour spokesman John Legrys said: "I am pleased. Putting Coalville with Keyworth was one of the more eccentric proposals of the Boundaries Commission."
North West Leicestershire Lib Dem Chairman Michael Wyatt said: "Putting Coalville with Keyworth would have been an electoral disaster."
The other major change for Leicestershire would have been move Lutterworth from the South Leicestershire constituency and put it with Daventry in Northamptonshire.
This Saturday Oadby Town entertain Northampton Sileby Rangers in a top of the table clash. Oadby go into the game two points behind Sileby Rangers and a win would promote Oadby to the top of the table.
The game kicks off at 3 pm and with no Leicester City or Leicester Tigers games on Saturday, all sports fans are welcome to come along and watch with the Oadby Town team featuring ex Leicester City players Jon Stevenson and Stefan Oakes you are assured of a good afternoon.
Nigel Pearson has agreed to extend Jeff Schlupp's training stint with Manchester United.
The 20-year-old has spent the past two weeks with United at their Carrington training ground, and Pearson said he was happy for Schlupp to continue his stay there.
United are understood to be very interested in the Ghana international, who came through the ranks at City as a striker, and are looking at him as a possible left-back.
Schlupp was first moved to full-back by former City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson and has used him as cover for Paul Konchesky this season.
City boss Pearson said: "He has stayed there and we have agreed to extend that so I think it is a great experience for the lad."
Pearson doesn't think there will be much movement in or out at City before the transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow.
City have so far recruited Chris Wood from West Bromwich Albion and defender Michael Keane's loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season. Centre-back Cian Bolger is expected to join Bolton Wanderers on a permanent deal today.
"We always try to do our business early but, if there is any late business then, hopefully, we will get it done," said Pearson said. "I don't really envisage too much happening.
"I can't say at this point (if there will be more business). If there is any further business you will find out at the appropriate time but it remains to be seen.
"It is not the easiest window to operate in because most clubs want to hang on to their players. You can sometimes find prices are inflated.
"I don't know too many managers who are in a hurry to off load their best players.
"I am not aware of any clubs coming in for my players and, if they did, I would try to rebuff them."
Winger Anthony Knockaert is a major doubt for Leicester City's clash with Wolves tomorrow night.
The Frenchman has been nursing an ankle injury he picked up against Bristol City earlier this month.
After missing last week's FA Cup tie at Huddersfield, City manager Nigel Pearson said Knockaert was his biggest injury concern ahead of the visit of struggling Wolves.
Pearson said there were a few players who would be assessed ahead of the game.
However, there was some good news for City as Pearson confirmed that defender Sean St Ledger had made his return after a problematic hamstring injury.
"Anthony is doubtful," said Pearson. "He has had a scan on his ankle.
"We just have to see how he progresses between now and Thursday.
"It doesn't give us much time to get him fit, but we will see how he is.
"We will have another look at the minor knocks we have had and manage those as best we can. Anthony is the main doubt at this point."
Pearson said it was great news that St Ledger managed 45 minutes in the development squad's 1-1 draw at Leeds on Monday, but warned he would not rush the Republic of Ireland international back into first-team action after he injured his hamstring against Bristol City on October 6.
"Sean played half a game on Monday but he has a long way to go," said Pearson.
"He is training and has had some pitch-time, but he has had a long time out now. We have to get the balance right.
"I don't want people to start putting huge expectation on him being back in the next week or so, because that is not going to happen. But it was good to get him in and around the players and he will feel a lot better in himself for getting some pitch-time.
"That is always important in a player's rehabilitation."
City's other injury absentee will be Zak Whitbread, who is on his way back after a calf injury.
Leicester Lions will be locking horns with arch rivals Coventry Bees.
The East Midlands Bowl will be at stake when the two near-neighbours clash at Beaumont Park on Saturday, March 16.
The competition was the traditional season-opener between the two clubs before the end of the Lions' Blackbird Road era in 1983.
It will be the first competitive meeting of the season at Beaumont Park and promoter David Hemsley said: "It is great to resurrect the East Midlands Bowl and the traditional rivalry from two clubs full of history.
"This will be the first time in the modern era of Leicester Speedway that the two teams have come face-to-face on a full one-to-seven basis and it is fantastic we have that opportunity.
"It is an excellent way to start our 2013 campaign, and it continues to demonstrate that Leicester Speedway is fully committed to operating at the highest level of competition.
"We look forward to welcoming Grand Prix stars such as Krzysztof Kasprzak and British champion Scott Nicholls gracing our shale.
"I am sure the supporters will turn out in force to support the Lions and Bees when the oldest Midland's derby of them all recommences on March 16."
Elite League Coventry will be at full strength apart from Adam Roynon, who will be making his debut for the Lions against his parent club, so the Bees will be tracking a guest as a replacement.
"This is a mouth-watering opener for both Coventry and Leicester," said Bees promoter Mick Horton.
"This meeting will generate a big crowd and will give Leicester a real test against us.
"Our relationship is very good and I am more than happy to take this challenge. We will be at full strength and this meeting will give the boys a chance to brush off the cobwebs.
"I think the Leicester promotion have done a great job with the club and I certainly hope they will join us in the top flight for 2014."
Senior trio Tom Croft, Thomas Waldrom and Geordan Murphy could all play some part in Leicester Tigers' deciding LV= Cup pool game at Llanelli Scarlets, on Sunday.
While all three are unlikely to start, their probable involvement off the bench shows director of rugby Richard Cockerill is keen to have experience to call upon if Tigers need a win to reach the semi-finals.
They will know exactly what is required by the time they kick off at the Parc Y Scarlets with Pool Two leaders Sale Sharks playing at Wasps 24 hours earlier.
Important
If Sale pick up a bonus-point win at Adams Park, they will top the group whatever Tigers do. But if they return with anything less, Tigers could edge them out and continue the defence of their title.
"There is an opportunity to get into the semi-finals again but the important thing for us is to win," said Cockerill.
"If that gets us to the last four, then great. If not, it's important to keep the momentum going on the back of nine games without defeat.
"We want to keep that winning habit and go into the London Welsh game in the Premiership on the back of another good performance.
"We will send pretty much the same team down to the Scarlets as we beat Wasps with last week. We don't have a huge amount of choice.
"And with another week's training under our belt, we will be less rusty and hopefully, a bit smoother.
"Tom Croft has bruising in his back but we hope he will take some part in the game.
"It's important that we give him a bit of playing time, especially with Steve Mafi's injury. At the same time, we have to manage his neck properly.
"Geordan Murphy will be involved too. We are hoping to get him some game time off the bench.
"And Thomas Waldrom may be involved with us on the bench because we haven't got many back-rowers left over and Tommy needs a bit of run."
The second row is another area where Leicester are short on resources and Cockerill confirmed that 19-year-old Harry Wells would be a likely starter with Rob Andrew in the lock positions after being released from England Under-20s duty.
Wells gets his chance after Tom Price's injury on Saturday and Cockerill paid tribute to the staff at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for their efforts following the 20-year-old's nasty knock to the head.
"Tom was very well looked after," he said. "We had all the right scans and X-rays and, thankfully, given the way the injury looked at the time, it is just concussion.
"He is a little bit groggy, but he is doing pretty well and should be fit to play again in the next week or two."
A consultant surgeon is facing disciplinary action following an operation in which part of a needle was left in a child.
The patient had to be re-anaesthetised so it could be removed.
The incident in October was one of six "never" events – serious preventable patients' safety incidents which the Government says should not occur – at Leicester's hospitals since the beginning of April last year.
In a report due before directors of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust tomorrow, Moira Durbridge, director of safety and risk, says of the needle incident: "During wound closure, the suture needle broke and became disconnected from the thread. Searches were made but the needle was not located.
"The child was allowed to leave the theatre without being X-rayed and later returned to theatre, where an X-ray confirmed that the needle was in the child."
The child, who has fully recovered, had to have another operation to remove the needle.
Ms Durbridge said an investigation found that trust policy relating to items such as instruments and needles had not been followed. She said: "The policy states that if something is missing, until proven otherwise, it must be assumed that the item is in the wound.
"An apology was made to the mother and child at the time and she was informed of the investigation process."
Another investigation is also under way after doctors failed to remove a swab from a patient in November.
It happened after a woman had a Caesarian section.
The swab, similar to a tampon, should have been removed the following day, but was discovered the day after that and was removed by a doctor.
Ms Durbridge said: "These type of swabs are often used after the delivery of a baby and clearly they should be removed but it was not a life-threatening incident. The patient has received an apology and has been informed of the investigation."
wrong finger
She said the processes in relation to checking all surgical swabs, instruments and needles were accounted for at the end of an operation had now been strengthened.
Other "never" events have included an incident in April when one patient was given the wrong lens during cataract surgery and had to have a second operation to put in the correct one.
In a second incident that month, a trainee surgeon noticed the consultant starting to make a cut on the wrong finger of a female patient. The wound was dressed and surgery carried out on the correct finger.
In May, a patient had the wrong tooth taken out and in August a patient was given the wrong dose of medication.
Ms Durbridge said that over the past year the hospitals have carried out about 148,000 operations.
County health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "It may only be a few incidents, but for those patients involved it is a big issue and an extra trauma I am sure they can do without."
A man told a jury he did not rape a prostitute or attempt to murder her after picking her up on the street.
Arturas Ardavicius (26) is accused of twice strangling her until she was unconscious in an alleged double rape ordeal.
The prosecution alleged he showed the 31-year-old woman, who was in the early stages of pregnancy, no mercy when she told him she was expecting a child.
Ardavicius, a Lithuanian national, of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, Leicester, denies attempted murder and twice raping the woman, in the early hours of July 7.
Giving evidence in his defence at Leicester Crown Court, Ardavicius, a warehouse worker, spoke through an interpreter.
He said that having walked home from a nightclub, after drinking vodka and beer, he found he was locked out of the house and decided to sleep in his car.
He told the jury: "I was drunk, but I was okay."
He said he drove to somewhere quiet to sleep, ending in Kent Street, off Humberstone Road, where he stopped to read text messages from his girlfriend.
Ardavicius claimed he was then approached by the complainant who asked him if he wanted "business".
He accepted and claimed she directed him to the isolated track on Richard III Road, although the woman told the jury he had insisted on taking her there.
The defendant claimed she performed a sex act upon him for £20.
He said they did not have intercourse at any stage and no rape or strangulation took place.
He told the jury: "I felt a bit sleepy after the sex. She wanted me to take her back. I said I'd give her £10 for a taxi. She wasn't happy."
He claimed he then noticed her "drop something" and realised it was his wallet, emptied of up to £200 in cash.
He said: "She tried to run away. I chased her. I grabbed her shoulders. She was screaming and shouting.
"I held her head in a head lock, putting my arm around her neck. I sat her down.
"I told her to give me my money back from my wallet."
Ardavicius said when two milk floats arrived on the scene he quickly left in his car because he felt "embarrassed".
He told the jury that when first questioned by police he lied about being with a prostitute, saying: "I was scared. I didn't want my girlfriend to find out. I love her. I've never been unfaithful to her before."
The jury was told that in December 2003, when aged 17, he stabbed a man he had disarmed, during a fight in Lithuania, for which he served a custodial sentence of four years and three months.
Giving evidence earlier in the trial, the alleged victim claimed Ardavicius drove her to an isolated dirt track on Richard III Road.
She alleged he became violent during consensual sex and began throttling her. She claimed she feared for her life.
The trial continues.
Drivers face an increase of up to 3p a litre on fuel prices, the AA has warned.
Experts say the recent price increases at the petrol pumps may be followed by more in the next couple of weeks.
Petrol prices have been creeping up again after more than three months of decreases and the AA has accused retailers of failing to fully pass on a 2p fall in diesel wholesale costs in November and December.
The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) said the recent rise in petrol costs was due to an unexplained leap in wholesale prices of 5p a litre since Christmas.
They suggest the rising prices at the pumps are due to "speculation" by traders in the wholesale market.
The AA warning comes as the Office of Fair Trading was today due to announce the findings of a review into whether reductions in the price of crude oil are being passed on to motorists.
Yesterday, motorists in Leicester said the expected increases would affect their livelihoods and family budgets.
Self-employed taxi driver Chris Banks said every time the price goes up at the pumps, his standard of living falls.
The 63-year-old from Clarendon Park said: "It has got beyond a joke now. The cost of fuel, which is essential to my business, just keeps on going up and up.
"I can't pass on the increase to my customers because I will lose business, so I have to take the hit. It's madness."
Carpenter Fitz Henry said the fluctuating price of petrol made every visit to the garage a lottery.
The 47-year-old from St Matthew's, in Leicester, said: "It just seems to change all the time.
"One week it is going down – but not very often – and the next week it is going up again."
Mum-of-six Londo Grace said the high price of petrol was eating into her family budget.
The 35-year-old from Humberstone said: "I need my car to get my children to school and to after-school clubs.
"There is no way I can do without the car, but it is just getting more and more expensive. The price needs to come down a long way and not go up again."
Lee Nicholls, who part owns the independent St Matthew's Garage in Humberstone Road, St Matthew's, said he had no choice but to increase his fuel prices yesterday by 2.5p per litre on diesel and 3p per litre on unleaded petrol.
He said: "There needs to be more clarity about what is going on when prices are set. It just seems so arbitrary."
Luke Bosdet, fuel price analyst at the AA, said: "It looks very much like there are further increases to come very soon on the forecourt. Whatever the reason, there has been an increase in the wholesale price of crude oil.
"This oil and refined fuel is sold in dollars and the pound is weak against the dollar at the moment, so that is helping drive prices up too."
