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Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby accused of neglecting city's outer estates

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Sir Peter Soulsby has been accused of neglecting Leicester's outer estates while ploughing millions of pounds into city centre improvements.

Leicester's Labour mayor is pressing ahead with his £19 million Connecting Leicester scheme to improve the city centre environment, but his approach has been criticised by unions and Leicester City Council's sole Conservative opposition councillor.

The city council's Unison representative Gary Garner said: "He wants a glass wall around the city centre with all the investment inside it and everyone else standing outside looking in.

"He wants expensive Richard III museums and big public squares but he's not looking out on the estates and seeing they need money, too.

"He's out of touch with people."

The claims prompted a furious response from Sir Peter, who said the suggestions were the stupidest he had heard.

Tory councillor Ross Grant, who represents Knighton, said: "He calls his scheme Connecting Leicester, but it is £19 million on connecting a very small part of it.

"He hasn't got any plan at all for anything in the residential areas. His proposals are very much concentrated on the city centre.

"He knows it's going to make bigger news if he announces big city centre schemes.

"He gets more bangs for his bucks by putting money into the city centre rather than, say Braunstone or Beaumont Leys.

"Those areas are being neglected."

Coun Grant did accept there was some proposed investment beyond the immediate city centre such as the £5 million innovation centre at the science park in Abbey Lane and a £1.1 million revamp at Victoria Park.

He said: "There is a bit. There are a few economic development plans he can point to, like the science park and the civic plans he has for Victoria Park.

"However, he is spending more on capital projects at a time when the council income is coming down.

"While we are obsessed with spending large sums of money in the city centre we, can't invest in community centres and libraries further out. To be fair, it's not a new thing.

"Under the previous administration the approach was the same but he promised us something different when he became mayor.

"He said local councillors had their own little patches to look after but he would be there for the whole city."

Sir Peter said: "It's a stupid argument – and just not true.

"In a few weeks, we will be releasing details of a £15 million investment in improvements for primary school across the city.

"We have already seen £300 million invested in secondary schools across the city.

"That makes the £19 million invested in the city centre pale in comparison.

"They say I am out of touch? Are they driving down Abbey Lane with their eyes closed because they can't have seen the (£5 million) innovation workspace centre that is under construction at the moment.

"That is certainly not in the city centre. We are also investing in Narborough Road and Belgrave Gate."

Sir Peter said the council had also sold land in Beaumont Leys to allow for redevelopment would create jobs.

Food firm Samworth Brothers has bought 12.3 acres of former council land there to develop a factory that could create 700 jobs.

He also said the council was committed to investing in care facilities in the wider city.

It is contributing £750,000 towards turning disused Abbey Mills building, near Abbey Park, into 78 flats to be provided by social landlord Asra in an £8.75 million scheme.

Leicester  mayor Sir Peter Soulsby accused of neglecting city's outer estates


Cold weather to continue across Leicestershire

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COLD weather looks set to continue across the entire county this week. 

According to the Met Office temperatures will remain above freezing but will feel much lower. 

The winter has so far delivered extreme weather from torrential rain to sub zero conditions and heavy snow fall. 

Leicester Mercury reader Jonny Wesson of Lady Jane park, Bradgate Road, Newtown Linford, is among those of you who has enjoyed capturing the ever changing weather and its effect on the countryside on camera. 

This week he sent in this amazing picture of his car windscreen, frozen over after a bout of rain. 

He said: "I just saw it and thought how beautiful it looked. It was a frosty morning and I thought how lovely it looked so I took a photo using my iPhone."

Mr Wesson said he has had no trouble keeping warm this winter in his mobile home where he lives in Bradgate Road. 

And he added: "I have central heating and a fire to keep me warm when it gets really cold and I have an extra blanket at night on my bed if it's really cold."

You can share your weather pictures by emailing them to picturedesk@leicestermercury.co.uk or you can upload them here www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/pictures

See the five-day forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire at www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather

Cold weather to continue across Leicestershire

Teenage cyclist Robbie Pickard killed after crash with car on B6047 Dalby Road

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Police have named a a cyclist who was killed in a collision with a car near Melton last night. Robbie Pickard, 19, of Melton, died on Sunday evening on the B6047 Dalby Road, near Great Dalby, when he was in collision with a Ford Focus on the rural, unlit road. He suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The car driver suffered a minor injury. The collision happened 100 yards from the entrance to an industrial estate on Melton airfield which is home to Terminal 1 Skatepark. No one else was injured during the collision.
Police say a number of vehicles were travelling along the road at the time of the collision.
The grey Ford Focus estate and a silver Mercedes estate car were travelling towards Great Dalby from Melton.
While two pedal cycles and a white Vauxhall Astra van were travelling in the opposite direction, when the collision happened between the Ford Focus and the purple and black BMX cycle.
Detective Constable Paul Bingham is investigating the collision, he said: "The collision occurred about 100 metres before the entrance to the industrial estate and skate park and we would urge anyone with any information who hasn't yet spoken to the police to contact us.
"If you witnessed the collision or saw any of the vehicles involved beforehand we would urge you to contact us."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Bingham on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Teenage cyclist Robbie Pickard killed after crash with car on B6047 Dalby Road

Man killed in A6006 crash at Shoby bends on Saturday named by police

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A man killed in a crash between an articulated lorry and a Land Rover at the weekend has been named.
Gavin Smith, 34 of Melton, died at the scene of the collision on the A6006 at Shoby, near Melton  - a stretch of road known as the Shoby bends - at about 6.10am on Saturday.
Mr Smith, the front seat passenger in the Land Rover Discovery,  died at the scene.
The other two people in the Land Rover were taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary. One received treatment for minor injuries and both were discharged the same day.
A 54-year-old man, who was arrested in connection with the incident, has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Detective Constable Pete Davies, the investigating officer, said: "The lorry was travelling towards Melton and the Land Rover Discovery was travelling in the opposite direction at the time of the collision.
"We would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw either of the vehicles beforehand, to please contact the police immediately."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Davies on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Man killed in A6006 crash at Shoby bends on Saturday named by police

Third man arrested after alleged sex assault at property in Eastern Boulevard, West End, Leicester

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Police have arrested a third man after an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenager.

The 19-year-old woman had met five men while out in Leicester city centre on Tuesday, February 5.

She was at a house in Eastern Boulevard, West End, Leicester, when she is alleged to have suffered a serious sexual assault.

Two men have already been  arrested and a third man, a 22-year-old, got in touch with police on Thursday, February 21, and was subsequently arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Police have released CCTV footage and images of two men they are still trying to trace.

Detective Sergeant Emma Matts said: "We are continuing to work closely with the victim to find out as much as we can about the incident and also to provide her with the support she needs.

"Although we now have three people arrested in connection with the incident, we do still need witnesses to come forward and are particularly keen to speak to the two men in the images. If you are either of those men please get in touch and help us with our inquiries.

"We know that the two men told the victim that they worked in the music industry. This may be false but if it is indeed true it could help us in tracing them."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Third man arrested after alleged sex  assault at property in Eastern Boulevard, West End, Leicester

Fall in mobile phone thefts in bars and clubs in Leicester following police warning

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by Laura Elvin The number of mobile phone thefts in Leicester has reduced after police targeted gangs stealing from customers in bars and clubs. City patrols were stepped up after professional thieves stole 18 phones from people at licensed premises in the final weekend of January, and 16, 24 and 13 phones in the first three weekends of February. Officers said they would normally expect five such thefts at city centre venues in the course of a weekend. This weekend, the number fell to four thefts after extra officers went into venues to speak to revellers about how to protect their phones, monitored CCTV and carried out plain-clothed patrols. Pc TJ Mavani, of the city's licensing unit, off Belgrave Gate, said: "The significant reduction this weekend is a great success, but we want to continue to drive those figures down. "We have worked in partnership with City Watch and local security staff, who have been great in helping us to identify suspects and potential thieves, and we have carried out extensive work with local bars and clubs to raise awareness of the potential for phone thefts. "However we still want members of the public to help us and would urge people to think about the security of their belongings. "It may only seem like a petty crime to some people, but phones aren't cheap and many of them hold personal and sentimental information and images, so it really is upsetting for the victims when they are taken." He urged people to keep their phone in a zipped bag or pocket, and keep it on them at all times. The officer also suggested switching on phones' built-in GPS tracking system to help officers locate it if it is stolen. The Leicester Mercury reported on Friday that criminal gangs travelling to Leicester from other parts of the country were being blamed for the spike in mobile phone thefts from clubs and bars. "We'll continue to do all we can to bring those responsible to justice and I hope that all the action we have taken so far will reassure members of the public," Pc Mavani added. "Not only that but I hope it sends a clear message to anyone thinking about stealing a phone, that we are out there and you will be caught." So far six people - most from the West Midlands and Northampton areas - have been arrested in connection with incidents of theft. All have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Graham Collins, from Citywatch, a Neighbourhood Watch-type group for businesses, said venues and the police had been working together to bring about a reduction in thefts. He added: "The phone owners must do their bit to prevent any thefts and not leave the phones on show."

Fall in mobile phone thefts in bars and clubs in Leicester following police warning

Leicester man denies wife's murder

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A 31-year-old man has denied murdering his wife. Yacoub Rezai, of Hand Avenue, Braunstone, Leicester, pleaded not guilty at Leicester Crown Court to the murder of 23-year-old mother-of-two Raihana Rezayi on November 13. Her body was discovered at 2.20pm on that day in a house in Hand Avenue. The brief hearing today was translated into Farsi by an interpreter, who stood in the dock next to Rezai. Judge Michael Pert QC remanded Rezai back into custody until for his trial which is due to start in May.

Leicester man denies wife's murder

Leicester vs Blackburn: Nugent is big doubt for Foxes

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Leading scorer David Nugent is a doubt for Leicester ahead of Blackburn's visit to the King Power Stadium.

Nugent hurt his neck in a challenge with Blackpool defender Craig Cathcart during Saturday's goalless draw at Bloomfield Road and the 14-goal striker will undergo a late fitness test.

On-loan Tottenham striker Harry Kane impressed on his debut against the Tangerines and he could make his home bow for the Foxes on Tuesday.

Matty James missed out at the weekend with a knock and the midfielder looks like being absent once more.

Ahead of the game, Leicester boss Nigel Pearson told reporters: "Knowing (Blackburn manager) Michael Appleton as I do, he'll try and make his teams difficult to beat.

"I think that's what we all try to do in all honesty, but they've got some good experience within their ranks.

"We know it will be a tough game as they've had some good results of late, but as always my main interest is how we play ourselves.

"I know that if we play to our strengths we've got a very good chance of winning the game."

Blackburn manager Michael Appleton must contend with a growing injury list ahead of the clash.

Colin Kazim-Richards will miss the match after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday's goalless draw against Leeds and the forward is awaiting the results of a scan amid fears he could be sidelined for two to three months.

Midfielder Lee Williamson (ankle) and defender Martin Olsson (eye) also recently started lengthy spells on the sidelines, while Dickson Etuhu is expected to miss the rest of the season due to medial knee ligament damage.

Another serious knee-injury victim, Leon Best, continued his rehabilitation with a goal for Rovers' reserves on Monday afternoon and, although Tuesday's trip to the King Power Stadium comes too soon for the Republic of Ireland international, he may be considered when Peterborough visit Ewood Park on Saturday.

Fabio Nunes (hamstring) is in the same boat as Best, while fellow winger Josh King (hamstring), midfielder David Dunn (calf) and goalkeeper Paul Robinson (back) all remain sidelined.


Leicester in bid to be 2017 UK City of Culture

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Leicester is to launch an ambitious bid to become the UK's next City of Culture. The city is hoping its multi-cultural history, track record of staging events such as Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival, Diwali celebrations and the Caribbean Carnival will help it secure the title in 2017. Its bid will also draw on the recent high-profile discovery of Richard III's bones under a council car park. Bid organisers hope the role could lead to an influx of tourists generating millions of pounds of wealth for the city. They say Leicester's time as the UK City of Culture would feature a large programme of festivals and participatory events. Leicester is bidding for the title for 2017 as this is when the 2013 UK City of Culture and inaugural holder – Derry in Northern Ireland – will hand over the honour. So far rivals include Plymouth and Aberdeen, who have already announced their bids. It is rumoured that Nottingham may also enter the competition. Leicester City Council is pledging £50,000 to cover the initial stage of the bid. In May or June cities will be short listed and, should Leicester progress, a similar amount would be needed to complete the bid. Businesses and sponsors are being sought to provide financial backing. Chief executive of Curve theatre Fiona Allan, who is a member of the consortium planning the city's bid, said: "There would be so many benefits if we won. Firstly, I hope people would feel pride in this city. "To win would show we are confident in our cultural offer. There would be a significant media and tourism knock on. "We have all the ingredients already. "Leicester is one of the UK's most culturally diverse and interesting cities. "From our Roman history, medieval growth, industrial prosperity to today welcoming people from all over the world to our diverse and vibrant communities, Leicester has rich stories to tell. The king in the car park is just one of many. "While cultural organisations here like Curve already enjoy a global reputation, with significant investment having been made in Leicester's cultural infrastructure and the development of our creative industries, the time is ripe for Leicester to show its creativity to the world. "It would be like the cultural equivalent of the Rugby World Cup." Ms Allan said a program of proposed events would be drawn up. She said: "Leicester is known as a city of festivals and there would be a large programme of festivals. We would want some real showcase events. In recent years, new events – including Indian Summer, Leicester Fringe, Tales of the Riverside and the Green Light Festival – have appeared on the city's calendar alongside established favourites such as the Caribbean Carnival, Diwali, the Spark Children's Arts Festival and the comedy festival. "I think people outside Leicester will be surprised by what we can offer," said Ms Allan. "We need to change the narrative of the city which has been a bit negative in the past. We really underplay ourselves." "There would also be participatory activities to get as many people as possible involved. "We don't want to announce too many of our good ideas to rival cities. I am sure we will see more bids coming out of the cupboard in the next few weeks." Cities vying for the title have until April 30 to submit a bid for consideration by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Leicester's bid will focus on its lively arts scene and highlight the breadth of cultural activity taking place, with workshops in museums and galleries, stand-up comedy in city centre pubs, international stars taking to the stage at Curve, and a Bollywood blockbuster – Mad, Madder, Maddest 2 – set to have its world premiere in the city in June. Chief executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce Martin Traynor, is also a consortium member. He was part of a Leicester delegation to Derry last year when the bid was being touted. He said: "We are convinced this is something Leicester could do very well. We already have a rich multi-cultural offering. "We have suffered from a low international and national profile but that can change. "Richard III is already changing that and becoming UK City of Culture would be another springboard with massive potential impacts. "Leisure and tourism is worth £1.4 billion per annum to the city and county. If we could increase that by just one per cent that would be £1.4 million and could create hundreds of jobs." City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who is leading the consortium, added: "Becoming UK City of Culture would bring huge benefits to Leicester, giving us an opportunity to highlight the city's history and reinforce its identity, while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy." A city council spokeswoman said: "In 2008, Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture – a title that business leaders estimate was worth an extra £200 million to the city's economy. "Although the UK City of Culture competition is on a much smaller scale, it's clear that the opportunities for the winner are there to be seized." The winner will be announced by the Government in November.

Leicester in bid to be 2017 UK City of Culture

Cash boost helps charity bid to supply vital food

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A charity which delivers food that would otherwise go to waste can now help more people thanks to £10,000 from Comic Relief.

With just over a fortnight to go before Red Nose Day 2013, FareShare Leicester has spelled out just how vital the appeal has been.

The charity helps to feed more than 2,000 of the most seriously disadvantaged people in the county.

Started as a pilot project in 2007 by the Diocese of Leicester, it is now a franchise of the national FareShare charity – delivering 12 tonnes of food every month from its base in Coventry Road, Narborough.

But just 15 months ago, the organisation was struggling to keep up with increasing demand.

Project director John Willetts said: "The funding we received from Comic Relief was very significant.

"Prior to that we didn't have our own premises, so operated out of church halls and other venues one day a week.

"In the current economic climate, people on the margins of society are often hit the hardest.

"The basic necessities of life, such as where the next meal is coming from, becomes a major issue.

"We were finding it difficult to meet ever-increasing demand for food from a growing number of groups who needed our help.

"To meet demand, we knew we needed to start operating on a more industrial scale. What the Comic Relief cash did for us was to pay for the permanent depot we now call home for the first six months – it was crucial."

Having bigger premises has allowed FareShare Leicester to store and distribute nutritious food to more vulnerable people and take on an extra 20 volunteers.

"It has also set up a scheme, helping young unemployed people to gain work experience in the warehouse."

FareShare takes surplus food from the food industry, including Sainsbury's and Co-Op stores in Leicestershire.

Food is supplied to 22 groups, helping vulnerable people such as asylum seekers, the homeless, elderly, street workers in the sex industry and women and children affected by domestic violence, with more on the waiting list. All food is within its use-by date and complies with strict hygiene legislation.

Ahead of this year's Red Nose Day, the Leicester Mercury has teamed up with Comic Relief to give away £50,000 to small groups and charities in the city.

The money is part of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day Community Cash fund, which invites organisations to apply for grants of between £500 and £1,000. Any charity, social enterprise or community group with an annual income of less than £100,000, is eligible to apply.

Applications can be submitted online or by post and will be judged by a panel made up of representatives from the Leicester Mercury, Comic Relief and the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.

To find out more about FareShare Leicester, visit:

www.fareshare.org.uk

Cash boost helps charity  bid to supply vital food

Hounds of love hunt for homes

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Meet Sol and Lunar – a pair of loved-up pooches who won't be separated.

While most of the 28 pooches in care at Leicester Animal Rescue, near Billesdon, have a cage to themselves, these two cannot bear to be apart.

They are among four pairs of dogs at the centre who need to be rehomed together.

Sol and Lunar, both staffie cross dogs, have been at the centre for nearly a year, waiting for a home they can go to together.

Centre manager Fiona Price said: "They love being out together and they play together so well. They also sleep together in the same bed.

"Sol wears the trousers in the relationship but Lunar is faster and she always beats Sol to the tennis ball when they're playing together.

"They do seem to love each other."

Centre assistant Jade Walker said: "They would hate to be separated. They're so lovely together.

"I think Sol loves Lunar more than the other way round and he would be gutted if they were split up."

Sol and Lunar arrived after their owner moved into a house with cats and decided to give them up.

Other pairs at the centre include abandoned Jack, a seven-month-old shih tzu puppy, and his close friend Sheba, a female staffie cross twice his age.

Fiona said: "They're an odd couple but they're very attached. I think Jack thinks Sheba is his mum.

"They both lived together but one day their owner left them at a friend's house and never went back for them.

"I'm not sure they love each other, but Jack loves jumping on Sheba and she seems to tolerate it!

"It would be nice if we could rehome them together."

The other couples are collie crosses Joe and Tia, a male and female pair aged about five, who arrived at the rescue centre earlier this month, and brothers Stripe and Patch, a pair of terriers who arrived from a rescue centre in Wales.

Fiona said: "They're brothers so they've always been together and we want them to stay that way. They're fantastic together."

To find out more about dogs and cats available at Leicester Animal Rescue, call 0116 259 9399, or view more pictures of the animals online at:

www.leicesteranimal rescue.co.uk

Hounds of love hunt for homes

Life and work of Anderson to be celebrated at sci-fi weekend

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Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson is to be posthumously honoured at a celebration of British science fiction at the National Space Centre.

The late publisher, producer, director and writer – also famous for TV shows such as Captain Scarlet, Space 1999 and Joe 90 – died on Boxing Day last year, aged 83.

Having attended the BritSciFi 2011 and 2012 events himself, this year will see family, friends and fans celebrate his life and legacy, as well as raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society – a charity he supported.

Numerous sci-fi anniversaries will be celebrated over the weekend of Saturday, March 9.

They include Doctor Who's 50th birthday, with Daleks, Cybermen and stars of the show over the years such as Paul McGann, Colin Baker and Sophie Aldred joining fans.

Stars of Red Dwarf – Chris Barrie (Rimmer), Robert Llewellyn (Kryton) and Danny John-Jules (Cat) – will be hosting a question-and-answer session about the hit TV show.

Another cult TV show, Blake's 7, is also celebrating its 35th anniversary, with stars Paul Darrow (Avon) and Michael Keating (Vila) expected to make an appearance.

The highlight of the show will be the inclusion of Anderson Alley, bringing together never-before-seen props, sets and costumes from Gerry Anderson's shows – accompanied by Space 1999 actors Zienia Merton and Prentis Hancock.

A space centre spokesman said: "There will be so much to see and do that one weekend might not be enough!"

For details, call 0116 261 0261.

www.spacecentre.co.uk

Hot air balloon death toll rises

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A third Briton has died following the hot air balloon crash in Egypt yesterday.

Tour operator Thomas Cook had earlier announced two Britons had been killed and two more injured when the balloon plunged in flames to the ground in Luxor.

Shortly after 1pm yesterday, the company said one of the two injured Britons had since died.

This took the total death toll to 19.

Witnesses described seeing tourists jumping from the balloon after it exploded at about 1,000ft before crashing in fields.

Bodies of the dead were scattered across the fields around the remnants of the balloon.

The two Britons who initially survived were thought to have been in a critical condition when they were taken to hospital with the only other survivor – the Egyptian pilot.

Initially announcing the two British deaths, Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cook UK and Europe chief executive, said: "What happened in Luxor this morning is a terrible tragedy and the thoughts of everyone in Thomas Cook are with our guests, their family and friends."

He said the company had a very experienced team in Luxor and that full support was being provided to the family and friends of those who had died.

Thomas Cook said it was working with local officials and a full investigation would be taking place.

"While this investigation is under way, Thomas Cook UK has temporarily suspended sales of hot air balloon rides in Egypt," the company said.

Thomas Cook UK has opened a hotline for concerned relatives who have guests in resort. Call 0800 107 5638.

Cherry Tohamy, an Egyptian living in Kuwait who was on holiday in Luxor, was in another balloon which was landing when she heard an explosion and saw flames from a balloon above.

She told the BBC: "Our pilot told us that the balloon had hit a high-pressure electrical cable and a cylinder on board exploded.

"People were jumping out of the balloon from about the height of a seven-storey building."

She said ambulances were at the scene within 15 minutes.

Other victims are thought to have come from Hong Kong, Japan and France.

The balloon came down in sugar cane fields.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before seeing plumes of smoke as the balloon caught fire.

Cricketer was high on drugs

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A county cricketer was struck by a train as he attempted to flee police after driving while on a cocktail of drink and drugs, an inquest heard.

Tom Maynard, who had been widely tipped as a future England international, was found dead near Wimbledon Park station on the London Underground District line shortly after 5am on June 18 last year.

The 23-year-old Surrey batsman suffered multiple injuries caused by the impact of the train and from touching a live electric railway line, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

He was stopped by police less than an hour before his death, when his black Mercedes was seen driving erratically, but the sports star fled the vehicle.

A post-mortem examination showed he was nearly four times the legal limit to drive and had also taken cocaine and ecstasy in the form of MDMA after a night-out with two team-mates.

Tests on hair samples indicted Mr Maynard may have been a daily user of drugs in the three-and-half-months before his death, the inquest heard.

Forensic pathologist Dr Simon Poole told the inquest jury Mr Maynard suffered burns to his feet, ankles and shin which were consistent with injuries suffered by skin touching live railway tracks.

It was not possible to say, however, whether electrocution or the impact with the train caused Mr Maynard's death, he said. A cause of death was given as multiple injuries.

Post-mortem tests indicated high levels of alcohol in Mr Maynard's urine, as well as the presence of MDMA, cocaine and the compound cocaethylene, the inquest heard.

In a statement, Dr Rosa Cordero said analysis of hair samples showed positive results for the presence of MDMA and cocaine levels between 8.7 and 10 nanograms per milligram, which matched some daily users of the drug.

Maynard earned himself a place on the England Lions tour to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the start of last year.

The Cardiff-born cricketer was the son of former England batsman Matthew Maynard.

The jury retired to consider its verdict yesterday.

Cricketer was high on drugs

Highest bidder will land a drug traffickers' aeroplane

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An aircraft used by an international drugs trafficking gang to fly cocaine with a street value of £1.7 million has been put on eBay by Leicestershire police.

The plane, which was listed with a reserve price of £12,000, is the latest unusual criminal asset to be auctioned off by the force.

As reported in the Mercury last month, a Second World War replica armoured car was sold for £5,205 on its online eBay store, which has generated about £684,000 through the sale of luxury cars, designer clothing, jewellery and other ill-gotten gains since it was launched three years ago.

The microlight aircraft was confiscated by officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit during an investigation into an organised crime gang. Class A drugs were driven from Amsterdam to France, where they were loaded on to the aircraft and flown into the UK.

Detective Inspector Greg Maides, senior investigating officer from the special operations unit, said: "When a case such as this results in convictions at court and considerable prison sentences for the defendants, we do not see that as the end of the matter.

"We have the powers to seize criminal assets to strip criminals of their possessions at every stage of the investigation.

"The fact this plane was used to commit crime by transporting drugs into the UK meant it could be forfeited under the misuse of drugs act.

"The money made from the sale of those assets can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from law enforcement work to community projects.

"It is relatively common to confiscate a criminal's car, but it's not often we make an application to seize a plane so we can't really predict how the bidding is likely to go.

"That said, whoever does buy it will do so knowing their money is being put to good use and they have helped deprive these offenders of a valuable asset."

The plane, which was flown into Northamptonshire, was seized by Northamptonshire Police under the misuse of drugs act. Leicestershire Police sell items for other forces through their eBay site.

Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds said: "I believe this may be the first time a force in the country has seized an aeroplane and is in a position to sell it, so this is a great result for us."

All six men involved in the trafficking pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import Class A drugs and have been jailed.

The plane can be viewed at:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ Leicester-Police-POCA-Property

Highest bidder will land a drug  traffickers' aeroplane


Contaminated meat on sale

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Two retailers have been found to be selling contaminated meat products.

Samples of processed beef taken from a county supermarket and takeaway were tested and found to contain traces of pork.

Trading standards officers at Leicestershire County Council have not released any more details about where the outlets are located. They said the items were still on sale.

The two samples are now being subjected to further testing to establish the level of contamination.

A council spokeswoman said criminal proceedings could follow if levels are high.

It comes as horse meat was found in a number of processed ready meals in other parts of the country.

Following the discovery, the Food Standards Agency asked 28 local authorities, including Leicestershire County Council, to test products in their areas.

Leicestershire trading standards officers have tested eight outlets in total. Another five samples are expected to be taken by the end of the week.

So far, no evidence of any horse meat has been found.

David Bull, head of the county council's trading standards service, said: "It's reassuring the samples we have tested so far have proved negative for the presence of horse meat.

"However, two samples did indicate the presence of pork, which was not listed in the label or product description.

"Further testing will now be carried out to ascertain the level of pork present."

Horse meat contamination was first revealed on January 16, after analysis was undertaken by Irish food officials.

The scandal has since spread across Europe. Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel chairman Ballu Patel said: "It's a worry that it's taken this amount of time to uncover, when other local authorities have been much quicker off the mark.

"While the presence of pork may not seem significant it still shows that food is being contaminated and it takes something like the horse meat scandal to bring it out.

"If the horse meat had not been uncovered in the first place then something like this would not have come to light."

Further tests on two beef products served at county schools are also expected back by the end of the week.

The county council has withdrawn beef grill steaks and minced beef from school menus over fears they could contain horse meat.

Patients to be asked for views

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Mental health patients are being asked what they think of the care they have received.

Questionnaires are being sent to about 800 people as part of the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) national patient survey programme.

The survey forms will go to people who have been receiving specialist mental health care provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust at an outpatient clinic or from a community team.

They will be asked about the quality of their care and treatment, medication management, communication with health and social workers, information and day-to-day living.

Paul Miller, director of adult mental health services for the trust, said: "Listening to the people who use our services and their carers is a key way in which we make sure we are providing high standards of care and changing things for the better where we need to.

"That is why I encourage anyone who receives a survey to complete and return it.

"We do want to hear their views. Results from this survey, alongside our own, our service user and carer listening events and other feedback, provides us with valuable information.

"It highlights where we make a real difference for people and also helps us identify where we need to improve."

The survey is being carried out by an independent organisation, Quality Health, and all responses are anonymous.

The findings are expected to be published by the CQC in the summer.

People who receive a survey and have any queries can call Quality Health on 0800 7831775, Monday to Friday.

Hinckley grandmother: 'Life-changing holiday bug has left me without sight'

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A grandmother has lost the sight in one of her eyes after picking up a bug while on holiday.

Sally Hassell, of Hinckley, may have to have her left eye removed after getting bacteria stuck under her contact lens.

The 50-year-old believes she caught the acanthamoeba bug in a swimming pool in Turkey.

At first, she thought she was suffering from conjunctivitis and it was only during a visit to her optician after the holiday that she discovered it was far more serious.

Staff at Specsavers, in Hinckley, immediately referred her to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where she is now being treated by specialists.

Sally said: "My life's completely changed. I can't do anything for myself and I've had to give up work.

"I can't be in sunlight. I have to have everything done for me. I have to take four different drops every hour, I'm on steroids, pain-killers, anti-rejection drugs, and I've had two operations to take biopsies from my eye.

"The pain can be excruciating at times and concentrating on anything is extremely difficult. I'm lucky I have such a supportive family looking after me.

"I can't imagine what it would be like without my family by my side."

Sally had taken the five-star holiday to Turkey in October with her partner, Richard, daughter, Laura, and grandson, Samuel, two.

The bug she contracted can be found in any water source, but she believes her problems started shortly after taking a dip in her hotel's pool.

Sally and Richard had been planning to get married, with a honeymoon in Thailand, but she says this is not possible now.

She is speaking out about her ordeal to warn others of the potential dangers of wearing contact lenses.

"I wouldn't want anyone to go through what's happened to me," she said.

"I wear monthly disposable lenses and none of the packaging has warned me about potential infections.

"I want all packaging to include it from now on – no matter how small the risk, it should say there are risks associated."

Sally has been told she may be able to have a corneal transplant, but there is a risk that the infection could return. She said: "As a last resort, doctors say I could lose my eye, but I feel like I'm living with a sentence now and would almost rather lose it and get a prosthesis so that I can try to get my life back – pain free.

"Otherwise, I'll be on anti-rejection drugs for the rest of my life and there are serious risks involved with that."

Consultant ophthalmologist Jeremy Prydal, who is treating Sally, said: "Eye infections related to wearing contact lenses are fairly common, but the majority can be easily treated.

"However, the acanthamoeba bug, which is quite rare, is difficult to eradicate once it's been picked up. My advice would be never to sleep in contact lenses or swim in them, wash hands carefully before handling and only use lens solution, not tap water, to clean them."

Dr Prydal's advice was reiterated by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA).

BCLA president Catharine Chisholm said: "This particular bug hits about one in 30,000 wearers, so is very rare.

"However, we're lobbying manufacturers to include warnings and have created labels for practitioners to use which warn against using tap water as a cleaning fluid."

Hinckley grandmother: 'Life-changing holiday bug has left me without sight'

MP backs Green Deal for homes

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An MP is encouraging home-owners and businesses to take advantage of a Government scheme offering cash back for those making buildings more energy efficient.

The Green Deal, introduced on January 28, offers people a new way of paying for improvements.

As well as saving money on fuel bills, households in who use the Green Deal will also qualify for hundreds of pounds of cash back from the scheme, with packages worth more than £1,000.

Harborough MP Edward Garnier said: "The Green Deal will transform the energy efficiency market and put consumers in charge.

"The scheme will allow people to make their homes warmer and save energy.

"It is also good for businesses, creating a new market and jobs in Harborough, Oadby and Wigston. The Green Deal has great potential to transform Britain's homes."

Under the scheme, an assessor will recommend appropriate improvements.

A Green Deal provider will then write up a contract setting out what work will be done, together with a repayment plan and fixed interest rate, and an approved installer will carry out the work.

The repayments will automatically be added to the electricity bill for a home or business.

For details, visit:

www.gov.uk/greendeal

Arrest made after fire at house in Kimberley Road, Leicester

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Residents were forced out on to the street and roads were blocked off when a fire tore through a flat in a three-storey house.

The house and two neighbouring properties were evacuated as the blaze gutted the flat on the top floor of a mid-terrace in Kimberley Road, Evington, on Monday night.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the blazing building but everyone in the property had managed to get out.

Police sealed off Kimberley Road, Beckingham Road, Herschell Street and Mayfield Road to enable fire crews to work uninterrupted.

Yesterday, police and fire services were investigating the cause of the blaze.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Student Joely Senior, who lives next door to the house where the flat was on fire, said the incident had left her shaken.

The 20-year-old, who is studying English and film studies at the University of Leicester, said: "We were watching television in the lounge when we saw the blue flashing lights.

"We went outside to see what was going on and could see thick black smoke coming out of the window of the flat on the top floor.

"It was all very exciting but then the firefighters went up a ladder and smashed the windows in the flat.

"We realised then it was serious and could have consequences for us."

Housemate Rebecca Mason, 20, who is studying psychology at the University of Leicester, said: "There was a loud knock at the door and it was the firefighters telling us to get outside and across the street, a safe distance away.

"It was quite scary and I suppose the fire could have spread to our house."

The six people in their house were joined on the street by the six male students from the house which is next door on the other side of the burning flat. A fire service spokesman said crews from Central and Eastern station were called to the blaze at 9.03pm.

They were joined by a crew from Wigston and the aerial ladder platform from Central station.

The firefighters had put out the blaze by 10.30pm.

The residents were allowed back into the homes shortly after.

She said the flat had been completely destroyed by the blaze and the flat below damaged by water.

Fire investigation officers and police forensic officers were at the house yesterday carrying out tests to try to discover the cause of the blaze.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody."

Arrest made after fire at house in   Kimberley Road, Leicester

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