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British Pie Awards attract the upper crust of British baking

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Bakers are battling it out for the top prize in pies in Melton today. The British Pie Awards 2013 are taking place at St Mary's Church, in the town, with almost 1,000 pies being entered into 20 classes, including best football pie, pub pie and fish pie. The main event, however, is the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie category, which only authentic products – recognised by European specifications – are allowed to enter. The competition has attracted celebrity pie lover, cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew, who is one of the judges for the day and has 50 steak and kidney entries to work his way through. All of the entries will be judged today and the winners, including the Supreme Champion pie-maker, of each category will be announced tomorrow.

British Pie Awards attract the upper crust of British baking


Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has fully-fit squad for Watford clash

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson confirmed he has a fully-fit squad to choose from ahead of his side's must-win clash with Watford.

The City boss said he had no injury concerns ahead of the last home game of the season on Friday as they try to get back into the Championship top six.

"We're fine," said the City boss when asked about any potential worries.

He also kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the potential for the return of experienced players such as David Nugent to the starting line-up for these crucial games.

"I never disclose any selection issues in the public domain before a game," said Pearson.

"But I would expect all of my players to affect either the game, or the group, in a positive way."

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has fully-fit squad for Watford clash

Three men questioned in alleged sex case bailed by police

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Three men arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl have been released on police bail. The men, aged 20, 24 and 27, were arrested yesterday morning in Leicester and have now been released pending further inquiries. Last week police arrested six men, aged 16, 19, 22, 23, 30 and 31 in connection with the same investigation. They have all since been released on police bail while inquiries continue. Six men aged 20, 22, 25, 37, 37 and 39, have been charged in connection with the investigation. They are all currently subject to court proceedings.

Three men questioned in alleged sex case bailed  by police

Inspector who helped to cut crime by 3,000 incidents a year steps down

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The senior police officer in North West Leicestershire Inspector Chris Brown is to retire next month after nearly six years in Coalville. During his time in charge he has seen reported crime fall by 3,000 incidents a year. He has been succeeded by Inspector Helena Bhakta who took over on Monday. Insp Brown joined Leicestershire police 30 years ago working in a variety of roles and ranks across the city and county. He said: "When I arrived at North West Leicestershire, we were dealing with seven and half thousand crimes a year. That figure has dropped to four and a half thousand crimes and I am very proud of that. "This has only been possible because of the hard work and dedication of the whole team at North West Leicestershire." He said he enjoyed working with the organisers of Download, the music festival at Donington Park which is the largest event in Leicestershire. He added: "The other thing that I am proud of, are our reductions in anti-social behaviour and our customer satisfaction levels of 90 per cent which are the highest in the force." Christine Fisher, chief executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, said; "It has been an honour to work with Chris as he has been a great partner and as delivered everything he promised. He will be missed." Insp Bhakta said: "I am really looking forward to the challenge of policing North West Leicestershire and meeting the expectations of the community."

Inspector  who helped to cut crime by 3,000 incidents a year steps down

Young robbers attack man in an alleyway in Enderby

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Two young thugs dragged a man into a village alleyway and tried to rob him. The men targeted the victim in Mill Hill, Enderby. They held him against the wall, hit him in the face and tried to search his pockets. The 21-year-old victim managed to break free and ran away before his attackers could take any of his possessions. Police said the attackers also racially abused the victim. The robbery happened between 8.30am and 9am on Monday April 8. Police released details today. Pc Adam Gamble said: "Thankfully nothing was taken from the victim and he wasn't hurt, but that doesn't mean we are any less determined to find the two men responsible. "Mill Hill is a busy stretch of road, particularly at the time of day when people travel to work and school." The two men are white, in their early-20s and approximately 6ft tall. One has short ginger hair and was wearing a black Adidas hooded jacket with green stripes and black Adidas trainers with green laces. The second man was wearing a Northface jacket. Anyone with information should contact Pc Gamble on 101, or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Young robbers attack man in an alleyway in Enderby

Live: Travel Updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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9pm: The A47 is now open in both directions6.40pm: The A47 Normandy Way in Hinckley is blocked both ways by a crash on the road at the junction with the A447 Ashby Road. There is no access onto the A47 from the A447 or the B4667.4.40pm: Newarke Street in Leicester city centre has fully re-opened between The Magazine and Marble Street after a two-car crash.4.20pm: Newarke Street, in Leicester city centre, is partially blocked between The Magazine and Marble Street, due to an accident.1.30pm: The A426 Lutterworth Road in Leicester has fully re-opened after a crash. 12pm: The A426 Lutterworth Road, in Leicester, is partially blocked countybound just before the Soar Valley Way and Glenhills Way junction, because of an accident.For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report at: www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather.CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @thisisleics or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live: Travel Updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

Young yobs attempt to snatch woman's gold necklace

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Police are hunting two youths who tried to snatch a gold chain from a woman. The 32-year-old victim was targeted as she walked along Burfield Street, Belgrave, Leicester with her friend and two young children. A youth approached from behind and walked between the group to separate the victim. His accomplice then tried unsuccessfully to snatch the gold chain from her neck. The youths, who are thought to be 15 or 16, ran away empty-handed into nearby Brandon Street. The incident happened at about 3.30pm on Friday April 12. Police released details and appealed for witnesses today. The woman, her friend and the children were not injured. Detective Constable Charlotte Mee said: "The victim was very upset as a result of the incident, but thankfully no-one was injured. "We are currently looking into any forensic or CCTV opportunities there might be, but we hope that members of the public will also be able to help us. "Burfield Street was quite busy at the time of the incident and the victim reported seeing the two youth stood at the side of the road prior the incident happening. "If you can remember seeing the two youths described, think you might know who they are or have any information that could help us, please get in touch." One of the youths is black, of stocky build and was wearing trainers and a dark coloured jacket with the hood up. The second was white, of slim build and was wearing a jumper. Contact Det Con Mee on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Young yobs attempt to snatch woman's gold necklace

Police release photograph of motorcycle stolen in Ashby

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Police have released a photograph of a motorbike which has been stolen from a shed at its owner's home. The motorbike was stolen in Measham Road, Ashby between 1am and 8am on Sunday. The victim spotted that the shed door was open and discovered the motorbike and another cycle were missing. Pc Loyala Overlunde said: "The victim is hopeful that by releasing this image someone will spot his bike and get in touch. "If you have seen this bike, have been offered it to buy or know someone who has recently acquired it in suspicious circumstances then please get in touch." Anyone with information should call Pc Overlunde on 101, or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police release photograph of motorcycle stolen in Ashby


Leicestershire police use number plate reading cameras to catch criminals

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Police yesterday used hi-tech cameras to spot motorists who were committing a range of offences. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition system, (ANPR), can instantly read registration numbers of moving cars and then checks those details against the police and other national databases. Police teamed up with other organisations such as HM Courts, Leicestershire County Council's trading standards team and HM Revenue and Customs. The team set up in Foxholes Road, off Hinckley Road, Braunstone, Leicester on Tuesday (April 23) between 11am and 5pm. The action was part of a nationwide crackdown on crooked traders. Detective Chief Inspector Siobhan Ashford said: "We must never underestimate the impact rogue traders have on their victims. "Any steps to gather intelligence regarding their activities or apprehend them can only have a positive effect." Officers found contraband cigarettes and cannabis in one vehicle and HM Courts enforcement officers arrested one person who owed court fines of £290, which he paid on the day. Police and other agencies issued various fines or warnings for offences such as driving with no insurance, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not having a valid MOT certificate or road tax, not wearing a seatbelt, driving an unroadworthy vehicle or using illegal red diesel. Further ANPR operations are being held across the city and county this week. Detective Chief Inspector Rich Ward, who is leading the force's ongoing effort to reduce burglaries, said: "It is important to protect our communities from criminals who make use of the roads to cover their tracks. "If you are concerned about suspicious individuals going door-to-door for business, please contact your local police. If you're not sure, don't open the door." Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Leicestershire police use number plate reading cameras to catch criminals

Police officer responding to incident injured in crash on A47 at Hinckley

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A police officer was taken to hospital after his car was in collision with a paramedic vehicle and another car as he responded to an incident today. The officer was hurt in the accident which happened at about 6.05pm at the junction between the A47 Normandy Way and the A447 Ashby Road outside Hinckley. The police vehicle collided with the paramedic vehicle and a Renault Clio. The officer was taken to Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry. The officer's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. It is believed no-one else was injured in the incident. The A47 was closed in both directions for two hours. Police have asked for any witnesses to contact them on 101.

Snooker: Selby eases through in World Championships

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World No.1 Mark Selby advanced to the second round of the World Championships but admitted he will need to find his A game and quickly if he is to win a maiden Crucible crown. Selby looked to be cruising into the last 16 when he raced into a 5-0 lead on Tuesday night against a nervous Matthew Selt, who was making his debut in the main draw in Sheffield. But the qualifier soon found his feet and at one point on Wednesday evening had closed to six frames to four. But that was as close as Selt got as Selby, who is chasing snooker's Triple Crown this season of the UK, Masters and world titles, reeled off the last four frames for a 10-4 win and a date with Barry Hawkins in the next round. It took Selby until the 11th frame of the match to notch his first half century against Selt and the Leicester cueman admitted he will need to be firing on all cylinders if he is to capture the biggest prize in the sport. "This is the best year I have ever had in terms of results but strangely not one of my best in terms of performances," he said. "I have won the UK and the Masters without playing my best snooker, relying on my B game at times. "It is nice to know that I have that option to go to if I'm struggling but I don't think you can win a tournament like the worlds playing like that. "There are too many long matches, the sessions are too long that you will need to find a bit more than that to win this title. "If you look at what Ronnie (O'Sullivan) did last year, he raised his game in one session of each match and hopefully I can do that as well." Only three men in history have won snooker's holy trinity of titles in the same year – Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams. And while Selby admits he cannot help but dream of joining those illustrious names, the 29-year-old insists he is not feeling any added pressure at this year's event. "I put a lot of pressure on myself anyway so I don't feel any more because of the Triple Crown," he added. "Of course it is in the back of my mind but for the moment I just need to take it one game at a time. "This is such a great venue and coming here even on Tuesday in the first session I felt nervous despite having played here so many times. "I was lucky really that Matthew was playing for the first time out there, he struggled at the start but after that he showed in patches what he can do." British Eurosport is the Home of Snooker, showing 19 tournaments this season including the World Championship, UK Championship, the Masters and all ranking events, available on Sky, Virgin Media & BT or online/on mobile via eurosportplayer.co.uk

Snooker: Selby eases through in World Championships

Police seize more than £9,000 in unpaid court fines from prisoners

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Leicestershire Police clawed back more than £9,000 in unpaid court fines from people it took into custody in the past year. Officers in the force's custody suite routinely check whether prisoners have any outstanding court fines. The force can then confiscate any cash the detainee is carrying with them and pass it on to the courts. The force said today it had taken more than £9,300 from 34 prisoners in the past year. Paul Wenlock, manager of the force's economic crime unit, said: "Chasing unpaid fines can be a time-consuming and costly process for court service and ultimately the police. "So it makes sense for us to try to recover fines when we have the offenders in custody. "Even if they only have £10 on them, we can take that and use it to pay towards their debt. "It is another step we are able to take to make sure offenders don't evade justice, and we are doing it in the most efficient way for taxpayers."

Police seize more than £9,000 in unpaid court fines from prisoners

500-student flats complex approved for former Southgates bus depot in Leicester

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Plans to build a complex to house 500 students on a former bus depot have been approved. Members of Leicester City Council's planning committee last night approved a scheme to build 289 flats on the city's old Southgates bus station, off Peacock Lane. Developers Applegate had originally wanted to build a five-star hotel on the site, currently used as a car park but dropped the plans because of the economic slump. The flats now approved be spread across four, five and six-storey blocks. Planning committee member councillor Lynn Moore said: "This is a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. At the moment it is a mess an it needs something on it." Committee chairman Patrick Kitterick praised the scheme because the flats will be able to be converted if the demand for student accommodation dries up in the future. He said: "The key is the convertibility. The jury is still out on Leicester's capacity for student accommodation. Should times change the building could house long term residents."

500-student flats complex approved for former Southgates bus depot in Leicester

Four inside overturned car in Hinckley taken to hospital;one cut free by firefighters

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Firefighters rescued one person from a car which flipped onto its roof in Hinckley late late last night. Four people were inside the Vauxhall Corsa involved in the single-vehicle collision at the junction of Tudor Road and Middlefield Lane at 11.14pm. Two crews from Hinckley fire station carried out the rescue before the driver and three passengers were taken to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry. Leicestershire Police said it's not believed anyone suffered any serious injuries in the incident.

Man jumps into canal in Erith Road, Aylestone, Leicester after being attacked by his own dog

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A man was forced to jump into a canal after he was attacked by his own dog. The man, thought to be aged 19 or 20, was walking alongside the canal in Erith Road, Aylestone, Leicester, shortly after 9am yesterday when the incident happened. Police, who helped the man out of the canal following the incident, say the man's German Shepherd became aggressive after an incident involving another dog on the towpath. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "He was walking along the path when another dog became aggressive to his dog and his own dog became aggressive. "When he tried to intervene he was bitten on the arm and hand by his own dog and jumped into the canal to escape the attack." Police called a family member who arrived and managed to get the animal back on a lead. The RSPCA were also called and the owner said he would take to the dog to a vet's. The owner was taken by ambulance to Leicester Royal Infirmary where he was given stitches to wounds on his arms and hands.

Car driver freed after collision with truck in Ashby Road, Kegworth

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A car driver was freed by firefighters after their vehicle was involved in a collision with a truck in Kegworth yesterday. The driver of a red Peugeot was freed by two crews from Loughborough fire station after the incident in Ashby Road at 3pm. The driver was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham with what police said were not thought to be serious injuries.

Ladbrokes gets planning permission for betting shop in Allandale Road, Stoneygate

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Betting firm Ladbrokes has overcome the first hurdle of its controversial plan to open a bookies on an "exclusive" shopping street. The firm has been given planning permission to change the front of a disused shop in Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester. Other traders in the road and nearby Francis street had collected 60 names on a petition against Ladbrokes opening. They said a national chain would not fit in to an area well-known for independent shops and they were worried about having the betting shops customers hanging around on the street. Concerns were also raised about a lack of parking to accommodate the bookies' customers. Despite the campaign, members of Leicester City Council's development control committee approved the plan last night. Committee chairman councillor Patrick Kitterick said: "People may say 'I'd prefer it not to be a betting shop but our powers to discriminate in this situation is limited." Ladbrokes still need to secure a betting licence for the premises. Their application will be discussed by councillors on May 2.

Ladbrokes gets planning permission for betting shop in Allandale Road, Stoneygate

Sky Ride event to trace Richard III's last days

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A King Richard III-themed bike ride will kick off this year's Sky Ride events. The 35-mile ride will take the cyclists to the Leicester car park where the king was discovered, to the church where he attended mass before the Battle of Bosworth Field and to the battlefield itself. The ride, on Saturday, May 4, will finish at the Guildhall, where the Richard III exhibition is still attracting hundreds of visitors every week. Taking part is free and the ride begins at the Leicester Town Hall Bike Park at 9am. Over the summer, rides every week will offer a variety of routes for all abilities, from beginners to cyclists used to longer distances. All the Sky Ride events are free to take part in and are jointly organised by Leicester City Council and British Cycling. Rob Martin, a founder member of Leicester cycling group Critical Mass, said: "It's a really nice idea to tie in a bike ride with a cultural event like Richard III. "We had our own My Kingdom for a Bike event in February and that was great fun. "It's nice to see Sky Ride trying to tailor the event to the city like this." On Sunday, May 5, there will be a choice of two more rides. The Abbey Park and Wolsey Island ride is aimed at people who want an easy route, including families with young children. It takes in a relaxed three-mile route along the River Soar and through historic Abbey Park. The ride begins at 10am from the Abbey Park cafe and will take around one hour and 15 minutes. Riders looking to take their bikes off-road can join the Swithland Woods and Reservoir ride. The 16-mile, steady ride is designed to be a good introduction to off-road riding and is only suitable for bikes with thicker tyres. It starts from Leicester Leys Leisure Centre in Beaumont Leys at 10am and will take about three hours. Janet Hudson, British Cycling development co-ordinator for Leicester, said: "The Sky Ride Local events in Leicester have been incredibly popular with thousands of people taking part of the last three years. "This year's programme of rides is more varied than ever, and this first weekend is just a taste of what people can look forward to over the summer." City mayor Peter Soulsby said: "Taking part is great way for beginners and families to discover more of the city by bike, or for more experienced cyclists to find a gem of a route they never knew existed. "There are rides to suit all abilities and I'd encourage anyone to sign up and give it a go." Places for all rides are limited and must be booked in advance. To book, and for further information about guided bike rides taking place in Leicester, visit www.goskyride/leicester

Sky Ride event to trace Richard III's last days

Former Leicestershire teacher banned from classrooms for at least two years

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A former Leicestershire school teacher who touched girls' arms, held a pupil's hand, told one she was beautiful and another that she smelt nice has been banned from the country's classrooms for at least two years. A disciplinary panel found Adrian Bradley guilty of unacceptable professional conduct for failing to maintain professional boundaries. The 64-year-old taught at the former Burleigh Community College, in Loughborough, from January 2010 until 17 May 2012. Imposing the ban, Education Secretary, Michael Gove said: "Mr Bradley has failed to observe the appropriate boundaries that should be in place at all times. His behaviour on more than one occasion breached the standards that are expected of a teacher. He failed to treat pupils with dignity and respect." It was the second time in six years that Mr Bradley had been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, and Mr Gove referred to this in backing the panel's recommendation that he be banned. Mr Gove said: "I support the recommendation of the panel. This decision takes into account the public interest and the need to be proportionate." In its findings, the National College for Teaching and Leadership's professional conduct panel said that during 2012, Mr Bradley "failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries towards female students". It said that on or around May 3, 2012, he stroked one student's arm and said words to the effect of "now that I've got you I'm never letting you go". On or around May 10, 2012, he touched another student's arm and also told the first student that she was beautiful. He told another she smelt nice and held the hand of another. In a conversation with another student he guessed at her dress size, and with another told her to close her eyes while he removed a loose eyelash. Bradley admitted the allegations and accepted that they amounted to unacceptable professional conduct or conduct that brought the profession into disrepute. The panel's findings said that in 2007, the former professional regulatory body, the General Teaching Council, banned Mr Bradley from acting as a headteacher after finding that, between January 2004 and July 2005, he acted in a manner that was seriously demeaning and undermining of colleagues in that he sexually harassed four members of staff. Recommending he should now be banned from the classroom, the latest findings state: "This hearing was a second occasion when Mr Bradley's professional judgement had been found to be lacking." The findings say the panel took into account Mr Bradley's long history as a teacher, and recommended a two-year review period so that he could reflect upon his actions and the need for appropriate boundaries to be in place at all times. The decision means Mr Bradley is prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England. He may apply for the ban to be set aside, but not until April 2015, and if he does so he will have to persuade another panel that he is fit to return to the classroom. Mr Bradley has a right of appeal to the High Court.

Head teacher of a Leicestershire secondary school steps down for "personal reasons"

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The head teacher of a Leicestershire secondary school has left for "personal reasons". Liz Hall stepped down from her post at Longslade Community College, in Birstall, last Wednesday. No other details have been revealed about her departure. Interim head Kirstie Black, previously head at the Melton Vale Post 16 Centre (MV16), has now taken over the role. She had already been working alongside Ms Hall to raise standards at the school, which recorded poor GCSE results last summer. The Government benchmark states that at least 40 per cent of students must gain five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths. However, only 39 per cent of pupils achieved this at Longslade. Mrs Black had been assisting the school as part of a partnership with the Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust (BMAT), made up of Belvoir High School and MV16 following a request by Leicestershire County Council. She said: "We were working hard to make the necessary changes and will continue along that path despite Ms Hall leaving for personal reasons. "The partnership between the trust and Longslade was set up for the long haul and was never intended to be a one-term only arrangement. "I'm very excited about taking up this post and looking forward to getting on with the job. We want to create a school that students and the local community can be proud of. "It's about raising standards and we're confident that by the time next year's results come out, we'll have made a significant difference." The school's curriculum will be revised for those entering year 10 next academic year, with fewer options available and more emphasis on the core subjects of maths, English and science. Weaker students are also being identified earlier, and are being set firm targets with more opportunities to revise and catch up. In addition, a formal school uniform is being introduced from September for years 10 and 11. Mrs Black said: "We are in the early stages of deciding what this will look like, but we want to restore a sense of pride and give pupils a strong sense of identity too. "We're very aware of the economic situation at the moment so whatever we choose will have cost in mind." Jon Sherwin, executive principal for BMAT, said: "We'll also be asking parents what they would like to see in the school in the future. The partnership already has a strong track record of achievement as far as results are concerned and we believe we can get this school on track. "Letters have been sent out to parents to tell them about our plans and meetings have been set up for them to come and ask us any questions they wish. "We want to move this school forward and could potentially make this partnership more permanent in the future. "However, our top priority right now is to improve results. We have a great site here and some fantastic pupils. We want to make sure they have the highest expectations possible and go onto achieve their very best." Longslade's last full Ofsted inspection took place in September 2009 when it was rated "good". Another inspection is expected shortly. A meeting for parents of children starting the school in September will take place on May 2 at the site, in Wanlip Lane, and May 8 for parents with children already there. Both meetings will start at 6.30pm.
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