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Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is already planning for next season

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said he has plenty of work to do in the summer to get the squad in shape for next season.

The dust has barely settled on their cruel play-off semi-final exit at Watford on Sunday but Pearson is already planning for City's next bid for promotion, and says he knows what needs to be done.

The work to shape City's squad has already begun and Pearson said they are trying to move on several players who no longer feature in his plans. Bolton and City are in talks over a possible move for Jermaine Beckford to the Reebok Stadium, and midfielder Neil Danns is also expected to move away from the club after spending most of the campaign on loan at Bristol City and Huddersfield.

There could be several others heading for the exit door as Pearson looks to build on the squad he has put together during the past year.

Several of the squad are also about to enter the final year of their contracts, including Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, Paul Konchesky, Sean St Ledger, Lloyd Dyer and David Nugent, while striker Martyn Waghorn is out of contract at the end of June.

"There is a certain amount of work to be done in terms of getting the balance right for the squad moving forward," said Pearson.

"We still have a number of players who, in an ideal world, we would like to move on. Unfortunately, we still have to deal with those players at the moment.

"But, with a bit of luck, we will be able to free up that situation by moving a few on.

"It is early at the moment and I have to see what the balance of the squad is when we turn our minds to the next season.

"I certainly have my thoughts on how we move forward but it is dependent on a few criteria."

Pearson admitted it had been a frustrating season in many ways, but said he feels the club is in a stronger position than a year ago.

He was also unhappy with the level of negativity that had surfaced during City's difficult spells this season.

"It has been an unpredictable season but we have had some very good spells," he said. "I think there has been a disproportionate amount of negativity spoken about us at times. I would be the first to concede that we had a long spell of not being able to win games, which left us in the position of having to rely on results elsewhere on the final day to get into the play-offs.

"But I do think, for the most part, the players applied themselves very well this season. The club is in a much better position than 12 months ago."

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is already planning for next season


Shoplifter told: 'Stay away from Leicester city centre'

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A prolific shoplifter who has racked up 100 crimes has been banned from a large area of Leicester city centre for two years.

Steven James Harries (37) faces arrest if he breaches the anti-social behaviour order, which police hope will bring his years of stealing to an end.

The order came into effect recently when Harries, who is of no fixed address but has previously lived in Leicester and Melton, was released from prison.

The order means he faces arrest if caught in a clearly-defined area of the city centre.

He is also banned from several shops outside that area from which he has stolen in the past.

Yesterday, police began putting up posters – which carry a photograph of Harries and the terms of the order – across the city centre.

Pc Nick Golden said: "Steven Harries is a habitual thief who commits crime to fund a drug habit.

"This order has been put in place to deter his offending and I encourage anyone who sees Harries breaching this order to contact the police."

One city centre shop assistant said: "He is a well-known thief and a lot of the shops shoo him away as soon as they see him coming in.

"He's not as aggressive as some of the thieves we have to deal with, but he's a pest and he definitely deserves this ban. He's been a known thief for a few years now and hopefully he'll see this as an opportunity to sort his life out."

Another city shop worker said: "We all deserve a break from him and people like him.

"The public needs to think how much shoplifting affects smaller shops.

"The bigger stores lose a lot of stock to thieves but they can absorb those losses.

"Smaller businesses like ourselves just can't do that, and we really do feel the cost of people such as this man."

The order was granted at Leicester Magistrates' Court in November, when Harries was sentenced to six months in prison for six offences of theft.

He is banned from the area of the city centre bordered by Belgrave Gate, Gallowtree Gate, Halford Street, Free Lane and Charles Street, which includes the Haymarket shopping centre.

The order also bars him from entering Sainsbury's in Western Boulevard, West End, the Co-Op and Wilkinson in Narborough Road and any Tesco Express store within the A594 inner ring road.

The order runs until March 6, 2015.

Police have urged members of the public to call city centre police on 101 if they see Harries breaching the order.

Shoplifter told: 'Stay away from Leicester city centre'

Should the FA step in now?

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What do LCFC fans think? Should the FA act now to prevent what has happened at Watford this season, happening again regarding loan players.

What do you think the FA should impose regarding loan players? In your opinion, what maximum number of loan players should there be at one club?

Leicester Tigers season ticket sales top 12,000

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Leicester Tigers have already sold 12,000 season tickets for the 2013-14 campaign before the current season has even finished. With just one more game to go - the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham against Northampton Saints - the side can already look forward to some huge crowds when they begin a new quest in September. The club have said there is already "limited availability" in many areas of the Welford Road stadium. Tigers season tickets include entry to all 11 Aviva Premiership regular league matches, three Heineken Cup and two LV= Cup pool games, plus the pre-season fixture against Ulster Rugby on August 31. Anyone interested in buying a season ticket should call the club's ticket office on 0844 856 1880 for further details.

Leicester Tigers season ticket sales top 12,000

Leicestershire 89-1 against Northants at close on day two

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Leicestershire's batsmen produced a positive response at the end of what could have proved a very difficult second day against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road. Having finally dismissed the Second Division leaders for 355 County faced a tricky 21-over spell before stumps. Rain reduced that to 19 overs but the fact that Leicestershire closed at 89-1 is testament to a considerable show of character. County had fought back after a poor morning at Wantage Road – only to find themselves under the cosh once again at tea. Northamptonshire had reached 316-7 heading into the evening session having gone through the morning's play on the second day without losing a wicket as they moved from 91-4 to 205-4 thanks to a century stand between Rob Newton and Andrew Hall. Jigar Naik removed Newton for 81 and Rob Keogh shortly after the break and with Ollie Freckingham dismissing Ben Duckett County had worked their way back into the game as they had Northants struggling on 229-7. However, Hall stood firm to complete a very fine century, while David Willey produced some eye-catching strokes to race to his 77. A series of late wickets by Freckingham saw him end with figures of 6-125 as Northants were eventually out for 355.

Leicestershire 89-1 against Northants at close on day two

Leicester City programme sold at auction for £900

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A programme for Leicester City's home win over Chelsea from the last day of 1938 has been sold at auction for £900. The lot – under the hammer at Sotheby's at a specialist football memorabilia sale by Graham Budd Auctions – secured more than five times the upper estimate. The programme for the First Division game cost one old penny and had been valued at £120 to £160. It was one of 54 City programmes put up for sale by a Londoner who had inherited them. Auctioneer Graham Budd said: "The Leicester City versus Chelsea programme turned out to be the most valuable of the 52 programmes from the 1930s and 1940s sold on the day. Two did not sell." The man who put the programmes up for sale was "amazed" when told by Mr Budd how valuable they were. Mr Budd said: "We estimated they would sell for between £2,000 and £3,000 but the total they made was £5,800. "Another good price, of £300, was realised for the Foxes' programme against Manchester United on December 27, 1938." Mr Budd said Manchester United was the most collected football club, with Chelsea close behind. He said the two programmes were valuable because those from pre-war games were rare. The 1938-39 season was full of heartache for City as they were relegated. Manager Frank Womack resigned. The match against Chelsea was a rare good day – City won 3-2, with goals from Septimus "Sep" Smith, who bagged two, and Danny Liddle. The world record for a programme at the auction was £30,000, for the FA Cup Final of 1882 where Old Etonians beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0.

Leicester City programme sold at auction for £900

Councillor Elizabeth Parsons quits the Conservatives

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A district councillor has quit the Conservatives. Councillor Elizabeth Parsons was the Tory member for Blaby District Council's Muxloe Ward but will now sit as an independent councillor. Her husband David, former leader of Leicestershire County Council, is the other Muxloe ward councillor and also an independent. Conservative council leader Ernie White said: "I am sad Elizabeth has resigned. I have no idea at all why she has done it." He said that under the council's rules the Parsons could now form their own two-strong political group, to sit alongside the existing Tories, Labour and Liberal Democrats. A council spokeswoman today told the Mercury they have had discussions with officers about forming a group but had not yet done so. She said: "The council currently has two independent members, Coun David Parsons and Coun Elizabeth Parsons, following her resignation from the Conservative group. The council has not been notified of any new political group having been formed." The Mercury has made a number of attempts to contact the Parsons but they have not responded.

Councillor Elizabeth Parsons quits the Conservatives

VIDEO: Dambusters 70: Flypast over Eyebrook Reservoir

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Scores of people turned out to watch a flypast to commemorate the heroism of the Dambuster raids today. It was 70 years ago to the day that 19 Lancaster crews from 617 squadron set out to destroy dams in Germany. A Lancaster, two Spitfires and two Tornadoes flew over Eyebrook Reservoir, on the border of Leicestershire and Rutland – which was used in practice runs for the mission – at 1.45pm, as the crowds watched below. Richard Adams, 69, of Oakham, watched the historic planes with a group of friends. "It was a brilliant afternoon, very moving," he said. "We met people who came from all over - there was someone who had come from Worcester just to see it - as well as local people. "We had a picnic and it was a lovely day. "I was there for the anniversary 10 years ago as well, although it wasn't as spectacular as this one." Lindsay Miller, 54, of Market Harbrough, also watched the flypast. "It was spectacular," he said. "I came to the last one 10 years ago. It's important to commemorate those who lost their lives." Read more on the Dambusters in Leicestershire: the county's little-known role in the daring wartime raid.
Throughout the day tweets of the original Morse code signals from the famous Second World War air raid were posted on the RAF's official Twitter account @RoyalAirForceUK minute-by-minute - 12 hours early to be seen during the day - allowing followers to relive all the drama from May 16, 1943. Additional posts to highlight unfolding events that were unknown at the time, such as when aircraft were lost during action, were also published. The tweets included messages about Leicestershire pilot Flight Lieutenant Geoff Rice, a former Hinckley Grammar School pupil who was at the controls of Lancaster AJ-H on the night of the raid.Related content:• Pictures: Dambuster flypast - Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland / Leicestershire• Article: Dambusters honoured at Leicester ceremony The story of the Dambusters raid (pdf)

VIDEO: Dambusters 70: Flypast over Eyebrook Reservoir


Lord Mayor opens new stroke unit

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A newly-refurbished stroke rehabilitation unit was today officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Abdul Osman at Leicester General Hospital. The opening of the unit marked the end of his year-long appeal which has raised more than £80,000 - £20,000 more than the original target. Cash has already been spent on creating a relatives' room at Leicester Royal Infirmary and on new equipment. The latest project was the opening of the unit catering for 15-17 city patients at a time recovering from stroke. Coun Osman said: "I am very pleased the appeal has been so successful. "It has been a team effort with a mixture of charity events as well as donations from staff, individuals and patients. "We have also visited community groups, mosques, temples and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of stroke. "It has been a difficult economic year and I had a target of raising £60,000 so am very pleased so much more is coming in." The inspiration for the appeal came from Coun Osman's niece, Zaheeda Sotta, a ward sister on Ward 26 at the infirmary which caters for stroke patients. Coun Osman said: "She convinced me of the appeal and how important it was. "It was a local cause and something I thought people would be able to relate to." The unit opens out on to a specially created garden which was funded with cash from the Lord Mayor's "forget-me-not" appeal last year when Coun Colin Hall was raising money to help dementia sufferers. He said: "I am so pleased the garden is such an asset and it is nice to hear from staff how many patients are enjoying it." The new rehabilitation unit, on ward 3 at the general hospital, has been opened for city patients recovering from stroke who need extra care before they are well enough to go home. In the past they have either had to stay on a main hospital ward or go to a community hospital. Dr Rachael Marsh, a stroke consultant, said: "This money has allowed us to buy special chairs and dining equipment so patients can eat in a more normal environment. "We have also been able to equip a kitchen to help teach patients how to cope when they do go home." She added: "Thanks to the Lord Mayor's appeal we have also been able to provide a relatives' room at Leicester Royal Infirmary and buy new assessment equipment. "There is a little bit of money left and we are going to use that for further specialist stroke training for staff." People can still donate to the appeal by calling 0116 258 8709 or going to www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/leicester-hospitals-charity/strokeappeal/

Lord Mayor opens new stroke unit

Rail users face summer disruption

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Commuters and other rail users travelling to and from Leicestershire stations will be offered reduced fares and compensation during major summer works. East Midlands Trains warn passengers travelling north to Nottingham to expect disruption to services from Saturday, July 20 through to Sunday, August 25. A £100 million project by Network Rail to re-lay tracks and overhaul signalling in Nottingham means all mainline services to the city will terminate at East Midlands Parkway, near East Midlands Airport. Buses will be laid on every 10 minutes for passengers to complete their journey. It also means passengers returning south from the city – to Loughborough, Leicester and Market Harborough – will have to catch a bus to East Midlands Parkway before resuming their journey by train. Holidaymakers from Leicestershire travelling to Skegness, meanwhile, will have to get a bus from East Midlands Parkway to Grantham for their onward journey. East Midlands Trains, which is part of the Stagecoach Group, said has said it will offer a 15 per cent discount on fares for travellers affected by the disruption. "We have worked hard with Network Rail to ensure that we can continue running trains wherever possible," said customer service and commercial director Neil Micklethwaite. "However, we know that many customers will face disruption to their journey and will need to use replacement bus services for parts or even all of their journey during the works." Commuter Peter Reeve, who regularly travels between Nottingham and Leicester, is not impressed. "I don't know why I bother paying for a monthly season ticket when there are no trains running," he said. "I reckon most commuters will be furious when they find out what's going to happen." Justin Page, acting route managing director for Network Rail, said: "We're spending £100million to completely rebuild the railway through Nottingham. "We're using modern equipment to replace 1960s style signalling, putting in a new platform and relaying six miles of track." He added: "There will inevitably be some short term disruption during an investment of this scale and I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this will cause." East Midlands Trains said customers already holding an annual season ticket for travel on affected routes will also receive two weeks worth of free travel. Mr Micklethwaite added: "We it was particularly important to do something unique for our customers to recognise the major change they will see to their normal train journey. "It's the first time a train operator has ever provided compensation and discounts for customers during a major period of work such." Local train services will run hourly between Leicester and Loughborough, calling at Syston, Sileby, Barrow-on-Soar, but the Loughborough to Nottingham service will terminate at Beeston. For revised timetable details visit: www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Rail users face summer disruption

Two Leicestershire Tory MPs defy the Government on Euro referendum

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Two Leicestershire MPs were among the Tory rebels who defied the Government over a referendum on European Union membership North West Leicestershire's Andrew Bridgen and Bosworth's David Tredinnick supported an amendment to the recent Queen's Speech expressing regret that it did not include legislation that would see people given the chance to vote on whether the UK should withdraw from the EU. In the vote, on Wednesday night, a total 116 Conservatives, including Mr Bridgen and Mr Tredinnick, 11 Labour MPs, and six from other parties supported the amendment but 277 opposed it. The Tories' Coalition partners the Liberal Democrats opposed it. Prime Minister David Cameron has promised there will be an In/Out referendum on the EU in 2017 after the next General Election but some back-benchers want the assurance of it in a parliamentary bill. Mr Tredinnick told the Mercury: "I trust the Prime Minister to do what he said he would do. "That is enough for me but it is not enough for the general public who have had broken promise after broken promise on this, from Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. They will say "We have heard this all before" and they have. "We need this on the stature book." He said he would have raised the issue again with a private members' ballot for a bill if his name came up on the list. Eurosceptic Stockton South MP James Wharton, however, took that step yesterday. Mr Tredinnick's colleague Harborough MP Sir Edward Garnier did not support the amendment and described it "a distraction" which would confuse the public. He said he was less worried about EU membership than the economic crisis in the Euro Zone. He said: "I am more worried about this than Conservative MPs taking chunks out of each other." He added: "We don't have a majority in the House of Commons. I have spent my political life fighting the Liberal Democrats. They are not always helpful allies. They are allies of convenience." Former Europe Minister and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said the a vote on EU membership should be given to people. He was not among the Labour MPs supporting the amendment. He said: "The contract between the British people and the EU has lapsed and needs renewing. "This is clearly an important issue for the public. "The choice should be given to people now and not in 2017, to end the debate, and free up Parliament to deal with other important issues. "The indecisiveness of the Government weakens our position in Europe. "If we want reform we need to be at the top table, and not on the outside looking in. "That is why the people must decide now."

Two Leicestershire Tory MPs defy the Government on Euro referendum

Leicester City keeper targeted by Premier clubs

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Leicester City could face a fight to keep goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel this summer. The Denmark international has attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Swansea and newly-promoted Hull. The Mercury understands the Tigers are definitely looking to sign at least one new goalkeeper this summer and Schmeichel is on their list of possible targets. However, any move by Hull is not expected until at least June. The 26-year-old has had two great seasons with City, but is about to enter the last year of his three-year contract. But City are in a strong position financially and are expected to resist the approaches from other clubs, and offer Schmeichel a new contract. Schmeichel won the player of the year and players' player of the year accolades at the end of the 2011-12 season. He was also named in the Championship Team of the Year after the last campaign, which saw him shortlisted for the club's player of the year honours. Schmeichel has also broken into the full Denmark national squad in the last year and he is expected to feature in the Denmark squads for the friendly against Georgia, on June 5, and the World Cup qualifier against Armenia, on June 11. Schmeichel has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League, but has also expressed his enjoyment of his time with City. "I don't pay any attention to speculation," he said before the play-off defeat to Watford. "I have another year on my contract and, I have said before, I am very happy here. I like being here. "The club has been very good to me and the fans have been great to me. "My ambition is, like every other player, I want to get into the Premier League. People are under contract and it is a very good club to work for and a nice environment. "The only thing that matters to me is playing. For me things can go on around the club, or talk or whatever, as long as I get to play things fall into place."

Leicester City keeper targeted by Premier clubs

Car crashes into wall in Kibworth

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A car has crashed into a wall in Kibworth, causing delays for motorists in the area. The incident, on Leicester Road in the village, has caused tailbacks in both directions along the A6 towards Leicester and towards Market Harborough. The collision sent bricks hurtling into the air and some of them hit the home of Joan Fillingham, 75. She said: "I'd just come home from playing bridge and I was just taking my coat off when I heard a tremendous bang and I thought it was thunder. "Then I saw all the brick dust in the air and looked outside and the wall at the end of my garden was gone." She said the young male driver of the vehicle was not badly hurt, although the car was badly damaged. She said: "The driver was alright but he was very shaken. They took him away to hospital, though. "The car was his mother's and it was a write-off. "It ended up halfway through the wall and at an angle because my garden is lower than the road. It had to be lifted away by a crane and they had to shut the road for that, so it caused some hold-ups." The incident happened at 4.45pm and the vehicle had been recovered and the road fully re-opened by 6pm.

Car crashes into wall  in Kibworth

Police message to gay youngsters

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A top police officer and colleagues around the county have made a film in which they speak about their experiences of being young and gay.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan – Leicestershire's third most senior officer – and 36 other officers from 16 forces today launched a campaign to reassure young people who are coming to terms with their sexuality that while life might be difficult now it will get easier.

The short film, released on YouTube today to mark International Day Against Homophobia (Idaho), also encourages victims of homophobic crimes to report incidents to police.

The film is introduced by Ms Morgan, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers' spokeswoman on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

In her introduction, she says: "Growing up is really tough, but it can be tougher if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered because you can be subject to bullying and abuse.

"Some even feel the need to escape by committing suicide.

"The police service takes hate crime really seriously. We are doing everything we can to try to stamp it out. So, please report it.

"Believe me when I say as a gay woman it does get better, but until it does, we are here to help."

The film is modelled on the internet campaign It Gets Better in which celebrities and members of the public post films to reassure young people who are struggling to understand their sexuality.

Ms Morgan said: "We did most of the filming in uniform because we felt it would have more impact that way.

"Officers streamed in from all over the country to take part. It was an overwhelming response from them.

"We know the suicide rate is higher among young LGBT people than the wider population and we know they are also victims of homophobic bullying.

"We wanted to reassure them the police are here to help.

"The officers who took part in this film have been through the same period in their lives and come through.

"If, by telling our stories and reaching out like this, we give even one individual the confidence to be themselves, then it will have been a success."

The idea for the film came from Leicestershire Police's hate crime officer, Darren Goddard, who spotted similar films online, including one by San Francisco Police Department.

Mr Goddard said: "Our film shows some very brave people telling their personal stories.

"The message to young people who may be worrying about their future is there is help and support available."

A survey last year by campaign group Stonewall found more than half of young LGBT people had been bullied, almost a quarter had attempted suicide and more than half had self-harmed.

Alice Ashworth, policy officer at Stonewall, said: "Videos such as this show the police can successfully talk directly to gay people, giving them confidence that it will get better."

Tim Peters, a youth project officer at Leicester LGBT Centre, said: "We see young people who have been bullied and worse.

"For an organisation such as the police to be behind a campaign like this is very positive.

"The more people who stand up, the better."

Police message to gay youngsters

Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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11.12am: Fallen tree and debris cleared from the B585 Bagworth Road between Newbold Verdon and Newbold Heath. The road is now open.7.30am The B585 Bagworth Road is closed just off the B582 between Newbold Verdon and Newbold Heath because of a fallen tree. 7.15am: There are no reports of delays or incidents in Leicester and Leicestershire and Rutland this morning. On the trains - East Midlands Trains ‏said services rbetween St Pancras, Sheffield and the East Midlands are all running well with no major delays.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:  Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire


Fire at restaurant in Loughborough

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Firefighters were called to a blaze at a restaurant in Loughborough this morning. Crews were called at about 4.15am to the fire in the ground-floor kitchen of the two-storey building in Ward's End. Police and ambulance crews were also called. A fire service spokesman said two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. During the incident firefighters had to force entry into an adjacent property and isolate the gas supply after a pipe had ruptured. The fire was under control by 5.20am. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. • See updated article: Loughborough takeaway damaged in kitchen fire

Fire at restaurant in Loughborough

Sainsbury's boss tells Hinckley 'no' to shopping centre

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The future of the £80million re-development of Hinckley town centre is hanging in the balance after Sainsbury's announced it was pulling out of the project. Rescue talks have been arranged after Justin King, the group chief executive, wrote to the council saying that because of delays and other problems the bus station scheme no longer made financial sense. However, the Liberal Democrat-controlled Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, which is supporting the scheme, says "the deal is not dead." The project, known as The Crescent, included shops and a cinema, with Sainsbury's being its anchor. But Mr King wrote to council chief executive Steve Atkinson on April 29 saying the company was pulling out. He wrote: "I can confirm that we have today notified the developers, Tin Hat Regeneration Partnership LLP, that we will not be proceeding with our store within the proposed town centre regeneration scheme." He said that the conditions of the initial contract with Tin Hat had not been met. He said: " A major part of the attraction of this project for us was the wider development including the other shops and the cinema with the physical improvement to the fabric of the town centre. "However we understand that a lack of demand from other shop tenants, the prohibitive cost of building the cinema and the incentive packages needed to entice other potential occupiers, coupled with the stringent conditions laid down by Tin Hats external funders, means the developer can no longer build out the scheme as originally designed. "This raises the prospect of our supermarket trading in isolation for an undefined period and consequently this significantly diminishes the trading and commercial back drop for us." He added: "We share your disappointment that the changes I have noted mean that Sainsbury's is no longer able to be part of this scheme." Mr Atkinson said talks had been arranged and insisted the scheme was not dead. He said: "We received notification of Sainsbury's intentions and responded immediately, requesting further discussions between the parties. The parties have agreed to take part in further discussions and these will be taking place as soon as possible. "The council is doing its utmost to ensure that the development does take place; as it stands, the deal is not dead." A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Discussions regarding progress of the Hinckley town centre regeneration scheme are on-going between all parties. Updates will be provided to the community once discussions have progressed and next steps are confirmed." Peter Batty, Conservative group leader on the council, said: "I am very angry that the public has been kept in the dark over these major developments. It is clear the council knew there was a problem over the involvement of Sainsbury's well before the county council elections on May 2. "The public deserves more openness. We do not want sweeteners, we cannot afford, to be offered to keep Sainsbury's on board."

Sainsbury's boss tells Hinckley 'no' to shopping centre

Police search for thugs after street attack in Oakham

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Two friends were assaulted when they went to the aid of two women who had been attacked by a gang of thugs. The friends saw three men push the two women to the ground in Mill Street, Oakham, in the early hours of last Saturday. When they went to help the women the three thugs turned on them too. One of the men was punched and kicked while he lay helpless on the ground. His friend suffered a serious injury to his face and was taken to hospital for treatment. The attack happened 3am on Saturday. Police appealed for witnesses today. Detective Constable Sarah Walker said: "I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time. "I know there were a number of people in the area who have not yet come forward and spoken to police. "You may think the information you have is trivial but it could really help with our inquiries. "I am particularly keen to trace the two women who were pushed to the ground in the incident. They could have important information." Contact Det Con Walker on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police search for thugs after street attack in Oakham

Roadworks taking place in Leicester from Sunday

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Roadworks will be taking place at the following locations in Leicester next week. New work starting: Watermead Road: carriageway resurfacing. Road closed between Melton Road and Red Hill Circle until 2pm on Sunday, May 19, only. St Augustine Road: water main work. Lane restrictions in place on Sunday, May 19, only. Newstead Road: school fun day. Road closed between Knighton Road and Ratcliffe Road on Saturday, May 25, only. On-going works in the city: Lutterworth Road: new bus lane. Various restrictions in place including temporary lane closures and temporary signals, moving along from Glen Parva. Carlton Street: new bus lane. Off peak lane restrictions in place between Welford Road and Oxford Street. St Nicholas Circle: relocation of park and ride bus stops. One lane closed between St Nicholas Place and Peacock Lane. Bus services will be affected. Service 12 will now pick up at stop PA. Services 18, 48, 153 & 158 will use stop PC. Services 50, 50a, 51, 52 & 70 will use a temporary stop beside the car park. Services 13a, 104 & 162 will still pick at St Nicholas Circle. Full details available at www.leicester.gov.uk/publictransport Herongate Road: drainage work. Temporary lights as required near to Heybridge Road. Pluto Close: new development. Road closed. Rutland Street: building works. Lane restrictions as required at junction with Charles Street. Western Road: building works. Road closed between Saxon Street and Roman Street. Diversions along Celt Street, Narborough Road, Gaul Street and Wilberforce Road. Wimbledon Street: construction work. Road closed at junction with Humberstone Road. One-way order reversed, access from Southampton Street. Applegate: Resurfacing works to be carried out before the road is reopened to traffic. Please note that emergency situations may require work schedules to be changed at short notice.

Roadworks taking place in Leicester from Sunday

What should replace New Walk Centre in Leicester?

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Today is the deadline for developers to submit their expressions of interest in Leicester City Council's crumbling New Walk Centre site, which is due to be demolished next year. The council will be moving out of the site by the end of this year after the two 1970s towers were condemned. The council has said the site could be ideal for a various uses including offices, leisure, hotel and conferencing facilities, shops, bars and restaurants. But what would you like to see replacing New Walk Centre? Let us know using the form below, adding a comment or tweeting us @thisisleics Related content: • MIPIM: Leicestershire attracts attention of international financier Bid to find buyer for council's HQ Leicester City Council set to spend £800,000 refitting Poundstretcher store

What should replace New Walk Centre in Leicester?

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