We didn't have to go down to London to see the Queen...

May 21, 2013, 3:50 am

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As a city, Leicester has become well known for the discovery of a king under a car park - but what about this queen on a pavement?

Karen Vowles and her boyfriend Joel Henderson were wandering along Barnwell Avenue in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, when they passed this rough bit of pavement bearing an uncanny resemblance to the picture of the Queen that you find on a postage stamp.

Karen, 36, said: "I stopped dead and pointed down and said to Joel, 'Look, it's the Queen!'

"We couldn't believe it. It was one of quite a few potholes along the pavement and this one was a few feet wide.

"We were there for about 10 minutes looking at it, trying to come up with road puns about the Queen and taking pictures.

"The shape looks just like the Queen with the neck, the faint hint of a tiara and the hair – although the nose makes her look like the old Spitting Image puppet rather than the real queen!"

The pair were on their way to visit Joel's grandmother at a nursing home in Beaumont Leys when they stumbled upon the pavement queen and Joel took some pictures of it on his phone.

Karen, remembering the Leicester Mercury story earlier this month about the aubergine that looked like the Hindu deity Lord Ganesh, decided to share it with our readers.

She said: "I work as a picture editor for the Daily Express and the story about the aubergine in Leicester had made it into some of the national papers I look through every day.

"That was a great story but I've never found anything like this before."

Joel, 35, who lives in London with Karen but regularly comes back to Leicester, said: "I've been showing the picture I took to lots of people and most of them recognise it as looking a lot like the Queen, although some have also said it looks a bit like a poodle!

"We showed the whole family and they loved it.

"I've never come across anything like this before but then I haven't really been looking.

"I'm going to be a lot more vigilant in the future and see if I can spot any more potholes that look like things!"

People living in the Beaumont Leys area agreed the pothole reminded them of the monarch.

Shaun Crossley, 38, said: "It looks a bit like the Queen but she's got something odd sticking out of the top of her head."

Sue Morris, 45, said: "Wow! It does look like a stamp!

"I'd never noticed it before. I walk down here every week and I obviously need to spend more time looking at the ground."

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the Government spend £50 million to mark centenary of First World War?

May 21, 2013, 5:01 am

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A host of high profile celebrities and cultural figures today announced a campaign against David Cameron's proposed £50 million programme of events to mark the centenary of the First World War. Opponents including Michael Morpurgo, Jude Law, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Sir Patrick Stewart and Anthony Gormley are backing a campaign against the plans by the Stop The War Coalition. The campaign group, which will make a full statement on the issue tomorrow morning, said the anniversary of the start of the war should be an opportunity to "focus on remembrance of the enormous number of lives lost and a commitment to a future of peace and international cooperation". The plans include sending 'student ambassadors' from every state secondary school to First World War battlefields, commemorative football matches and a national commemoration and memorial service matched by community events across the country. What do you think about the plans? Have your say here.

Major roadworks to install gas main cancelled

May 21, 2013, 5:34 am

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Motorists can breathe a sigh of relief after highway bosses confirmed plans to install a gas main at Fosse Park, Leicester, have been shelved. Major delays were expected at the Asda roundabout and Narborough Road South, next week, during the school half term. The work was due to start on the junction 21 approach of the A5460, which links the M1 and M69 motorways to Fosse Park, on Saturday - and last for a week. However, British Gas have informed the county highways department that the planned road closures are no longer necessary. Ian Skinner, clerk of works at Leicestershire County Council's transport department, said: "The works that were planned on behalf of British Gas, programmed for May 25 for one week do not now need to take place. "The company has revised its original proposals so that they no longer affect the busy Asda roundabout or Narborough Road South."

Leicestershire CCC v Glamorgan: Glam 184-4 at tea

May 21, 2013, 5:41 am

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Paceman Nathan Buck struck a much-needed blow for Leicestershire on the stroke of tea on the opening day of the Championship match against Glamorgan at Grace Road. The visitors had reached lunch at 67-2 having been sent in to bat, Ollie Freckingham having dismissed both Will Bragg and Stuart Walters in his new-ball burst. Buck, playing his first game of the season having recovered from an ankle injury, then had Ben Wright caught behind to leave Glamorgan on 98-3. However, Murray Goodwin and Marcus North settled in and began to swing the initiative in their side's direction. Both men posted half-centuries and rarely looked in any degree of trouble until, in the final over before tea, Buck trapped Goodwin lbw for 57 to leave Glamorgan on 184-4 at the break. North was unbeaten on 51 at that point. At the start of the day's play, Leicestershire had presented county caps to batsman Matthew Boyce and off-spinner Jigar Naik to mark the contributions they have made at the club.

Motorists face five months of disruption in Melton Road

May 21, 2013, 6:49 am

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Roadworks linked to the building of a new supermarket will start next week causing traffic disruption over the coming five months. Sainsbury's is currently developing a store on the site on the former GE lighting factory in Melton Road, Rushey Mead, Leicester. As part of the project a series of changes will be made to key junctions nearby to create new entry and exit points for the supermarket. Works will take place at two junctions - the Melton Road/Troon Way/Watermead Way Junction, and the junction of Nicklaus Road/Troon Way and Gleneagles Avenue. Leicester City Council has said construction will start on Tuesday, May 28, and will be carried out in phases until November in order to minimise the disruption to traffic. The redevelopment and road improvements will mean a series of temporary lane closures, road closures and temporary traffic management during various stages of the works. Signs will be put in place to warn drivers of likely disruption. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: "I'd ask people to bear with us while these junction improvements take place, and can assure motorists that we will do everything we can to keep the impact on traffic to a minimum." The outlined changes include creating new access to the store from the southbound carriageway of Melton Road, new toucan and pedestrian crossings, better street lighting, and a range of improvements to the carriageway, pavement and landscaping. There will also be a new left turn slip lane from Melton Road to Troon Way, an extra right turn lane from Troon Way to Melton Road, and an additional right turn lane from Melton Road to Watermead Way. A bus lane will be included on Melton Road, and additional bus stops added at Troon Way itself. The supermarket is set to open later this year. Information on the construction works is available from Thomas Issitt on Sainsbury¹s freephone number, 0800 975 5299.

VIDEO: Teachers picket outside Uplands Junior School this morning

May 21, 2013, 7:04 am

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More than a dozen teachers picketed for two hours outside a city school this morning. Uplands Junior School, in Highfields, Leicester, has been forced to shut today because of strike action by teachers belonging to the National Union of Teachers. They are concerned over proposals by the governing body to axe eight teaching assistants by the end of the summer term. NUT members clasping picket boards were outside the school from 7.30am, and were joined briefly by the teaching assistants who face redundancy. The assistants belong to the Unison and GMB unions, which are also balloting for strike action at a later date.

A spokesman for the striking teachers said: "We're reluctantly striking today because we want to provide the highest standard of education for youngsters here and take the school from good to outstanding. We don't think this aspiration would be possible if the redundancies go ahead because the teaching assistants here do a fantastic job and work incredibly hard. "The consultation over redundancies failed to listen to our views and therefore we felt that we had to take action to ensure these were heard and taken seriously by the governing body." Governors only announced their decision to close the school to parents yesterday. Abid Matak, chair of governors, said he had hoped to avoid the action by entering into talks with the city council and union leaders. In a statement, he said: "We feel the investigation should be allowed to take place and reach its conclusion before any decisions are made about further action to take." Teaching and support staff at Uplands Junior lodged a formal grievance against head teacher Tim Luckcock and Mr Matak in March. They have called on education bosses at the city council to request their resignation following a number of issues, including the redundancies. An independent officer is set to be appointed to look into the grievance and should be announced later this week. However, Ian Leaver, assistant secretary for Leicester's branch of the NUT, who joined members on the picket line this morning, called for Mr Luckcock's suspension as head teacher until the conclusion of the investigation. He said: "I can't see how any investigation can take place freely while the head teacher is still here. We would call for his suspension pending the outcome of the investigation." Mr Leaver also said that the independent officer had to be agreed by the local authority, union leaders, and governors. He suggested that Acas, an advisory, conciliation and arbitration service, be appointed to conduct this. A spokeswoman for Mr Luckcock said he had been advised by the governors and local authority not to comment at this time.

Five more charged with attack on Leicester curry house

May 21, 2013, 7:06 am

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Five more people have been charged with involvement in an attack on a curry house in Leicester. Police announced today that five men – aged 22, 23, 24, 24 and 31 – have been charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder at the Moghul Durbar restaurant in East Park Road, Spinney Hills, Leicester. They are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 21. A large group attacked staff and diners at the restaurant at 9pm on Monday, January 14. Six people went to Leicester Royal Infirmary to be treated for their injuries. Last month, seven men, from Derbyshire and Birmingham, were sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit violent disorder in attacking the restaurant. A 73-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident remains on police bail pending further inquiries.

Barristers protest against proposed changes to legal aid

May 21, 2013, 7:15 am

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Barristers and solicitors held a public protest outside Leicester Crown Court today in support of the Save the Criminal Justice Campaign. Campaigners are concerned about the Ministry of Justice's proposed changes to legal aid to save £220 million. Leicester was the first stop of a national tour of courts and other institutions. Former Leicestershire Law Society president and solicitor Helen Johnson said: "The government plan to introduce changes to criminal legal aid which will remove client choice and radically affect access to justice in Leicestershire." She said many local practitioners would go out of business with vast amounts of support staff being made redundant. "Criminal defence lawyers work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, representing people from all walks of life," she said. "Justice Minister Chris Grayling's proposals will remove client choice and restrict access to justice. "It's not about the headline cases. "We help people every day who find themselves unwittingly involved in the criminal justice system. "Our system is the envy of the world and these proposals will see the destruction of it. "The rights of local people to choose local practitioners to represent them will disappear, along with local knowledge and long established businesses trusted throughout Leicestershire and Rutland." You can follow the progress of the banner and protest on Twitter at: @justicebanner To sign the campaign's e-petition, visit: www.saveukjustice.net How the changes could affect you Helen Johnson, of Emery Johnson Solicitors said: "You may think the Ministry of Justice proposals affecting legal aid don't affect you, but here are some examples of when you might need the help of a criminal defence lawyer." 1. You live in an isolated area and your property is burgled. You arm yourself with a weapon and the burglar suffers injuries. You are arrested on suspicion of assault. 2. You are driving home and the children are arguing in the back of the car. One of them throws something at the other, who screams. You turn around momentarily to tell them off. When you look back the traffic in front of you has come to a halt. You brake but can't avoid going in to the back of the car in front. The passenger in the car in front is killed. You are arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. 3. There are a number of youths outside your home address being noisy and disruptive. You go out to have a word with them and tell them to move on. They are abusive to you and one of them comes up to you in a threatening manner so you push him away and go back in side. The next day you are arrested on suspicion of assaulting the youth who is 14 years of age. 4. Your 18-year-old son goes to visit a new college friend at his house. Whilst the police attend and search the premises, drugs are recovered. Your son is arrested along with everyone else in the house. 5. Your 14-year-old year daughter and her friend are accused of bullying another girl and putting information about her on the social networking website, Facebook. The police want her to attend the police station for a voluntary interview. Miss Johnson said: "The government's proposals mean that unless you can afford to pay for a solicitor you would not have any choice in who came to the police station to represent you. "Local firms that may have been recommended to you by someone you know are unlikely to still be doing this work."

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Tests on meat to be carried out at businesses in the city

May 21, 2013, 7:44 am

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Tests on meat are to be carried out at businesses across the city amid a growing concern over food content. Butchers, cafes, restaurants, food processors, wholesalers and shops selling meat are to come under the scrutiny of Leicester City Council's health inspectors. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Recent national stories about the horsemeat scandal and the findings of pork in halal lamb burgers in city schools has undoubtedly caused concern to city residents, and many people may now be questioning how confident they can be about the food we eat. "This can also be damaging to reputable manufacturers and suppliers. We recognise that small retailers cannot undertake the extensive testing that supermarkets can. "By carrying out this in-depth investigation, we will get a clear picture about the standards of meat on sale locally and help restore consumer confidence." It is the biggest meat-sampling programme ever undertaken in the city, with the aim of getting a better picture of the quality and standard of meat and meat products on sale in Leicester. The investigation will include over 100 samples and is likely to take about three months to complete. A report on the investigation will be made public upon completion. Adrian Russell, city council director of environment and enforcement services, said: "We will be looking to target those products most at risk from adulteration. These will mainly be products that are less likely to have been subject to testing undertaken nationally or by major supermarkets. "This is the biggest food-sampling programme we have ever undertaken, and we are very keen to ensure that any companies that are knowingly supplying fraudulently labelled foods will be brought to justice." A spokesman for one city wholesaler and processor of beef, pork, lamb and poultry said: "We supply to retail chains nationally, national food service companies and ready meal manufacturers. "We test anyway, we have done since the horsemeat affair, to make sure our customers have confidence that they're getting what they think they're getting. "A lot of places deal with multi species and it is impossible that tiny traces of the DNA of one meat can never totally be removed from another in a multi-species environment no matter how much you clean." "What the council is planning is a good idea, but it depends how vigorous they're going to be. There are manufacturers and retailers out there who don't have the same vigorous standards." Alan Walker, owner of Clays Butchers in Cheapside, in the city centre, said: "I think it's good, it's exactly what they should have done years ago.We are a fresh meat butchers selling beef, lamb, chicken, pork etc, there is no cooking or ready meal processes carried out here, everything we serve is fresh. "I think people need reassurance. Independent shops like ours have seen an increase in footfall since the horsemeat scandal." Shaf Islam, owner of Chutney Ivy restaurant, in Halford Street said:"We have been buying our meat fresh from local butchers whose trade has rocketed. I find their quality to be a lot more assured than going to one of the bigger chains. " I feel it is what is needed to assure the public and hopefully something like this will put more confidence into consumers." Deepak Shah, owner of the Lucky Supermarket in Hinckley Road, Leicester, said:"We don't sell any fresh meat, we just buy packaged meat form a trusted wholesaler. "Things should be checked before they get to the customer, but we don't have the resources as a small business so I think this is a good idea." The action comes as Leicester City Council begins its own statutory investigation into halal burgers removed from city schools earlier this year. City Barrister Kamal Adatia said: "Leicester City Council is now undertaking its own investigation into this matter. We cannot make any further comment as this may prejudice any future legal proceedings."

Suspected 'rag trade' tax fraudsters arrested

May 21, 2013, 8:56 am

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Five people involved in the rag trade have been arrested on suspicion of a £300,000 tax fraud and money laundering offences following a raid this morning. Three men aged 45, 43 and 19 and two women aged 45 and 41, all from Leicester, are currently being questioned under caution by HM Revenue and Customs criminal investigators. Mobile phones, computers, business records and substantial sums of cash were seized after three residential properties and one factory in Leicestershire were searched this morning. The five people were arrested on suspicion of alleged offences of tax evasion. The arrests are part of ongoing HMRC taskforce operations targeting the rag trade across the UK. Gary Lampon, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "Today's action follows our announcement last year of specialist taskforces targeting tax cheats in high-risk trade sectors such as the rag trade. The vast majority of people play by the rules, but we will not tolerate those who choose to break the rules by evading tax. "Honest businesses have absolutely nothing to worry about. However, if you deliberately seek to evade tax, HMRC can and will track you down. You will then face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well. "We would encourage anyone with information regarding tax evasion and fraud to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Police issue image of suspected burglar

May 21, 2013, 9:30 am

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Police have issued an artist's impression of man they believe tricked his way into an elderly woman's home to steal her purse. The man called at the woman's home in Mundella Street, off London Road, Stoneygate, Leicestershire shortly before midday on Saturday.(May 18) He said he was decorating in the area and asked for a pen and a piece of paper so he could write a note for a neighbour. The victim, who is in her seventies, gave him a pen and paper and the man left. However, he returned a few minutes later and asked for a glass of water. The woman agreed and found the man inside her home when she returned from the kitchen with a drink for him. She told him to leave and later realised her purse was missing from her handbag. The man was last seen walking toward nearby Herschell Street. Detective Constable Kim Potter said: "The victim was left quite distressed by the incident, this was a callous crime against an elderly person in their own home. "We need to catch the man responsible and would urge anyone who recognises the image or saw someone acting suspiciously in the area on Saturday morning to contact us. "We would also like to speak to anyone who may have been visited in similar circumstances. "Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help with our inquiries." The suspect is white, 5ft 9ins to 6ft and of medium build. He was wearing a cream coat and was of an unkempt appearance. Contact Det Con Potter on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Akita Nina is still just a puppy at heart – and loves her toys

May 21, 2013, 11:30 pm

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Beautiful Nina is a six-year-old Japanese Akita who is hoping that a new perfect home is just around the corner.

Ella Tonge, Dogs Trust Supporter Relations Officer, said: "Nina is a bright and active girl with a big heart that is just desperate to find a new family to share her endless love with.

"She loves her food and would benefit from some additional training once she has settled into her new home.

"A big puppy at heart, Nina still loves her toys, especially her soft squeaky ones. Needless to say, you know when Nina's around. "Once she's done with her playtime, Nina loves nothing better than to have a well-earned snooze.

"The right family for Nina will be an active one with plenty of time to teach her the ways of life. If you think you can offer Nina this ideal then she'd love to meet you."

If you would like to meet Nina or find out more about her, contact the team at Dogs Trust Loughborough on 01509 882 966 or visit the team at Hill Farm, Wide Lane, Wymeswold, Loughborough, LE12 6SE.

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Live traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

May 21, 2013, 11:45 pm

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12.02pm: Reports of an obstruction on the M1 northbound between junctions J20 and J21. Minor delays are possible due to a broken down vehicle closing one lane. Normal traffic conditions expected from 12:45 pm. 8.50am: Area Traffic Control ‏are reporting that all lanes southbound on the A46 at Six Hills are now open. One was blocked after a vehicle broke down. The vehicle has been removed. 8.25am: A broken down vehicle on the A46 southbound near to Six Hills is causing delays. One lane is blocked.7.20am: Good news as Area Traffic Control reports no major issues or delays on the county's roads so far this morning. -- bodyFor 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

Culture Clash!

May 22, 2013, 12:16 am

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MPs locked horns yesterday in a parliamentary debate about the 2017 UK City of Culture contest.

Politicians representing the 11 areas bidding for the title gathered to discuss the merits of their various bids.

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth, who came up with the idea of having the debate to stimulate interest in the competition, told rivals Leicester's case was "overwhelming".

He outlined the discovery of Richard III's remains, the city's history of radical politics and its diverse culture as plus points in its favour but said its people were its biggest asset.

"That's our trump card – the people of Leicester coming together," said Mr Ashworth.

"That's what Leicester is about. That's why our case is overwhelming, because we have the best people.

"Of course, we have found Richard III. He was buried in Leicester for 500 years and we recently found him in a Leicester City Council social services car park.

"We therefore have royalty in Leicester, and I say to honourable friends from Yorkshire, we are holding on to him. Keep your hands off.

"Cardinal Wolsey is also buried somewhere in Abbey Park and it is perhaps time we dug him up, too."

Mr Ashworth said: "Leicester is a city of tremendous diversity. Here, people could be greeted with the words 'As-salam alaykum', 'Namaste', 'Sat sri akaal' or, more simply, 'Alreet, me duck'."

Aberdeen, Chester, Dundee, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea, Hull, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, Southend-on-Sea and Swansea bay have submitted initial bids and judges are to pick a short list of four later this summer.

Leicester currently sits as second favourite with the bookies at odds of 5-1, behind Chester.

It is expected the eventual winner will see a surge in visitors, boosting its economy by millions of pounds.

Yesterday's debate was called – or started – by Southend West MP David Amess, who had previously described some of the other bidding cities as dumps.

While speaking in support of his own town's bid, he referred, in error to King Edward's remains being discovered in a Leicester car park, before correcting himself.

He said: "I am biased. I think that Southend is the strongest bid. Our bid is themed, quite beautifully, around the Thames estuary, which flanks our town.

"Fittingly, if Southend wins the bid, a museum of the Thames estuary would be developed and we would continue to partner other estuarial areas across the world."

Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said: "When people think of Swansea, naturally they think of Dylan Thomas, who was born there 100 years ago next year, when we celebrate the centenary. Of course, Dylan Thomas is the most translated poet of all time, second only to Shakespeare.

"There is a glistening array of stars from Swansea.

"One only has to think of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen and Catherine Zeta-Jones – I am sure Michael Douglas is applying for a visa as we speak."

Chester MP Stephen Mosley said: "Honourable members will be aware of the beautiful city of Chester, with our world-famous Roman city walls, our historic cathedral, the unique mediaeval shopping galleries, our beautiful River Dee. We have the Eastgate clock, which is the most photographed clock in the world after the clock that stands above this house.

"All are key features in our city and all are known across the globe."

Details of Leicester's initial bid include proposals for a huge Richard III dramatic re-enactment in various locations around the city and a giant movable light show.

Jack guilty of stealing the giant's gold

May 22, 2013, 1:45 am

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The fable of Jack and the Beanstalk has provided the unusual setting for a trial.

Youngsters at a primary school have been deciding if criminal charges should be brought against the son of the poor old widow for the alleged theft of a giant's bag of gold coins, a hen that lays golden eggs and a magical harp – and for the alleged murder of the giant.

The novel project at St Peter's CE Primary Academy, in Market Bosworth, has been run by law students from the University of Leicester as part of a study on children and the law.

In a mock trial, Jack was played by undergraduate Andrew Donaldson and the youngsters acted as jury members.

Dawn Watkins, senior law lecturer, who played the judge, said: "This helped us gain an understanding of what the children know about law and where it comes from.

"We hope to develop a programme that can be made available to other schools in Leicestershire. Its aim is to develop the children's legal literacy so that they develop an understanding of the law as an empowering force in their lives.

"At the same time, we hope to develop a module through which our students can work in schools as a part of their degree studies."

Final year law student Harriet Jones said: "The day started off with a trial, addressing the heinous acts of Jack, who came to infamy when he scaled the beanstalk.

"After this, the children were allowed to ask Jack questions and then decide upon their verdict.

"Jack was found guilty on the charge of theft and not guilty of murder, so he will no doubt soon be taken to Leicester Prison following his sentencing and mitigation hearing."

Surveyed afterwards, the pupils said despite his conviction for theft Jack was popular with most.

Cameron Collins, nine, said: "I enjoyed the play because I thought someone had actually been brought in handcuffs from the cells, but then I found out it was a role play.

"I liked it when we came in and talked about the different kinds of law and what we can and can't do."

Esther Button, nine, said: "I liked talking about really serious laws and not so serious laws."

In the fable, Jack meets a man on his way back from market who gives him five magic beans in exchange for a cow.

Overnight, they grow into a huge beanstalk which Jack climbs up, discovering a castle where a giant lives.

He steals a bag of gold, a magic hen and a golden harp, but the giant wakes and chases him down the beanstalk.

Jack and his mother cut it down and the giant falls to his death.

St Peter's head teacher Ralph Wood, said: "As a law graduate myself from the University of Leicester, I'm aware of how important it is for young people to get a good grasp of their rights and responsibilities.

"I very much look forward to establishing an ongoing project with the university that will be of great benefit to children and students."

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Talks deadlocked over Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford's possible transfer to Bolton

May 22, 2013, 1:58 am

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Talks between Leicester City and Bolton about a possible transfer for striker Jermaine Beckford are in deadlock over the possible fee.

Bolton are keen to recruit Beckford, who is surplus to requirements at City as he does not feature in boss Nigel Pearson's plans.

But the two clubs are some way apart in their valuations of the 29-year-old, who City signed from Everton two years ago for £2.5million.

While City know they will not recoup anywhere near their initial outlay for Beckford, they will not allow him to join the Trotters for next to nothing and there have been reports they have asked for £1m for the Jamaica international.

A resolution is unlikely to be reached within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, City are reportedly among a group of clubs trying to sign defender Alex Baptiste.

Baptiste is out of contract this summer with Blackpool and there are a host of Championship clubs, and a couple of Premier League clubs, who have expressed an interest.

Derby manager Nigel Clough has publicly announced his interest, while Bolton are also known to be trying to woo the 27-year-old.

City are said to be interested, but yesterday Hull were also linked with Baptiste and the chance to return to the Premier League may prove to be the deal-clincher for the Tigers.

Fraudster told to pay back £300k

May 22, 2013, 2:11 am

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A company boss who was jailed for masterminding a £110 million fraud has been ordered to pay back some of his ill-gotten gains. Max Fraser is serving eight years and eight months for his central role in one of the largest "asset-backed" frauds ever seen in the UK. The 45-year-old and accomplices obtained loans worth £110 million between 2001 and 2007. He told the lenders the money was to pay for machinery at his plastics firm in Leicester. But the equipment was not ordered and instead Fraser used the money to fund a jet-set lifestyle. He was jailed in January 2012. The sum obtained amounted to £111 million, though the actual loss to the lenders was estimated at £53 million. Now, a court has given Fraser six months to pay more than £300,000 to some of the firms he tricked. If he does not pay in time, he will receive a further jail sentence of three-and-a-half years. Leicestershire Police obtained the forfeiture order under the Proceeds of Crime Act during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court last week. The force examined Fraser's finances and found he had available assets of £306,254. Paul Wenlock, who runs the force's economic crime unit, said: "Fraser had a company yacht and took flying lessons. "He lived the high life, while his actions put at risk the jobs of those who worked legitimately at his firm. "This order shows police are determined that criminals will not get to enjoy the fruits of their crimes." The fraud was committed while Fraser was running Nylacast Limited. The company was later sold and still exists. The firm has no connection with the fraud, has never gone bust and enjoys a good reputation. Fraser admitted conspiracies to defraud financial institutions, false accounting and fraudulently trading. Formerly of Gaulby, later of Main Street, Ufford, Lincolnshire, Fraser was also banned from acting as a company director for 15 years. Also part of the conspiracy were David and Elizabeth Liversidge, of Constable Burton, North Yorkshire, who were found guilty of conspiring with Fraser to commit false accounting. The couple ran Stoke-on-Trent business HTL Limited and received about £6 million from Fraser for producing 900 bogus invoices, which Fraser then used to persuade banks to loan millions. Leicestershire Police said it would apply for the forfeiture of their assets.

Three teens arrested after armed brawl in park

May 22, 2013, 4:05 am

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Police have arrested three teenagers in connection with a brawl in Leicester's Abbey Park in which men were reportedly armed with knives and an axe. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman confirmed today that three 16-year-old men were in custody and were being questioned about the incident, which happened on Bank Holiday, May 6. Two groups of men – some reportedly armed with knives and an axe – were involved in a running brawl. Witnesses called police to report that two gangs of men were attacking each other. Some of the callers suggested the men were armed with knives and, in one case, an axe. Police believe up to a dozen men were involved in the running fight, which appears to have broken out near Abbey Road at about 6.20pm. Detectives have spoken to hospitals and other health services in an effort to trace anyone who has sought treatment for stab wounds or any similar injuries.

PICTURES & VIDEO: Festival tribute to club stalwart

May 22, 2013, 4:15 am

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A music festival saw a village unite in memory of a football club stalwart. Up to 1,500 revellers gathered at Kibworth and Smeeton Juniors FC, in Fleckney Road, Kibworth, for KibFest on Saturday. Twenty acts performed to raise money for the football club and Kibworth Primary School. Entertainment included a mini-football tournament, children's activities and music workshops. The event was organised by friends of the late Adam Bennett, a former committee member of the football club. He died in November, aged 41, following an accident while cycling near Bruntingthorpe.

Leicestershire batsmen fall apart on day two

May 22, 2013, 5:23 am

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Leicestershire's batting fell apart on the second day of their Championship match with Glamorgan at Grace Road. After the visitors had posted a huge first-innings score of 442-9 declared, County crumbled against the Welsh seam attack. John Glover and Michael Hogan both finished with four wickets as Leicestershire were dismissed for 142 in 44.3 overs and were left facing the prospect of following on 300 runs behind. Glamorgan dominated the entire day, led by Jim Allenby. The former Leicestershire all-rounder produced a Championship-best score of 138 not out from 210 deliveries. Nathan Buck, on his return from injury, was the pick of the County bowlers with 3-83.