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Richard III was buried in haste

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Academics have revealed further details of Richard III's hasty and unceremonious burial.

Archaeologists from the University of Leicester have published a paper about the grave in which the Plantagenet king was buried.

The monarch's remains were found last year under a council car park off Peacock Lane.

The dig team's findings have been set out in a paper in the journal Antiquity, available from today.

Greyfriars site director Mathew Morris said: "The paper gives more detail about what we found.

"It is an academic paper but we hope it will be something anyone interested in the project will enjoy reading.

"This was the chance for academic colleagues to look at what we have said and come back with any comments or criticisms. Rather gratifyingly, they didn't say very much.

"Everything about the burial suggests haste, which could be interpreted as minimal reverence."

He said Richard was casually placed in a badly-prepared lozenge-shaped grave, suggesting gravediggers were in a hurry.

He was crammed into the grave, which was too short at the bottom to receive the body in the normal way.

The academics also concluded there was evidence to suggest Richard's hands may have been tied when he was buried.

His head was propped up against one corner of the grave, suggesting the gravediggers had made no attempt to rearrange the body once it had been lowered in.

Archaeologists said this was in stark contrast to other medieval graves in the town, which were the correct length and dug neatly.

The evidence, they said, pointed to the gravediggers showing the king a lack of respect.

This is in keeping with accounts from the historian Polydore Vergil, who said Richard was buried "without any pomp or solemn funeral".

The paper was written by key members of the search team, including lead archaeologist Richard Buckley.

It includes contributions from bone expert Dr Jo Appleby, geneticist Dr Turi King, medieval friary expert Deirdre O'Sullivan and Professor Lin Foxhall, head of the university's School of Archaeology and Ancient History.

They wrote: "The paper highlights the fact this was a public archaeology project initiated by Philippa Langley, of the Richard III Society, and executed by a team of archaeologists and other specialists from the University of Leicester.

"At this stage we have discovered enough of the plan of the Grey Friars precinct to feel confident we have identified parts of the eastern range, the chapter house and the eastern end of the church, including the transition between the choir and the presbytery.

"This means the hastily-constructed grave in trench one is certainly in the place indicated by the 15th and 16th century written sources as the tomb of King Richard III."

Professor Chris Scarre, editor of Antiquity, said: "This discovery has been a focus of major public interest and debate and we are delighted to publish the details of the excavation that have helped lead the team to their conclusion."

Due to the worldwide interest in the discovery of Richard III, the University of Leicester has arranged for the paper to be available on the internet.

Read the paper in full at:

http://antiquity.ac.uk/ant/087/ ant0870519.htm

Richard III was buried in haste


Market site marked off for building of food hall

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Fencing has gone up ahead of the construction of a market's new food hall.

Preliminary work started on site at Leicester Market yesterday.

Plans for the food hall next to the Corn Exchange were approved last week.

Consent was also given in principle to demolish the 1970s market hall, which has been deemed no longer fit for purpose.

The perimeter fencing is to allow the construction team to carry out preliminary work, including removing bollards and excavating small trial holes.

"Our brief is to minimise disruption to members of the public and businesses in the area during the construction phase," said project manager Gavin Colton, of Kier Construction Central – the contractor appointed by the city council to deliver the scheme.

He said: "We invite anyone with a query or concern about the work to get in touch with us."

To ensure construction vehicles can access the site, temporary parking and loading restrictions in Market Place North will take effect from next week.

Waiting, loading and unloading will be prohibited on both sides of Market Place North, adjacent to Market Corner, from Tuesday.

Construction work on the food hall will get under way in July.

The building is scheduled to be completed in December.

It will open to the public in January 2014.

To report any concerns related to the building work, contact Kier Construction on 0115 986 8856.

Market site marked off for building of  food hall

Archbishop sees king's grave site

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The Archbishop of Canterbury was today set to take a tour of the site where Richard III's remains were discovered.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, the country's most senior clergyman, was in Leicester for the annual Meissen Commission talks aimed at strengthening relations between the Church of England and the German Protestant Church.

However, he was due to take time out to see the place, near the cathedral, where the king was found by University of Leicester archeologists.

Lead archeologist Richard Buckley and mayor Sir Peter Soulsby were due to accompany the archbishop on a private viewing of the Greyfriars site.

Cathedral staff were also expected to talk to him about the plans to reinter the monarch at the cathedral next year.

The archbishop's visit to Leicester was to be his first to the city since he took office in March.

Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, said: "It is a privilege to welcome our archbishop to Leicester for the first time, together with the Meissen Commission.

"We are delighted they have chosen Leicester to hold their talks and to experience something of our wonderful city with its many diverse cultures and faiths."

The Meissen Commission talks began yesterday and are being hosted by St Philip's Centre, a charity established by the diocese.

St Philip's Centre director, the Rev John Hall, said: "The archbishop and the leader of the German delegation, the Rev Dr Nikolaus Schneider, together with the visiting party, have shown a keen interest in coming to Leicester and finding how people of many faiths learn to live happily with one another.

"Leicester is a very special city with its mix of faiths and many cultures."

A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Leicester said: "We know the archbishop is keen to learn more about the Richard III story while he is here."

The archbishop will also visit St Philip's Church, in Evington Road, where he is to talk about the need to maintain good relations between the city's various faith groups.

Archbishop sees king's grave  site

New lord mayor in cancer pledge

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A new Lord Mayor of Leicester took office last night, pledging to support a cancer charity which looked after his younger brother before he died.

Councillor Mustafa Kamal was elected Leicester's first citizen, taking over the civic chains from retiring Lord Mayor Abdul Osman.

The Labour member for the city's Stoneygate ward was chosen by his fellow councillors for the ceremonial position.

Coun Kamal told guests at the Town Hall last night that he would be backing Macmillan Cancer Support during his year in office.

The former deputy council leader said he lost both his mother, Feteh Begum, and his brother, Ahmed Aslam, to cancer.

He said the charity, which employs nurses to care for cancer sufferers, had made a huge difference to his brother, who died aged 64.

"They were so kind to him and looked after him so well," said Coun Kamal.

"I promised myself that if I was ever in a position to support them, I would do it."

The retired railway worker and union official said: "It is a great honour for me to become the Lord Mayor. I am really looking forward to the next 12 months serving the city of Leicester."

Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester's city mayor, which unlike the lord mayor's role is a political post, said: "It has been my privilege to have known Coun Kamal for many, many years as a colleague and a friend.

"He has a long record of public service in Leicester."

Sir Peter said Coun Kamal had "innate sound judgement", a light touch and a warm personality.

He added: "He is a superb representative of Leicester. There can be few people more fitted to being its first citizen.

"He will be a superb lord mayor."

Coun Kamal said he would not be following the usual tradition of appointing a chaplain for his term.

Outgoing Lord Mayor Coun Osman was praised for his own year in office, in which he attended 546 civic engagements and raised more than £80,000 for the Stroke Appeal at Leicester's hospitals, which has provided money to buy vital medical equipment.

Coun Osman said he was delighted to have held the role in the year of the London Olympic Games, the Diamond Jubilee and the discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester.

The role of the lord mayor has come under scrutiny in recent years, with critics saying it was no longer necessary.

However, councillors last night stressed how important it was as part of the city's heritage and tradition.

Labour group chairman Coun Patrick Kitterick said: "The delight the presence of the lord mayor brings to the people of Leicester is truly valued."

Long-serving councillor John Thomas was elected as Coun Kamal's Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor Ted Cassidy became High Bailiff of Leicester.

New lord mayor in cancer pledge

In the courts

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Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Cheila Arif (25), of Gough Road, North Evington, Leicester, was found guilty in her absence of driving without a licence on October 20 last year.

She was fined £200, ordered to pay £85 court costs and had three points put on her licence.

Donna Thurman (26), of Battenberg Road, Newfoundpool, Leicester, admitted driving while disqualified on March 21.

She was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. She was disqualified from driving for a further 15 months.

Courtney Johnson (31), of Armadale Drive, Netherhall, Leicester, was found guilty of carrying a knuckle duster as an offensive weapon on November 27.

He was ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid work, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £500 court costs.

He admitted driving without insurance on the same day, for which he was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Anjam Sarwar (46), of Grittar Close, Wigston, was found guilty of harassing three people by filming, photographing and making malicious allegations about them between August 2011 and November 2012.

He was given a 12-month community order and a restraining order.

Gary Barlow (32), of New Fields Avenue, Braunstone, Leicester, admitted failing to obey a police officer's instruction to move away from a public place on March 24.

He was fined £175 and ordered to pay £85 court costs.

In the courts

Like the Queen, Peter was given a crown in 1953

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The 60th anniversary of the Coronation next month has prompted special memories for one Leicestershire man.

Pensioner Peter Wood, of Braunstone Town, was given a crown – five shillings before decimalisation in 1971 – as part of his first week's wages when he began his national service in June, 1953, to commemorate the event.

Widower Mr Wood, 77, has held on to the cherished coin, worth 25p in today's money, ever since.

Mr Wood, who joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as an engineer, repairing and maintaining a fleet of ten-ton Bedford lorries, went on to serve in Dorset and Germany.

He said: "Everyone who enlisted in June was given a crown in their first week's wages. I was quite pleased, I liked the idea. I love the royals.

"It wasn't issued normally as part of your general wages, it was just for special occasions.

"It's about one and a half inches across and has the Queen on horseback on one side and the four symbols of the United Kingdom on the other.

"Written around the edge it has the words 'faith and truth I will bear unto you'.

"I've not had it valued, I don't want to get rid of it. I treasure it with happiness."

Mr Wood, who was a carer for his late wife, Sandra, who died, aged 69, three years ago, also met Princess Anne during a visit to the Carers of Leicester Support Project (Clasp) in the city in 2008.

He added: "We had tea with her and we were chatting about what we all did for our loved ones."

A third royal link is through the George Medal he was awarded for saving a comrade from drowning when the lorry they were in toppled from a bridge in Germany into a river, submerging the driving cab underwater.

Mr Wood, a father-of-two and grandfather of four, said: "I managed to get out but the driver was trapped and I dived back under the water.

"I couldn't see anything, but I grabbed a head and just pulled. We both bobbed up and lay on the canvas sides of the lorry waiting to be rescued.

"I remember the officers and sergeants standing on the bridge who were more interested in stopping the goods in the back of the lorry floating away!"

The George Medal, instituted in 1940 by the Queen's father, King George VI, is primarily a civilian award, but it may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct that is not in the face of the enemy.

Mr Wood said: "I'm not a royalist, but I do love the royal family. I'll be watching any coverage of events marking the 60th anniversary of the coronation."

A service marking the occasion will be held at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, June 4, said a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman.

Like the Queen, Peter was given    a  crown   in 1953

Chairman names his charities

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A new chairman has been sworn in at Blaby District Council and has chosen his charities of the year.

Councillor Alan Tanner, who takes over from Councillor Jill Blackwell, was sworn in at the annual meeting .

He has chosen to support Leicester Children's Holiday Centre, at Mablethorpe, and 4Ward Strokes Leicester during his term in office.

Coun Tanner said: "I am honoured to take over from Councillor Blackwell and thrilled to be the new chairman.

"I will attempt to serve this council well in the coming year and feel this is my chance to say thanks to the people who have supported me."

Coun Tanner has represented the Cosby and South Whetstone ward on the district council for 14 years.

Councillor David Clements was named vice-chairman for the year.

Outgoing chairman Coun Blackwell raised £2,424 for Leicester Animal Aid and national charity the Cinnamon Trust during her term in office.

The chairman is available to attend any events, no matter how big or small, that groups and businesses may be planning over the next year.

To invite the chairman to an event, phone 0116 272 7512, visit the website below, or e-mail:

civic@blaby.gov.uk www.blaby.gov.uk/chairman

Chairman names his charities

Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

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7.30am: Traffic was reported to be flowing freely on roads in the city and county with no problems.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


Cat rescued from house given oxygen by firefighters

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Firefighters administered oxygen to a cat they rescued from a house fire in Hinckley last night. The fire broke out in the kitchen of a home in Tame Way in the town shortly before 7.30pm. Two crews from Hinckley fire station dealt with the blaze wearing breathing equipment. The fire, which was caused by clothing left on a hob, caused severe fire and smoke damage to the kitchen. A second pet cat is missing from the home.

Cat rescued from house given oxygen by firefighters

Firefighters tackle blaze at three houses

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Firefighters are tackling a blaze that started in a disused property and spread to two other houses. The fire broke out at the empty building in Beryl Avenue, Hinckley, at around 6.15am and spread to two neighbouring semi-detached homes. Four fire crews are at the scene with one of the properties described as being well alight. Everybody from the properties has been accounted for. Two crews from Hinckley fire station were backed up by additional crews from Leicester's southern fire station and Nuneaton fire station. Six firefighters in breathing equipment were involved in fighting the blaze.

Firefighters tackle blaze at three houses

Leicester Cathedral opens book of condolence for murdered soldier Lee Rigby

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A book of condolence has been opened at Leicester Cathedral for the young soldier murdered in a terrorist attack. Drummer Lee Rigby, of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in the street near army barracks in Woolwich, London, on Wednesday. Officials at Leicester Cathedral have put out the book of condolence so people in the city can pay tribute to the 25-year-old married father-of-one, from Middleton, Greater Manchester. They say the attack has shocked members of all communities in the country. The two suspects, who witnesses said shouted Islamist slogans during the attack, were shot and arrested by police.

Leicester Cathedral opens book of condolence for murdered soldier Lee Rigby

Whoever keeps their head will lift the title, says Leicester Tigers' Parling

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Leicester Tigers lock Geoff Parling believes it will be the "top two inches" that decide the outcome of today's eagerly-awaited Aviva Premiership final.

With two big, hard packs set to smack seven bells out of each other on the hallowed turf, Twickenham will not be a place for the faint-hearted in front of more than 82,000 people.

Parling said the side that can keep their heads, with all sorts of madness going on around them, will lift the trophy.

"We feel we are playing well and had a good win against Harlequins in the semi-final," he said.

"But it's the top two inches that will make the difference today.

"It's about being mentally resilient because these big games are won 'up top'.

"There is a lot of composure needed. You need to able to re-set and go again, stick to your game-plan, adjust to what is happening and concentrate all the time. The approach to the game is key.

"Saints were outstanding in their semi-final. They have a good set-piece but we are a good team too, and we have lots of very good parts to our game.

"Now it's about us getting our parts of the game spot-on.

"We have lost the last two finals, which really hurt us, but there is a good feeling in the camp this week.

"We don't want a relaxed atmosphere but a feeling that we have done a really good job in the semi-final, now let's finish the job."

Leicester will run out for an incredible ninth consecutive final as overwhelming favourites, with plenty of experience over rookies Northampton.

They have also won the last seven fixtures against their local rivals, their last meeting two months ago resulting in a humiliating 36-8 defeat for Saints in front of their own fans.

Tigers will look to get ahead early and remind the Saints players of recent dominance.

But Saints will have taken a huge amount of confidence from their big win against Saracens in the semi-final.

As with any big occasion, the side that gets dominance up front early on will be expected to go on and win the game – and lift the trophy.

The inexperienced Logovi'i Mulipola's battle with Brian Mujati in the front row will be crucial to the outcome of any scrums, while two British & Irish Lions will go head to head at hooker with Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs.

Julian Salvi's battle with England skipper Tom Wood in the No.7 shirt will determine which side gets quick ball to work with, and the battle of two very spiky scrum-halves in Lee Dickson and Ben Youngs will be fascinating.

Toby Flood's kicking duel with Stephen Myler will see which side keeps the scoreboard ticking over and, in the three-quarters, Tigers will be hoping that Manu Tuilagi can punch holes and unleash their various try-scoring weapons that have, once again, led to Tigers topping the league's try-scoring charts.

The bookies and most pundits will fancy Leicester to land a 10th English title, while most of the neutrals will no doubt be backing the underdogs to a first.

Some 133 years ago, these two sides competed in the first of 227 battles for local bragging rights.

The 228th will be the most important of the lot.

Whoever keeps their head will lift the title, says Leicester Tigers' Parling

Thrill-seeking gran in daring wing-walk

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She might be at an age where she could easily be forgiven for settling down and enjoying the quiet life, but daredevil Barbara Watson wants no such thing.

To mark her forthcoming 70th birthday, the grandmother strapped herself to the top of an aeroplane to take part in a daring wing-walk.

Barbara has previously completed a skydive, an abseil and an aerochute ride, flown a plane and walked around the outside of the 328-metre Sky Tower in New Zealand.

She said she wanted to do something extra-special to mark her milestone birthday in August.

"It was absolutely amazing," Barbara, of Melton, said of her wing-walk. "I've wanted to do it for a long, long time.

"I wasn't nervous at all, I'd just been so looking forward to it. You don't have any training, you know. The pilot just told me to follow him up and showed me where to put my feet and then I was harnessed into the frame.

"He told me we needed to have a signal. He said if I had my hands in the air and was waving them around, then he would know I was having fun. But if I felt it wasn't for me, I had to put my thumbs down and we would land within a minute. That didn't happen."

Barbara said it was a thrill to be in the air. "I just felt pure adrenaline," she said. "I could see for miles around. We went down so we were above the tree-tops and did a dive and then went back up."

The only thing they didn't fit in was a loop-the-loop.

"That was because of the type of engine, he told me we couldn't do it," said Barbara. "But I'm sure I would have been up for it."

Barbara says she has always up for an adventure.

"I don't know where it's come from but if there's something thrilling then I've got to do it," she said. "I feel that I've got to do these things.

"I've not got anything planned now, I shall have to think of something."

Barbara celebrates her golden wedding with husband Carl next year, so said she might think of a stunt to mark the occasion.

Although he thinks his wife is "nuts," Carl is supportive of her antics.

"I back her 100 per cent," he said. "She's more adventurous than me, I've got no desire to do it with her. Someone's got to stay on the ground and film it, that's my excuse.

"I do worry about her a bit, there's always a bit of anxiety. But I'm very proud of her as well."

Thrill-seeking gran in daring wing-walk

Ryan Lamb expects to be slaughtered if Northampton beat Leicester Tigers

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Fly-half Ryan Lamb is expecting plenty of stick if he walks into Welford Road as a Premiership winner in July.

The 27-year-old will swap Northampton colours for Leicester's after today's Grand Final clash between the two sides.

Lamb, pictured, will join Toby Flood, Owen Williams and Dan Bowden to complete for the No.10 shirt next season.

But this weekend, he is definitely in the Northampton camp, doing all he can to bring the Aviva Premiership trophy to Franklin's Gardens.

He insists all thoughts of his summer switch have been thrown away ahead of the Twickenham showdown and, when asked about the prospect of depriving Tigers of the title, he said: "I might get a bit of stick, but I'm not really thinking about it too much.

"I'm just 100 per cent focused on this weekend.

"Leicester are not there year in, year out for no reason. They're one of the best teams around, the most successful team in recent years.

"It's our first cup final as a club, but we'll take a lot of confidence into it, throw everything at it and see what comes out of it.

"To win a Premiership title would be a special moment for everyone around the club and the town. It would be a special moment in my career if we could do that."

Lamb's move to Leicester will bring an end to two mixed seasons at Franklin's Gardens. The enigmatic No.10 has divided opinion throughout his stay at Saints, even drawing some boos from small sections of the fans.

But it has been water off a duck's back to the player, who prides himself on his creative approach.

"I just pretend they're shouting at Mooj (Brian Mujati)," he joked. "It's just a small minority. I've had a lot of support from the fans and that's what I concentrate on.

"You're not going to please everyone, especially the way I play, but I'm happy with that. I just get on with my job.

"I just try to play with a smile on my face and try to get through it."

With his preparation well under way to become one of a very small number to move between two clubs who are the best of enemies, Lamb admits his final week at Saints has been emotional.

But he is determined not to get caught up in thoughts of leaving ahead of one of Northampton's biggest-ever games.

"It's a bit of a sad time, the last week," said Lamb. "I've been driving Mooj in in the morning and we've been talking about it.

"We can't really get wrapped up in the emotion of it, and it will be great to have a send-off by putting a trophy in the cabinet."

Ryan Lamb expects to be slaughtered if Northampton beat Leicester Tigers

Donington Park: Circuit plans to increase race days from 40 to 60

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Donington Park is looking to increase the number of days it is allowed to hold motor racing events from 40 to 60 – on a permanent basis.

The circuit, in Castle Donington, has applied to North West Leicestershire District Council for approval of the scheme.

It follows a two-year trial period, in which the impact of the proposed changes has been monitored and scrutinised by acoustic noise specialists.

Circuit bosses claim the trial has been a success and are pushing for permanent permission – despite objections from 44 residents.

Managing director Christopher Tate said: "We have had temporary permission to run extra weekend race days since 2001, but would like to make this arrangement long-term.

"The trial period has been a success but the temporary permission ends in November.

"We've consulted extensively with residents and the wider community and have been working closely with the planning authority.

"To be able to plan ahead for next year's race calendar we need to know now whether we can continue past November. We need that assurance."

Concerns raised by residents include extra disturbance from noise, pollution and increased traffic congestion on surrounding roads.

Hemington resident Chris Hill, 54, said: "I want to see the racing circuit prosper, as it creates jobs, brings investment to the area and business for local companies. But there are noise issues.

"What gets me is plenty of industries create noise – East Midlands Airport, for example.

"But almost all of them have a plan to reduce noise in the future – the race track doesn't.

"I'm not convinced cars nowadays can't go just as fast but create less noise.

"Because they mostly race at weekends when people want to enjoy their homes and gardens, it can be very annoying indeed.''

To reduce the impact on surrounding villages, the circuit did produce a noise-management plant and voluntarily introduced noise limits on certain days.

Planning officers at the district council are recommending its planning committee, which meets to consider the move on Tuesday, June 4, to agree the extra race days for the long term.

It follows a report by Acoustic Consultancy Services Ltd, backed by council environmental health officers, which found that the overall noise levels created by the extra race days was less than predicted.

Council data revealed that, of 195 noise complaints from residents during 2012, 138 came from 21 people living in South Derbyshire.

Donington Park Liaison Committee, which includes parish and district councillors, was also consulted.

Its secretary, Tony Saffell, who is also district councillor for Castle Donington, said: "I don't think the extra racing days have made any difference to overall noise levels from the circuit. That's because the number of race days when there is unlimited noise have been reduced.

"This weekend's World Super bike Championship event, for example, is relatively quiet, with noise levels well under those you would get from a road vehicle."

If the plans are approved, racing will take place from February through to November every year.

Donington Park: Circuit plans to increase race days from 40 to 60


Outrage at Gary Glitter song

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A mum-of four has called on the producers of hit '70s musical Hot Stuff to remove a song by convicted paedophile Gary Glitter.

Anne-Marie Newland contacted the Leicester Mercury about the use of I'm the Leader of the Gang after watching the show at Curve last week.

She said some theatre-goers walked out after the song was performed.

Hot Stuff, a home-grown Leicester musical which started at the city's Haymarket theatre in 1992, features classic '70s and '80s hits including Dancing Queen, I Will Survive, Spirit in the Sky, Fame, We are the Champions, Blame it on the Boogie and Addicted to Love.

Anne-Marie, of Stoneygate, Leicester, said although she enjoyed the production, she thought the use of Glitter's song was inappropriate.

"Don't get me wrong, it's a brilliant show, absolutely fantastic," she said. "It was good fun, the dancers and singers were amazing and Ceri Dupree (who plays the lead role of Lucy Fur) was absolutely brilliant.

"However, they do a medley of songs including one of Gary Glitter's. I sat there feeling very uncomfortable and, really, just couldn't believe what I was hearing."

She said her brother, who saw the show on a different night, walked out after Glitter's song was played. "I didn't really know what to do when it came on," she said. "I just don't think they should be playing his songs. He's a convicted paedophile, it's inappropriate.

"Surely it wouldn't be that hard to just use a different song? There are many other artists from the era with songs that are just as energetic. It wouldn't be that the show couldn't go on without it.

"I don't know if it's a lack of sensitivity or awareness, but I don't think it's right. Especially if he's still making royalties from it."

Anne-Marie is now a yoga teacher but used to freelance as a make-up artist in London when she was younger, and was once commissioned to work with Glitter.

"I was asked to work on a video shoot with him in the early 1980s," she said. "After everything came out about him afterwards, I felt uncomfortable about that, that I'd worked with him.

"I just think it's something that needs to be addressed. Everyone who's seen Hot Stuff knows it's an absolutely brilliant show, but this just gave it a bad feeling. I don't think it would spoil the show if the song was changed."

Hot Stuff started its run at Curve on April 20 and finishes tomorrow night.

Paul Kerryson, director and co-deviser of Hot Stuff, said: "Hot Stuff is a musical set in the '70s and the musical content of the production reflects the best and worst excesses of the era.

"The song in question forms a small section of a glam-rock melody, which has been in Hot Stuff for 21 years."

Outrage at Gary Glitter song

Leicester man jailed for killing wife

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A taxi driver who stabbed his wife to death has been found guilty of manslaughter and was yesterday jailed for four years. Yacoub Rezai, a father-of-two, was cleared of murder. He accepted responsibility for Reihana Rezayi's death, but claimed he never intended causing serious injury. The jury of seven men and five women agreed. Reihana (23) suffered four knife wounds, including a fatal injury to her abdomen and aorta. Her body was found in the bathroom of their home in Hand Avenue, Braunstone, on the afternoon of November 13. During his 12-day trial, Leicester Crown Court was told Rezai (32) was depressed and unable to cope in the two months before his wife's death, as her attitude towards him dramatically changed. He believed she was cheating on him. Five days before the killing, she asked for a divorce. During a row she hurled insults at him and he went to show her a knife, intending to quieten her – and then lost control, he told the court. Rezai left her dying on the bathroom floor and took their children, aged two and five, to his wife's sister in Reading, before handing himself in to the police. Somayeah Rezayi, Reihana's sister, said after the hearing: "Everything happened so suddenly. I still can't believe my sister is dead and her two children are deprived of both their mum and dad because their dad did such a terrible thing. "If he had just thought of the children, maybe he would never have done what he did. "My sister will not come back and all I can do is look after her children like my own. "I think that way Reihana will rest in peace." Rezai's defence counsel, Bobbie Cheema QC, likened the offence to "a crime of passion". Sentencing, Judge Michael Pert QC said: "It's clear on the evidence you had a happy marriage and were a good, placid and kind husband. "All that changed two months before you killed your wife and I accept the changes in your life caused you great distress and reduced you to a state recognised by doctors in this case as an adjustment disorder." He said Rezai's mental disorder was not found to have substantially diminished his responsibility, but was a mitigating feature when considering sentence. He said he also had to consider "a human life has been lost". Before sentence was passed, Miss Cheema reminded the judge that the consultant psychiatrist, for the defence, said he thought the offence would not have been committed if Rezai had not had the adjustment disorder. She said Rezai had not seen his children since. She said: "He understands they are happy and has been sent photographs." Rezai, originally from Afghanistan, was said to be anxious to adhere to his homeland culture by working hard to give money to charity in recognition of his wrongdoing. Miss Cheema said: "One of the things he needs to do is to see his wife's father and apologise. "He remains full of remorse." Rezai, who looked like a broken man throughout the trial, is on medication for depression. He and his wife had an arranged marriage in 2005. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cure, who led the investigation, said: "I hope this result will help Reihana's family move on with their lives and put the events of last November behind them."

Leicester man jailed for killing wife

Pensioner flees fire in Hinckley

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Fire ripped through an empty house, forcing an elderly neighbour to flee her home after flames spread through the roof space.

The fire broke out at a semi-detached house in Beryl Avenue, in Wykin estate, Hinckley, shortly after 6am yesterday.

The fierce blaze, which was tackled by firefighters from Hinckley, Leicester's Southern station and Nuneaton, gutted the disused property.

Smoke and flames forced next-door neighbour Una Thomson, who is in her late 70s, out into the street.

She was taken in by neighbour Jean Orton, 63, who said: "A neighbour across the street knocked on my door at about 6.15am and said there was a fire.

"I went out and saw Una standing in the street so I brought her round here.

"I've known Una for a long time. We're friendly round here in The Circle, as it's called, and look out for one another.

"She woke up and saw the smoke. She's lost a lot of her stuff, precious mementoes.

"Insurance is no good for your memories. She was very upset.

"The house has stood empty for about eight years and it became rundown.

"Kids used to break into it, but then metal mesh was put up at the windows to protect it."

Mrs Thomson's son, Robert, said: "My mum woke up at about 5.50am and could smell smoke.

"She got out straight away when she realised what it was.

"She's very upset and is staying at my house while we get things sorted out. She has lived there 30 years and is very shaken up by what's happened.

"I work at Asda and I got the call at about 7am and came round to get her."

Mrs Thomson was too upset to speak about the incident. Neighbour Tony Hunt said: "I didn't see any flames at first, just smoke, which the wind was blowing towards our house.

"I saw the flames shoot out when the firemen got their hoses on it – it looked like it was going well."

Watch manager Stewart Payne, said: "It was a severe fire. The first crews on the scene, from Hinckley, faced a fire which was well under way and was coming out of the windows and roof.

"It's a vacant property which had mesh over the windows, making access difficult.

"It spread to the next-door property causing some fire damage in the loft and smoke damage.

"The property involved in the fire was gutted and there is a risk of the floor collapsing, so we are making it safe for the fire investigation team to get in."

Pensioner flees fire in Hinckley

Roadworks in Leicester from Sunday

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Roadworks in Leicester: w/c Sunday, May 26, 2013 New work starting this week: * Melton Road: new development. Lane restrictions in place near to Troon Way junction from Tuesday (May 28) due to work at the new Sainsbury's site. * Sturdee Road: carriageway resurfacing. Road closed between Saffron Lane and Hillsborough Road from Tuesday (May 28). Diversions in place. * Adderley Road: street party. Road closed on bank holiday Monday (May 27) only. * Western Boulevard: Riverside Festival. Road closed between The Newarke and Tarragon Road on Saturday (Jun 1) and Sunday (Jun 2) only. Also affects part of Tarragon Road and Mill Lane. Diversions in place. On-going works in the city: * Peacock Lane: water main work. Road close heading towards Cathedral from St Nicholas Circle. Diversions in place. * 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. For queries please contact Area Traffic Control on 0116 254 0000. ATC Lines are open Monday-Friday 6.30am-6.30pm, and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. For up-to-date information tune in to Radio Leicester (104.9 FM). Details of roadworks and information about car parking in Leicester are available online at www.leicester.gov.uk/travel To follow Leicester City Council's area traffic control team on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ATCleicester

Roadworks in Leicester from Sunday

Woolwich murder: Call for unity

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The Archbishop of Canterbury today stressed the need for unity among Leicester's religious communities in the aftermath of the brutal killing of a soldier in a suspected terrorist attack. The Most Rev Justin Welby, the Church of England's most senior clergyman, said the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich by two apparent Muslim extremists had "no place in Islam." The archbishop spoke about the young soldier's murder outside the Masjid Umar mosque, in Evington, after rearranging his schedule in a visit to Leicester, planned before Wednesday's horrific events. He met officials from the mosque, along with the bishops of Woolwich, Bradford and Pontefract as well as Bishop of Leicester Tim Stevens. The archbishop stood side-by-side with assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain Ibrahim Mogra to address reporters follwing events in the capital. The archbishop said: "We have all been horrified by the brutal murder of drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich and all of our prayers are with his family, colleagues and comrades, all those who witnessed this crime and members of the community who have been affected by it. "I want to recognise the response of churches, mosques and other faith and civil society groups, as well as those brave individuals who have done so much to bring our communities together at this time." The archbishop, who later signed a book of condolence opened for the murdered 25-year-old at Leicester Cathedral, added: "The strong response from the Muslim Council of Britain and many other organisations have rightly emphasised that these acts have no place in Islam." He added: "I think Leicester is a shining example of how communities work together. I am confident because of the very good work Ibrahim (Mogra) has been doing, and we are all doing, that we are in a good position." Mr Mogra said: "Muslim communities in Britain are shocked and appalled by the horrific murder in Woolwich. "The murderers chanted slogans during their heinous crime claiming to do it in God's name. "Far from it. "This is a betrayal of Islam. "This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn it utterly and unreservedly. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Rigby's family and friends and especially his two-year-old son. "Drummer Rigby was a serving member of the armed forces. "Muslims have long served in this country's armed forces proudly and with honour. "This attack on a member of the armed forces is dishonourable and no cause can justify this murder. "This crime has heightened tensions across the country. The MCB calls on all our communities, Muslim and non-Muslim to come together in solidarity to ensure the forces of hatred do not prevail. "I am immensely grateful for the leadership of our archbishop during this most difficult time and thank leaders of all our faith communities for your support. "Your local Muslim communities will welcome your support and I encourage you to knock at the doors of every mosque and offer you neighbourly love." He added: "There is concern about safety in large sections of Muslim communities who live in mixed areas. "We hope that the police will ensure law and order is maintained. "We say to the Muslim community: "Let us continue with our lives as normal. "If we begin to cower and hide ourselves away then we allow the terrorists win. Life must go on." Bishop Tim said: "I hope what is clear is that this terrible incident, from driving a wedge between us will bring us closer together." Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the mosque for Friday payers and heard Imam Muhammad Sindhi condemn Wednesday's tragedy. He said: "Don't be extremists. In Islam there is no space for terror or terrorism. "Islam doesn't teach, in broad daylight, to go out into the streets of London wielding a butcher's cleaver and hack someone to death. "This Stone Age savagery is not the message of Islam."

Woolwich murder: Call for unity

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