Rogue traders steal cash from elderly couple

June 17, 2013, 10:18 am

≫ Next: Download police operation "a success"

≪ Previous: Boy injured trying to protect his mum from a robber

$

0

0

Police are hunting two rogue traders who posed as stair lift engineers to con an elderly couple out of cash. The men called at the victims' home in Oakham, Rutland and lied that the couple needed to pay for their stair lift's maintenance because its warranty was running out. One of the crooks took the man to a bank to withdraw an undisclosed sum of money, while his accomplice remained in the house with the woman. The crime came to light later when the man told his daughter about the men's visit. The incident took place around 10am on Tuesday, June 4 in the Ladywell area of Oakham. Pc John Jephcott said today: "We have been carrying out extensive inquiries into the incident since it was reported to us and have spoken with local stair lift companies and engineers. "It's believed that the suspects may have been driving a silver Volkswagen Golf or Polo and we're urging anyone who was visited in similar circumstances to contact us. "We would also like to advise people to remain vigilant and check the identity of any visitors with the company they claim to represent. "Any genuine callers won't mind waiting outside while you do this. "If you have any doubt about their identity contact the police immediately. "If you can help with our enquiries we would urge you to contact us, even the smallest detail could lead us to the people responsible." Contact Pc Jephcott on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

---

Download police operation "a success"

June 17, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Local cricket: Duo manage to weather the storm and rein in top teams

≪ Previous: Rogue traders steal cash from elderly couple

$

0

0

Police say their handling of the Download rock festival was a success. The five day festival at Donington Park concluded on Sunday night attracted sell out crowds of up to 90,000 each day, including 75,000 campers. Inspector Helena Bhakta, who was in charge of the crime prevention operation, said: "We put a lot of effort into our plans this year, as we do every year, and I am really pleased with the outcome of the operation. "The success of our plans is due in part to our great working relationship with the organisers, Live Nation. "The festival passed off without major incident and although it is too soon to give definite crime figures, early indications are that crime was low and the main problem was theft from tents. "We did make a number of arrests as we do every year and officers worked hard day and night to identify offenders. "There were times when the road network was very busy. "We worked closely with Live Nation and the traffic management company, SEP Limited, to resolve those issues as quickly as we could, and the fact that everyone remained very patient and in good spirits is testament to the good nature and friendliness of the rock fans who go to Download. "I'd also like to thank local people living in Castle Donington as there is no doubt an event this size does have an impact on their village particularly in terms of traffic. "We worked hard before the festival using Facebook and Twitter to give out crime prevention advice and we've had an overwhelmingly positive response from fans thanking us for our friendly policing style. "It has been a great success from a police prospective and planning has already begun for next year."

Local cricket: Duo manage to weather the storm and rein in top teams

June 17, 2013, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: Clean-up under way after 'amazing' Download

≪ Previous: Download police operation "a success"

$

0

0

Kegworth and Kibworth beat the weather as well as their opponents to put themselves in the thick of the Everards League title chase.

A day of heavy showers caused problems at all the Premier Division games and generally made life difficult for batsmen.

Kegworth were five-wicket winners at Earl Shilton, where the home side – who won the toss – were bowled out for 130 in 38.5 overs of a match reduced to 43 a side.

Opener Craig Ashcroft put Kegworth on course with 35 before, with about a dozen runs needed, drizzle started and skipper Jordan Holmes hastened the finish with a six.

It was just as well he did because, a few minutes later, a deluge set in.

Kegworth are fifth in the table, 18 points behind leaders Barrow & Burton, who suffered a five-wicket home defeat against Kibworth.

Rishi Patel (64) and Ramesh Kara (46) steered Barrow to 90-0 before a downpour brought an early tea.

That reduced the contest to 36 overs a side and, in the second half of their innings, the home side slipped to 185 all out with off-spinner Tim Mason taking 3-30.

Pite van Biljon (70) gave Kibworth the initiative, but skipper Matt Craven said: "We made life difficult for ourselves. From needing 50 off 11 overs with eight wickets left, it came down to wanting three off the last over."

Tom Driver settled the issue with a boundary off the first ball.

The win puts Kibworth joint second with Market Harborough, seven points behind Barrow.

Craven said: "The league looks very open this year. Normally, it's between two or three teams but it's at least four or five this time."

Harborough's game at Sileby was abandoned. The home side were 43-1 after 19 overs when rain set in and they eventually totalled 116-7 off 28.

Harborough were 68-3 off 14 in reply when the match was called off.

Clean-up under way after 'amazing' Download

June 17, 2013, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: We have moved! Check out www.leicestermercury.co.uk

≪ Previous: Local cricket: Duo manage to weather the storm and rein in top teams

$

0

0

More than 150 bands gave 90,000 metal fans a weekend to remember at the rock event of the year. This year's Download Festival has been hailed a big success by organisers, after Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Rammstein and others delighted the crowds at Donington Park. Festival promoter Andy Copping said: "It's been an amazing weekend. "We've had more than 150 bands across five stages and a trio of ground breaking, world-class headliners. "Having Iron Maiden back 25 years after they first headlined Donington was an incredible moment. "Slipknot, as usual, delivered an unforgettable set, and for Rammstein it was the first time the band had played Donington." Many of the fans were keen to share their experiences on Twitter. Josh Thorpe said: "Possibly the greatest weekend of my life. Couldn't be much happier right now." Jessica Rose said on Monday afternoon: "Finally in bed. Going to sleep forever. I have sunburn on my nose. Not cool." Rock fans had arrived for the event last Wednesday, armed with tents and beers. The live music kicked off on Friday with Asking Alexandria, Papa Roach, Architects, Korn and Bullet for My Valentine all performing sets throughout the day, Slipknot headlining in the evening. There was more classic metal on Saturday with Motorhead and Alice In Chains, while the evening saw more mainstream rock with performances by Queens of the Stone Age and The Hives. A Spitfire circled Donington Park before Iron Maiden burst onto stage with their headline set, which included songs such as Run To The Hills, Fear of the Dark The Number of the Beast and an encore of Aces High. Closing day acts included Limp Bizkit, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Gaslight Anthem and A Day To Remember, as well as headliners Rammstein. The clean-up got underway as soon as the fans had left the festival site and people were able to watch the stages come down via webcam at http://ralphcam.zapto.org/. Police said the festival had passed very peacefully. A spokeswoman said: "Download passed extremely well and we were very pleased with the policing operation." Fans have been promised early-bird deals for next year's event. Download Festival 2014 will take place from June 13 next year and tickets will go on sale at 9am on June 21 this year, with £100 off the first 5,000. For tickets for next year go to www.downloadfestival.co.ukSee the links below for more video/pictures and words from Download: • PICTURES: Download 2013 - bands and fans on Saturday • PICTURES: Download 2013 - more bands and fans on Saturday • PICTURES: Download 2013 - bands and fans on Friday • INTERVIEW:Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson ready to bring the noise • REVIEW: Download day one • PICTURES: Download 2013 - fans arrive at Donington Park • ALMOST READY TO ROCK: Campers rock 'n' roll up for the Download festival• PREVIEW: The top acts to see at Download Festival

See the slideshow for some more festival highs (and lows?)

We have moved! Check out www.leicestermercury.co.uk

June 17, 2013, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: Matty James aims for bigger and better at Leicester City next season

≪ Previous: Clean-up under way after 'amazing' Download

$

0

0

We have launched our new website to bring you all the latest news and sports, information and entertainment. The new web address is www.leicestermercury.co.uk and it has the familiar Leicester Mercury masthead at the top of the home page. It will eventually replace the existing website – www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk – with the two running side-by-side for a while. The new website is a work in progress and we are continuing to develop it to give our readers the best service we possibly can. We will be adding new features over the coming months. We also want your feedback as your views are an essential part in developing the site. Our aim is to make it a brilliant one-stop shop for news and information; backed up by great videos, pictures and lots of opportunities to join the discussion on what is happening in your city and county. The new site is part of the Mercury's plan to bring this great and historic title into the new digital era. We'll continue to make sure that the newspaper serves all our readers who like the solidity of print. Even in the era of laptops and tablets, the newspaper is still a handy portable package which costs only 45p on weekdays and 60p on Saturdays, when it includes our award-winning weekend magazine More. However, we also want to make sure that we provide an unbeatable service to all those readers who choose to get their news online. We want to provide our digital audience with the sort of website they need – fast, engaging and interactive – while staying true to the values which have made the Mercury an essential part of Leicestershire life for so many years. That means continuing to be at the heart of all things local, and upholding the journalistic values of accuracy and integrity. We have already made strides in improving our digital services with more breaking news and sport, more opportunity for readers to comment and more videos which bring another dimension to our stories. And as a result we have seen the number of visitors to our web pages increase over the past few months. Now we want to take this development a lot further and the new website is the next step in that direction. The existing website, www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk, will continue for the next couple of months as we develop the new site. It will then be switched off. Please log on to the new site, have a look round and tell us what you think using the feedback form available on the new homepage. We welcome your views and suggestions. We will put up lots of interesting content but, most of all, it is your site – a local news and information service about what interests you. We hope you enjoy this new service.

---

WHAT'S ON THE SITE?www.leicestermercury.co.uk is already packed with all the great content you would expect to find – including...TOP CHANNELS You can still find all the great news you're used to in channels including ones devoted to Leicester City, Leicester Tigers, crime, entertainment, business, emergency services, photo galleries and more. Leicester City: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/leicestercity Leicester Tigers: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/leicestertigers Crime: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/crime Emergency services: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/999 What's On: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/entertainment Business: www.leicestermercury.co.uk/businessTOP VIDEOS Find all our latest videos at www.leicestermercury.co.uk/video These include: Tigers v Northampton: Fans and players celebrate the Aviva Premiership play-off final win at Twickenham. Watch Leicester primary pupils set fire to a Viking ship in their school playground. Dambusters 70: View footage of the flypast over Eyebrook Reservoir to mark the 70th anniversary of the raid. Police raid: Our crime reporter joined immigration officers as they raided three homes in Leicester. Leicester hosted the UK's first Mango Festival – and you can see what happened. You can watch dramatic footage from the scene when firefighters tackled a blaze at quarry in Croft. Local elections: Watch Tory leader Nick Rushton speaking after the Conservatives stay in power in Leicestershire.TOP GALLERIES You can even go online and upload your own pictures at www.leicestermercury.co.uk/pictures There are also hundreds of fabulous pictures taken by our photographers. Recent uploads include pictures of Leicester Tigers' victory over Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership play-off final at Twickenham, music-lovers enjoying the sun and sounds at Glastonbudget, the Dambusters flypast at Eyebrook and lots of pictures from the highs and lows of both City's Championship play-off semi-final matches.DISCUSSIONS There are plenty of lively discussions on articles at www.leicestermercury.co.uk Recent popular topics for debate have included plans to introduce residents' parking in part of Leicester, Muslim leaders in Leicester condemning the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby and, of course, discussion around Leicester City, manager Nigel Pearson and the play-off heartbreak.HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART www.leicestermercury.co.uk is your website and we want you to join in by posting your pictures, blogs, reports, notices and comments. You will need to register as a user and then you will be ready to publish. To post a picture, just log on to www.leicestermercury.co.uk/addpicture To add a story go to www.leicestermercury.co.uk/addstory To have your say on a story, simply go to the article online and fill in the "add your comments" box at the bottom of the article.

Matty James aims for bigger and better at Leicester City next season

June 17, 2013, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: Man's dying wish to come true - thanks to Mercury readers

≪ Previous: We have moved! Check out www.leicestermercury.co.uk

$

0

0

Matty James says he is ready to deliver some "massive" performances for Leicester City this season.

The 21-year-old midfielder said he had learned so much from his first full season at first-team level with City following his summer move from Manchester United, and is confident he will be a better player for the experience.

James admits there are still plenty of areas for him to work on when he returns to training with the rest of the City squad on July 1, but he is relishing the prospect of another promotion challenge.

"I had a bad couple of seasons really, from the age of 18 until 20, with two bad injuries that set me back, so last year was the first proper season that I've had," he said.

"That was massive for me and now I'm getting ready to put in some massive performances for Leicester next season.

"I learn something new every day, game and year.

"I want to improve and learn as much as I can. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I want to progress to the Premier League with Leicester and I am still learning and that's my ambition – to keep learning and keep getting better.

"There are so many things for a central midfield player to work on in terms of their overall game that there's always something to improve. I just want to be solid, cement a regular place in the team and put a shift in every single week.

"If I can get a couple of goals and assists – great. I want to be a complete midfield player.

"I've really enjoyed this year, being near the top end throughout the season and the play-offs, and I want to experience that again.

"If we can finish the season in the top two then great, but if not we'll definitely give it our all in the play-off places, if that's the way we have to do it."

Man's dying wish to come true - thanks to Mercury readers

June 17, 2013, 11:39 pm

≫ Next: Hull City set to make new bid for Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel

≪ Previous: Matty James aims for bigger and better at Leicester City next season

$

0

0

The dying wish of a 31-year-old man to marry his partner looks set to come true – thanks to Mercury readers. Knill Paget and his girlfriend Bernadette Campbell have been inundated with offers of help since their tragic story featured on our front page on Saturday, from readers wanting to donate cash to companies offering food, cars and flowers for the big day. Doctors told Knill he had a terminal brain tumour in February and he has just months to live. His last wish is to marry Bernadette, so the couple and their five-year-old son, Liam, can become a "proper family". Knill and Bernadette, of Braunstone, Leicester, are fund-raising to pay for the wedding, but offers of help are now flooding in. Bernadette, 45, said she was overwhelmed by readers' generosity. "It's amazing," she said. "People are so generous. We've been absolutely overwhelmed by it all. We've also had a brilliant response on Facebook. It's really heart-warming." Adrian Bloodworth, of Quorndon Formal Hire, in Quorn, has offered to help with outfits for the day. He said: "My mum read the story and showed it to me and I rang the Mercury straight away. I was really moved by the article and wanted to help out." Swift Fox Cabs in Church Gate, Leicester, offered to donate a yellow Hackney cab or a saloon car for the day, while entertainer Phil Byrne, of Hinckley, is offering to supply the music. He said: "If they want a disco I'm happy to do it for no charge. Over the years I've done a lot of work for good causes and when I read about this I wanted to help out. "The fact Knill wants to get married is very noble and I think it's a great thing and want to offer my services." Dave Kitto, of Barwell, has offered to film the wedding and produce a DVD, while Rachael Steel, of Loughborough, who owns Memories 4 Ever Photography, has offered to take pictures. Meanwhile, Sarah Flowers, of Flowers by Sarah, in Quorn, has offered to provide a bouquet for Bernadette and button hole flowers. She said: "It was my mum who saw the story and she was really moved by it and told me about it. I thought it would be good to help in any way I can." Other Mercury readers are donating money. Aiysha Naaz, 39, of Evington, is among those to have contacted the Mercury. She said: "I read the story and felt it was important that they achieve their wish to marry. "I felt very happy that he had found love and wanted to make that commitment. "I think it's wonderful he has this great hope." On Sunday (23rd), Bernadette and Knill's mum, Lorraine, are holding a sale and a raffle outside Lorraine's home in Duncan Avenue, Huncote, to raise money for the big day. Bernadette said: "I've had a chat with a man who has got a lock-up full of things he's been planning to take to a car boot sale. He said we could have them for free. "I really want to thank everyone so much for the amazing response since Saturday." Paul Newcombe, 45, of Belgrave, Leicester, rang up to offer a House of Commons bottle of Scotch as a raffle prize for Sunday. He said: "I read the article and it's just a very sad story. "I'm the father of a three-year-old girl and this sort of thing really brings home to you the fact that you just don't know how long you've got." Knill and Bernadette have set the big day as Thursday, July 25. If you would like to do something to help, contact Mercury reporter Tom Mack on 0116 222 4264 or e-mail: tommack@leicester.co.uk -- photo PICTURE: MIKE SEWELL TOUCHING: @Knill gets a kiss from Bernadette -- photo PICTURE: CHRIS GORDON OFFER: @Sarah Flowers

Hull City set to make new bid for Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel

June 17, 2013, 11:52 pm

≫ Next: Officer's farting helps police sniff out cannabis factory

≪ Previous: Man's dying wish to come true - thanks to Mercury readers

$

0

0

Hull are expected to make one last attempt to sign Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

According to sources in Hull, the Tigers have not given up on their target, even though they have lined up a deal to sign former Rangers keeper Allan McGregor as an alternative.

Bids of £1.25million and £1.75m, plus a reported third bid of £2m plus a player, believed to be Jack Hobbs, have been rejected as City have shown no desire to part with the highly-rated Denmark international.

Hull are expected to make one last bid for the 26-year-old, with Hobbs expected to be part of that offer.

The Premier League new boys know City boss Nigel Pearson is looking to strengthen his back-four.

He has twice signed Hobbs, for Leicester and then for Hull, even making him the captain at the KC Stadium.

Schmeichel has one year left on his contract and if he indicates he wants to leave, then City may decide to deal.

City will visit League Two side Wycombe, in the Capital One Cup, for the first-ever time in the week commencing August 5.

City have only faced the Chairboys once before – in the 2001 FA Cup quarter-final clash that produced one of the greatest cup shocks when Roy Essandoh's last-minute winner knocked out Premier League City.

City then went on a club record run of nine straight defeats after that loss.

---

Officer's farting helps police sniff out cannabis factory

June 18, 2013, 12:36 am

≫ Next: Parsons faces £3,500 bill

≪ Previous: Hull City set to make new bid for Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel

$

0

0

Police sniffed out a cannabis factory after officers wound down their car windows to escape the effects of what they thought to be a colleague's flatulence.

The officers, who were on a burglary operation and were waiting to arrest a suspect, initially believed the strong cannabis-like smell filling the car was a consequence of their colleague's high-fibre diet.

However, when they opened their windows to breathe in some fresh air, they realised the smell was stronger outside.

They then followed their noses to a house, where they found the illegal growing operation. Their inquiries led them to a second house nearby where they found more plants.

The officers arrested seven suspects and the value of the plants was later estimated at £12,000.

The story is reported in the Dogberry column in the latest edition of the Police Federation's national monthly magazine.

The column is a round-up of funny tales – often submitted by officers – from across England and Wales.

Leicestershire Police has been unable to confirm when and where it happened.

The Police Federation represents rank and file officers up to the rank of chief constable.

The Dogberry column reported: "They asked their colleague in the back what he had been eating and, after fits of giggles and denials, they realised the cannabis smell was in the air outside.

"All three officers' suspicions were now raised, and they left the car to find the cause of the cannabis smell."

The magazine reported seven suspects were arrested.

One officer, who was not involved in the incident, said: "We spend a lot of time together waiting in cars on operations like this.

"You have to get along with each other. It sounds like these officers are a good team and someone has decided this story should be shared with others.

"We can laugh at things as long as we've got a good outcome, as they seem to have done in this case."

Syreeta Lund, editor of the magazine, said: "We get some bizarre stories from officers and this really caught my eye.

"The Dogberry page is the one officers turn to to hear what's happening in other forces. It's quite a marker to get a story on to the page."

Parsons faces £3,500 bill

June 18, 2013, 12:39 am

≫ Next: Chance to join Olympic cycling champion Dani King on bike ride

≪ Previous: Officer's farting helps police sniff out cannabis factory

$

0

0

A former county council leader who misused his chauffeur-driven car is expected to face a final bill of more than £3,500.

David Parsons will be told to pay for 29 journeys he made in the civic limousine during his nine years in charge of Leicestershire County Council.

The council's corporate governance committee considered a report of the findings of an investigation into his behaviour on Friday.

The report concluded 27 of the 94 chauffeur-driven trips made during Mr Parsons's nine years in office were "not sufficiently connected with his role".

The committee agreed no further action could be taken against Mr Parsons now he is no longer a councillor.

He chose not to seek re-election in last month's county council elections.

The committee did, however, authorise further investigation into the total amount owed to the council.

A spokesman said: "Director of corporate resources Brian Roberts told the committee Mr Parsons would be invoiced for the 29 journeys identified by the investigator as inappropriate shortly, adding it looked like the total cost would be just over £3,500, inclusive of VAT.

"Mr Roberts also said Mr Parsons had been invoiced already for a £752 bill for early termination of his council lease car agreement."

Mr Parsons resigned as council leader in July and later quit the Tory group.

Corporate governance committee chairman David Snartt said: "We would have preferred this matter to be put to bed earlier but it has been a complex investigation.

"It's time to draw a line under the whole affair.

"One positive outcome is we've had a look at how members' allowances are regulated and monitored and note the positive work done in this area by all party groups.

"Hopefully, it will ensure this never happens again."

Chance to join Olympic cycling champion Dani King on bike ride

June 18, 2013, 1:45 am

≫ Next: Live traffic and travel updates

≪ Previous: Parsons faces £3,500 bill

$

0

0

Olympic cycling champion Dani King is to test out a new a new bike route in Leicestershire next month. Cyclists are being invited to join Dani, a gold medalist from last year's London's games, on the Connect2 off-road cycleway in Birstall. The free event, organised by Leicestershire County Council, takes place from 3.45pm to 5pm on Tuesday July 2. It starts from Birstall's White Horse pub in White Horse Lane. The ride is open to people of all ages and children must be accompanied by an adult. County Hall's cabinet member for transport Councillor Peter Osborne, said: "What better guide for our new Connect2 cycleway than Olympic star Dani King? "She's inspiring many of us to get our bikes out, for fitness and fun." The 22-year-old Olympic and world champion is returning to Leicestershire after visiting Stephenson College in Coalville recently to promote cycling. Booking for the Birstall event is advisable. Email ETDCentraladmin@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 3179.

Live traffic and travel updates

June 18, 2013, 1:45 am

≫ Next: Shake-up in Leicester City's hierarchy

≪ Previous: Chance to join Olympic cycling champion Dani King on bike ride

$

0

0

4.45pm - There's a lane closed on the southbound M1 between 22 at Markfield and the A46 at J21a due to a breakdown 10.15am - The accident on Narborough Road has now been cleared. The road has been reopened coming into town from Braunstone Lane. However, there are still some queues. For more information on the crash click here 9.12am - Narborough Road South, in Leicester, both ways partially blocked at Braunstone Lane East due to accident 9am - M1 northbound between A6 (junction 24) and A50 Derby (junction 24A) near Castle Donington Traffic moving again after delays on M1 between J24, A6 (East Midlands Airport) and J24a, A50. 8.43am - A46 Groby, southbound between A50 Groby Road and M1 junction 21a Slow traffic on the southbound A46 between the A50 Groby Road junction and Leicester. 8.24 - M1 northbound between A6 (junction 24) and A50 Derby (junction 24A) near Castle Donington Delays continue on M1 between J24, A6 (East Midlands Airport) and J24a, A50. 8.21am - M1 southbound at M69 (junction 21) Broken down vehicle causing congestion on the exit slip road on M1 southbound at J21, M69. Congestion to J22, A50 near Ashby. 8.10am - A46 Groby, southbound between A50 Groby Road and M1 junction 21a Slow traffic on A46 southbound in Groby between the A50 Groby Road junction and Leicester. 8am - M1 southbound at M69 (junction 21) Lane closed on exit slip road due to broken down vehicle. Congestion at junction 21a, A46 and at J22, A50 (Ashby). 7.57am - M1 northbound between A6 (junction 24) and A50 Derby (junction 24A) near Castle Donington Delays on M1 between J24, A6 (East Midlands Airport) and J24a, A50. 7.55am - M1 southbound at M69 (junction 21) Lane closed on exit slip road due to broken down vehicle. Congestion at junction 21a, A46. 7.30am - No incidents reported on the roads 7.12am - No incidents reported on the roadsFor 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 @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Shake-up in Leicester City's hierarchy

June 18, 2013, 3:15 am

≫ Next: Gok Wan to release second cookery book

≪ Previous: Live traffic and travel updates

$

0

0

Leicester City are set for a major shake-up in their hierarchy with two new major appointments.

Former Sheffield United and Bury chairman Terry Robinson is joining the club as director of football to work alongside manager Nigel Pearson.

City are also set to appoint former FA Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards in a senior role.

Richards, who steps down as FA Premier League chairman at the end of this month, is expected to take up his new post at City on July 1.

He has a long association with City's owner and current chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and has been a regular visitor to the King Power Stadium.

It is understood that Vichai wants Richards to use all his experience to prepare the club for Premier League football and to ensure it is run on a cost-effective basis.

The 69-year-old was the chairman of Sheffield Wednesday until he sold the club to former City owner Milan Mandaric.

Richards is a member of the FA's board, chairman of the FA's international committee, president of the European Professional Football Leagues organisation and chairman of UEFA's Professional Football Committee.

Having left his post as academy director at Stoke, Robinson's brief will be to assist Pearson in squad building, but he will specifically be asked to concentrate on lowering City's wage bill by facilitating the departure of the club's unwanted players.

With Financial Fair Play punishments for clubs not conforming to the strict new guidelines coming in at the end of this season, City's owners are determined to ensure they do not suffer any transfer ban.

City's last published accounts, for the season ending 2012, revealed losses of nearly £30million due mainly to the heavy investment of the Srivaddhanaprabha family into the squad as they sought a quick return to the Premier League under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Under FFP, City must not post losses for this coming season of more than £3m above their income.

The owners can also throw in £5m of their own money as equity, bringing the total to £8m.

Gok Wan to release second cookery book

June 18, 2013, 3:42 am

≫ Next: Leicester awaits UK City of Culture 2017 shortlist decision

≪ Previous: Shake-up in Leicester City's hierarchy

$

0

0

Television presenter Gok Wan is to publish his second cookery book. The Leicester-born style guru's book called Gok's Wok will be released in October as a follow up to last year's book and TV show Gok Cooks Chinese. The book features many of his family's traditional Chinese recipes but with a modern twist, as well tips for preparation and entertaining. Gok, who grew up in Beaumont Leys, worked in several of his parent's restaurants in Leicester when he was younger. Last year's Channel Four series Gok Cooks Chinese also featured his dad John, who ran Whetstone Fishbar in Victoria Road, Whetstone, with Gok's mother Myra for 12 years before retiring in 2010. Mr Wan, who was in the food industry for about 50 years, also ran restaurants and takeaways in Northampton Street, Humberstone Road, Fosse Road North and in Evington.

Leicester awaits UK City of Culture 2017 shortlist decision

June 18, 2013, 4:40 am

≫ Next: Pedestrian injured in crash in Leicester (updated)

≪ Previous: Gok Wan to release second cookery book

$

0

0

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth has said it would be a travesty if the city did not make it onto a shortlist of contenders to become UK City of Culture 2017. Tomorrow the Government is set to whittle down the 11 rivals hoping to succeed Londonderry in Northern Ireland which is the current holder of the title. Four areas from Leicester, Aberdeen, Dundee, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Hull, Portsmouth and Southampton, Plymouth, Chester, Southend on Sea, and Swansea Bay will be selected to go forward to a second round of judging based on initial 30 page bid documents. Mr Ashworth, who has spoken in support of Leicester's bid in a Parliamentary debate, said: "I think Leicester's case to be City of Culture is overwhelming. "It would be a travesty if Leicester did not make it onto the shortlist. "I have attended a number of festivals in my own patch recently all organised from the grass roots up that show culture is thriving in the city." City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is expecting a phone call at about 11am informing him if Leicester has made the cut. He and other members of the consortium will be awaiting the decision at De Montfort Hall. He said: "I am hoping for good news. I have read our bid and I know our city so I find it hard to imagine Leicester would not be on the shortlist. "I would be very disappointed if we don't make the next round." Leading bookies William Hill have Leicester in joint second place to win the title outright alongside Chester at odds of 5/1. Chester had been favourite but has now been superceded by Swansea Bay at 4/1. Hull is fourth favourite at 6/1. William Hill's Joe Crilly said: "A decision on the shortlist is expected on Wednesday and the gamble on Swansea would certainly suggest that there is at least one city already on that list. Mr Ashworth said he had heard nothing from Department of Culture Media and Sport about the final four cities. Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival founder Geoff Rowe, a member of the consortium, said: "I'm not a betting man. I think the odds will be constantly changing until the winner is eventually known. "I am really confident in Leicester's bid but we have not seen any of the others yet." So far the only details of Leicester's bid to be revealed are that it is to involve a mass-participation production of the Richard III story and a movable light show. The four areas selected for the next round will have to produce a detailed bid including a programme of events. The Government has said such a bid would likely need to cost £10 million. Sir Peter has agreed to underwrite the sum though it expected the Arts Council and other nation public bodies will support the winner. The mayor has argued that winning the contest will draw in tourists and the benefit to the local economy would far outweigh the initial cost.

---

Pedestrian injured in crash in Leicester (updated)

June 18, 2013, 5:45 am

≫ Next: Car crash man to give evidence at murder trial this afternoon

≪ Previous: Leicester awaits UK City of Culture 2017 shortlist decision

$

0

0

A pedestrian who was injured in a collision with a lorry in Narborough Road South remains in hospital. The man was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary this morning following the incident at the junction of Braunstone Lane. The emergency services were called at about 8.45am. Traffic came to a standstill as police and ambulance crews worked at the scene. Paramedics treated the man as he lay in the road. A spokewoman for the police said he was taken to the LRI where he remains. She said his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. The road was reopened just after 10am.

Car crash man to give evidence at murder trial this afternoon

June 18, 2013, 6:07 am

≫ Next: Leicestershire's rubbish tip hours to be cut to save cash

≪ Previous: Pedestrian injured in crash in Leicester (updated)

$

0

0

A former airline pilot accused of murdering his wife in a car crash is due to give evidence this afternoon. Iain Lawrence (53), who denies murder, claims he suffered a leg spasm which caused his vehicle to collide with a tree on Gartree Road, Oadby. Sally Lawrence (47), who was in the front passenger seat of his Peugeot 406, suffered fatal head injuries, in the early evening of October 6 last year. The Lawrences, of Ring Road, Oadby, were going through a divorce at the time and were said to have argued over the financial settlement. Lawrence told consultant psychiatrist, Dr Tina Richardson, he initially suffered pins and needles and then a dead leg, before he had "the worst spasm or cramp imaginable. Lawrence had told the police he was suffering amnesia in the weeks after the fatal crash. Dr Richardson told Leicester Crown Court this morning that during a recent interview with her, Lawrence explained how he regained his loss of memory whilst on remand in Leicester Prison. She said: "He told me his memory came back entirely. "He returned home from work at 5pm. "He was surprised to find Sally his wife was at home because she went to Derby every weekend to see her mother." He said Mrs Lawrence had been painting the study as the house was due to go on the market. She showered between 5.45pm and 6pm and he noticed she was looking "smart." The defendant claimed he and his wife talked about "D-day" relating to their divorce as the decree nisi was due the following Monday. Lawrence told Dr Richardson his wife agreed to travel with him to his workplace, a go-karting business, on Gartree Road as he wanted to collect the firm's double decker bus to remove some left over wood and carry out work on the bus. Mrs Lawrence was going to drive his Peugeot back home. The crash happened on the way, he claimed. Dr Richardson said: "He said as he was passing the left turn for Stoughton Village he had a pain that went up his thigh, a dead leg." Lawrence described trying to straighten it and gripped the steering wheel tightly. Dr Richardson said: "He was going at about 50 mph." During the leg spasm Mrs Lawrence asked him what was wrong and he replied "My leg." The doctor told the jury: "He saw some trees ahead and felt he was heading towards them and would crash. "He was able to take the right foot off the accelerator but didn't apply the brake. "He froze and it was a panic reaction. "He was clutching the steering wheel to stop his leg hurting. "He couldn't steer, but didn't know why, and didn't steer away. "He recalled the impact when hitting the tree and wasn't sure if he was knocked unconscious, but felt he'd woken up. "He recalled people shouting at him and him shouting back to say he was ok. "He put his hands on Sally's head, as she was slumped forward, near the gear stick. "He was aware she was injured and not responding or talking to him. "He slumped back in his chair and felt confused and distant." He did not learn of his wife's death until later. The trial continues.

Leicestershire's rubbish tip hours to be cut to save cash

June 18, 2013, 6:19 am

≫ Next: Man accused of killing his wife tells jury: "It was an accident."

≪ Previous: Car crash man to give evidence at murder trial this afternoon

$

0

0

County Hall is looking to save hundreds of thousands of pounds by cutting the opening hours of its rubbish tips and recycling centres. Leicestershire County Council runs 14 sites which are currently open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm in the summer and 8am to 6pm in the winter. Those hours are likely to be reduced in a move to cut costs. At the moment the Tory-run county council spends £3.9 million a year running sites at Barwell, Bottesford, Coalville, Kibworth, Loughborough, Lount, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Melton, Mountsorrel, Oadby, Shepshed, Somerby and Whetstone. It wants to save £300,000 from that budget. Options to cut costs include opening at 9am instead of 8am, closing at 6pm in the summer instead of 8pm and closing at 4pm in the winter, instead of 6pm. Another option is closing a site for one day per week. The opposition Liberal Democrats say and reduction in hours will add to illegal tipping which is expensive to clear. People can have their say on the proposals through an online survey on the council's website, for six weeks from June 24. There will also be three weeks of face-to-face surveys that will take place at sites from July 1 onwards. Oadby's Liberal Democrat county councillor Jeff Kaufman said: "I think cutting opening hours would be penny wise but pound foolish. "It will lead to increased fly-tipping and illegal dumping. There will be costs associated with cleaning up that will be met by the district councils rather than the county council but in the end it is still the tax-payer who loses out. Any saving will be negated by the cost of dealing with illegal tipping. "I hope the district will be properly consulted." County Hall's cabinet member for waste Blake Pain said: "Leicestershire has an excellent recycling and household waste service, which contributes towards the achievement of our record as the second best county for recycling. "However, at a time when the council has to save £100 million and consider new ways of delivering services, we have to look at reducing opening hours. "I'd encourage people to complete this survey, so we build up a picture of the most popular opening times to guide our decision." The outcome of the consultation will be reported to the council's cabinet in September and it is expected that new opening times would be introduced in November this year. The online survey will be available at http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/environment/waste/recycling_sites_and_permits/recycling_household_waste_sites.htm

Man accused of killing his wife tells jury: "It was an accident."

June 18, 2013, 10:24 am

≫ Next: Heavy rainfall leaves reservoirs brimming

≪ Previous: Leicestershire's rubbish tip hours to be cut to save cash

$

0

0

A man accused of murdering his wife wept in court as he told a jury he did not deliberately steer his car into a tree to kill her. Former airline pilot Iain Lawrence (53) gave evidence today for the first time during his trial at Leicester Crown Court. Crying, he told the jury: "It was an accident. I lost my wife in the accident." Lawrence described his wife Sally's last moments, telling the court that she screamed at him to "look out" as they drove into the tree. He said: "I didn't purposefully steer it there." Mrs Lawrence, 47, died from head injuries in the collision, which happened in Gartree Road, Oadby, at 6.30pm on October 6 last year. The prosecution allege the couple, of Ring Road, Oadby, who had a 10-year-old son, were going through an acrimonious divorce. It is claimed that they argued over the financial settlement the night before she died. Lawrence, who was a partner in a go-kart track business in Gartree Road, is accused of deliberately smashing his Peugeot 406 into the tree. Earlier in the trial, the jury heard how the passenger seat airbag had been deactivated and that Mrs Lawrence was not properly wearing a seatbelt. In court today, Lawrence told the jury his wife had agreed to go with him to the go-kart track so he could pick up a double decker bus to remove some wood from their garden. Lawrence claimed his wife was going to drive his Peugeot back to their home, before going to stay with her mother in Derby. He said he had no idea she was in another relationship, which the court had been told earlier in the trial, or that she had planned to meet her lover that night. He told the jury of six men and six women that a severe leg spasm caused him to lose control. He claimed he was resigned to the divorce going ahead. They were still "friends" and had not argued over finances, he said. He said they were both wearing seatbelts and at no stage had he turned off her airbag. Speaking about the moments before the collision, Lawrence told the jury: "I was feeling uncomfortable because my leg started to twinge." He said he had previously suffered tingling and cramps in his legs, and had been seeking medical help since June last year. Lawrence said that, in the moments before the crash, the pins and needles turned into a "full grown spasm or cramp". He said: "The pain was excruciating and the only way to stop it is to push my leg out hard. "It was horrendous. "You can't do anything, you just have to hold on for grim death. "Everyone has had cramp, imagine 50 times worse. It's so debilitating, it's horrible. "I gripped onto the steering wheel and had my leg straight out on the accelerator. "Sally shouted: 'What's happening?' "I shouted: 'My leg.' "I was holding on tight but I was trying to get my foot off the accelerator and trying to do that with a straight leg is quite difficult. "The next thing I remember was looking at her and she screamed: 'look out.' "I looked forward and we crashed." Defence counsel Mark Wall said: "The prosecution allegation is you deliberately drove that car into the tree in order to kill your wife?" Lawrence replied: "No, not at all. It was an accident." He wept and dabbed his eyes as he told the jury: "Afterwards, I was dazed and confused. "I put my hand on Sally's head. "She was bent over. She didn't talk or say anything. "I just shut down. I was out of it, dazed." Lawrence said he suffered amnesia after the collision and that it was not until several weeks later that his memory returned. The trial continues.

Heavy rainfall leaves reservoirs brimming

June 18, 2013, 10:44 am

≫ Next: Fire damages home in Oadby

≪ Previous: Man accused of killing his wife tells jury: "It was an accident."

$

0

0

Heavy rainfall this spring has left Leicestershire's water supplies almost brimming at the edges, according to the utility firm Severn Trent Water. Resources of water in the region are "healthy" said the water supplier, following a wet May which saw rainfall at up 30 per cent on the average. Marcus O'Kane, water resources strategy manager, said: "We are confident that we're in a good position to provide our customers with a continuous supply of water throughout the summer and the rest of the year. "The Severn Trent region is supplied with a mixture of reservoir, groundwater and river water sources, all of which are in a healthy state with our reservoirs currently just under 93 per cent full on average." He said the situation meant a hose pipe ban was "unlikely", whatever the weather has in store for us over th e summer." He added: "Leakage in the region has also reached a record low this year and we have also hit our targets for driving down the level of leakage." Mercury weather man Dave Mutton recorded 88.5mm (3.48in), of rain in the county in May, 157 per cent of the average for the month. "I'm not surprised the reservoirs are well stocked," he said. "Rainfall for the first five months of the year is also well above average." He did, however, offer a note of caution . "April was very dry with just 19.9mm of rain and June, so far is below average. "Normally, in June we'd get 62.2mm (2.45 in) but I've hardly had an inch up until now." He added: "Mind you, it was June 28, last year, when we saw those super cells with massive hail storms across the county. "Fingers crossed it's not going to be anything like that again!" Severn Trent Water, meanwhile, would like to hear the views of customers on a newly published Water Resources Management Plan, setting out how it intends to secure water supplies in the region for the next 25 years. Mr O'Kane said: "The plan explains the challenges we face and the uncertainties we have to deal with when planning for the future. "It sets out the range of options open to us to ensure that we can meet the future demand for water, and it sets out our strategy, which includes demand management and leakage reduction, as well as new water resource development in the longer term. "We're interested to know what our customers think." To view the report and have your say visit: www.stwater.co.uk/wrmp