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Outrage over planned £30 charge for green bin collections

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A district council is planning to charge households £30 to have their green waste recycling rubbish bins collected.

The proposal – which opponents have branded the "bin tax" – has been put forward by North West Leicestershire District Council as part of cost-cutting measures to save £2.84 million over the next four years.

It was approved by the Conservative-led council's cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

But the move, which will affect more than 40,000 households, has sparked outrage among residents and opposition councillors.

Paul Kelly, 64, of Sharpley Avenue, Coalville, said: "There is no way I'm going to pay £30 for them to empty my green bin. I'd rather bag my garden rubbish and take it to the tip myself.

"I can't see many people agreeing to pay it and I can imagine we're going to see a lot more fly-tipping as a result.

"Of all the stupid ideas this council comes up with, this has got to be one of the worst.

"They must be absolutely desperate.

"We all pay our council tax and this should be part of the services we receive – it won't be long before they start charging for black bins, too."

Ibstock councillor Dave De Lacy, Labour spokesman for the environment, is urging residents to make their protest know and for the council to "bin the bin tax".

He said: "These new charges are very bad news.

If they are introduced they will inevitably reduce recycling in the district.

"Residents are furious and some have told me they will not pay this bin tax and will send back their green waste bins instead.

"This council, in the past, has been proud of its green credentials and environmental policies but this is a major setback."

Council leaders estimate the charge, which will not be introduced until 2015, will net an extra £150,000 a year.

The charge will be £30 a year, or £25 if paid by direct debit, but nobody can be forced to pay the fee, by law.

Councillor Nick Rushton, portfolio holder for corporate affairs and resources, said: "We need to save £1.5 million by 2016 – and a total of £2.84 million by 2018.

"We have an excellent track record of improving services and getting great value for money.

"By changing how we work and becoming even more efficient, we can find another £500,000 by 2016. But that still leaves us with £1 million to find, so we have some tough decisions to make."

The cost-cutting measures are out for public consultation, which ends on November 8.

Outrage over planned £30 charge for green bin collections


Arrest after woman sexually assaulted near hospital

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A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault which took place at a block of public toilet near Leicester Royal Infirmary. The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, September 22, and involved a female victim. On Wednesday, forensic officers cordoned off the toilet block, in Infirmary Square, while they took photographs and collected evidence. The man is in police custody and police said the inquiries are in the incident are in their early stages. Anyone with information can call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Arrest after woman sexually assaulted near  hospital

Leicester Tigers Manu Tuilagi 'won't need surgery on torn chest muscle'

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Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi will not need surgery to correct his torn chest muscle. The decision will give the club's director of rugby Richard Cockerill a mini boost as he looked set to lose the 22-year-old British & Irish Lions international until the new year. Specialist advice has suggested that Tuilagi could regain full fitness by a process of non-intrusive rehab at his club. If that works, Leicester could have their midfield battering-ram back for their crucial Heineken Cup double-header, in December, against French Top 14 side, Montpellier. Although Tuilagi is certain to miss the first two rounds of the competition against Ulster and Treviso as well as England's autumn internationals. "He is not going to have surgery and we will try and rehab it back to good," said Cockerill.

Leicester Tigers Manu Tuilagi  'won't need surgery on torn chest muscle'

Clothes firm withdraws "mental patient" Halloween costume

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A clothing business has apologised after withdrawing a Halloween outfit it was selling as a "mental patient fancy dress costume". George, the Lutterworth-based clothing arm of supermarket giant Asda, responded after criticism from campaigners. The £20 item included clothing, fake blood, a mask and a fake meat cleaver. The costume was sold online under the description "mental patient", although different wording was used for the product sold in Asda stores. A George spokeswoman said: "This was an unacceptable error and the product was withdrawn immediately. We'd like to offer our sincere apologies for the offence it caused." She said the group had made "a sizeable donation" to mental health charity Mind. Mental health campaigners and celebrities took to Twitter to express their disgust. Katie Dalton, of mental health charity Gofal, said: "Dear Asda, how on earth did you come to the conclusion that this is an appropriate fancy dress costume? Disgraceful." Former Leicester City and England footballer Stan Collymore, who has had a well-documented battle with depression, also criticised Asda for using a "stereotype". "Do you actually realise how many people are hanging themselves because of being frightened of the stigma?" he tweeted. The internet link to the website page where the costume was being sold used the words "zombie fancy dress costume". But the product was titled "mental patient fancy dress costume" on the page itself. Sue Baker from Mind told BBC Radio 5 Live that the worst thing about the costume was it reinforced outdated stigmas about people with mental health illness. Tesco this morning said it had withdrawn a Halloween outfit of an orange boiler suit with "Psycho Ward" written across the front and back, along with a "committed" stamp below.

Clothes firm withdraws

Transfer news: Leicester City's Neil Danns joins Bolton

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Leicester City midfielder Neil Danns has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan. Danns will stay at the Reebok Stadium for three months and joins former City striker Jermaine Beckford at the Trotters. The duo were also on loan together at Huddersfield Town last season. Danns was also on loan at Bristol City last season.

Transfer news: Leicester City's Neil Danns joins Bolton

Leicester Tigers suffer further injury blow

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Leicester Tigers have received yet another injury blow with hooker Rob Hawkins now sidelined until December. The 30-year-old had a small operation in the summer to rectify a problem with his shoulder. But the operation did not bring the results they expected and the former Bath man has had to go under the knife a second time. It is the latest injury set-back for director of rugby Richard Cockerill, who has the likes of Tom Croft (knee), Manu Tuilagi (chest), Gonzalo Camacho (shoulder), Matt Smith (hand), Steve Mafi (knee) and Mat Tait (ankle) all on the treatment table. "The specialist thought a small procedure in the summer would have solved Rob's problem, but it hasn't," said Cockerill. "He will now have reconstructive surgery on that joint and that is likely to see him out for another eight to 10 weeks."

Leicester Tigers suffer further injury blow

Richard III petition gathering pace

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The number of signatures added to the petition to keep the remains of Richard III in Leicester increased to just over 26,600 last night.

By 7.15pm, the figure had reached 26,644 – a rise of more than 1,000 in 24 hours.

A rival petition by York, which has now closed, has more than 31,000 people in favour of reinterring the monarch at its minster.

With the Leicester petition closing on October 12, the city has just over two weeks to beat that target.

Gary Lineker, Peter Shilton, Hilary Devey, Hollyoaks actor Charlie Clapham and X Factor singing sensation Sam Bailey are among the Leicester names who have pledged to support the Mercury's campaign for Richard's remains to be reinterred in our city's Cathedral of St Martin.

Charlie, who grew up in Humberstone, tweeted to almost 45,000 followers: "Please back this and retweet as my hometown of Leicester is standing up for itself and I'm proud to stand with it!"

The petitions will play an important part in deciding where the remains are reburied.

The Ministry of Justice's original exhumation licence gave Leicester permission to reinter the king's remains here.

However, a group who claim to be related to the king applied for a review of that decision. High Court judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said in August the review could go ahead.


How to show your support To show your support for the Mercury's campaign sign the petition HERE. It takes just a few minutes and readers will need to provide an e-mail address when signing the online document. If you know anyone who does not have access to a computer they can sign a paper version of the petition, which can be found at the reception at the Leicester Mercury offices, in St George Street, Leicester.• Read more on the discovery of Richard III's remains in a Leicester car park.

Six arrests after man attacked in Oadby

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Five men and a woman have been arrested today as part of a police investigation into a serious assault and two linked cases of harassment. The men, aged 17, 18, 18, 20, 23 and the woman, aged 17, were arrested in Leicester this morning at homes in Collingham Road, off Narborough Road; Kitchener Road, off Uppingham Road; Mayflower Road, off Evington Lane; Netherhall Lane, Netherhall, and Woodborough Road, Evington. A 23-year-old man needed hospital treatment for a fractured elbow and cuts and bruises after he was assaulted by three men in Blackthorn Lane, Oadby, on August 20. Other victims aged 26 and 60 have suffered harassment. The 23-year-old man who was arrested today had previously been arrested on the day of the assault and given police bail. Police said the arrests are not linked to two ongoing murder investigations. Anyone who has information which could help the investigation should contact Leicestershire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Six arrests after man attacked  in Oadby


Michelin accolade for Kibworth restaurant

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The Lighthouse restaurant opened its doors less than a year ago - but it has already made a big impression on Michelin inspectors. Owners Sarah and Lino Poli were amazed to discover that not only had they made it into this year's prestigious guide, but judges had also awarded a Bib Gourmand - an official stamp of approval for restaurants providing great food at good value. The Kibworth restaurant, which bills itself as "seafood and more," was the only new Leicestershire eaterie to be given the prestigious accolade this year. "I was amazed when I found out," said Sarah. "We knew we had made it into the Michelin Guide but we only found out about the Bib Gourmand this morning. "It completely blew me away." Before it opened in January, The Lighthouse was formerly known as Firenze - an upmarket Italian restaurant which Sarah and Lino had run together for 14 years. After deciding it was time for a change, they went for a total rebrand - bringing in a new name, a maritime theme and a completely different menu. While Firenze continually made it into the Michelin Guide, it never won a Bib Gourmand. Sarah said the new accolade was confirmation they made the right decision. "I've always said you shouldn't jump through hoops to please guides and critics because customers are the most important people, and if you're a restaurateur you forget that at your peril," she said. "Having said that, when you're awarded something like this it is great to get that recognition. It's fabulous for the staff here because we do have such a hard-working team. "We took a big gamble with the rebrand but it's paid off. It's much more informal now, so this was completely unexpected." The Lighthouse was one of 27 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland to receive the Bib Gourmand. Three other Leicestershire restaurants - The Red Lion Inn, in Stathern, The Berkeley Arms, in Wymondham and The Joiners Arms, in Bruntingthorpe - retained the accolade. For The Joiners Arms, it is the 10th successive year it has made it into the guide - and its third successive Bib Gourmand. Chef patron Stephen Fitzpatrick said he was delighted. "As a team we are extremely pleased to retain our inclusion in the guide and are delighted that The Joiners Arms food and service has been recognised with this prestigious award," he said. "Our standards and consistency are important to us. "Chefs Tina Major and Gary Mercer work extremely hard and strive to impress at every opportunity." Stephen has owned and cooked at the Joiners Arms since 2002 and is also the owner of Leicester restaurant The Boot Room, which also retained a place in the guide. Other city restaurants and hotels featured include the Marriott, Belmont and Maiyango hotels, as well as Chutney Ivy and Shivalli. All have been included in the guide before. In the county, The Hammer and Pincers, in Wymeswold, is a new addition. Restaurants that retained their places in the guide included Boboli, in Kibworth, which is also run by Sarah and Lino, as well as the following: The Three Horseshoes Inn, in Breedon on the Hill; The Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport Hotel, in Castle Donington; Horseshoe Cottage Farm, in Cropston; Kegworth House Hotel; The Royal Oak, in Long Whatton; Homestead House guesthouse, in Medbourne; Stapleford Park, in Melton; Kilworth House, in North Kilworth; and The Woodhouse, in Woodhouse Eaves. In Rutland, Barnsdale Lodge, Hambleton Hall, The Finch's Arms, Lake Isle, The Marquess of Exeter and The Old White Hart also retained places in the guide. Michelin Guide editor Rebecca Burr said: "We have never produced a GB & Ireland guide that provides our readers with such diversity and variety. "Fantastic B&Bs, wonderful pubs, stylish hotels, world class restaurants and great value eateries – we have them all in our guide." Which restaurants in Leicester or Leicestershire do you think deserve to make it into the Michelin Guide? Have your say at: leicestermercury.co.uk

Michelin accolade for Kibworth restaurant

Chris Wood and Sean St Ledger out of Leicester City's clash with Barnsley

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Leicester City's Sean St Ledger and Chris Wood are progressing well after injury, but won't be available for Saturday's visit of Barnsley, manager Nigel Pearson has said. Defender St Ledger played 60 minutes in a Development game earlier this week after recovering from a knee injury, while striker Wood should soon be back in full training after a hamstring problem. City have no other injury concerns ahead of the visit of the Tykes. "They are both doing okay," said Pearson. "Chris had a slight hamstring injury but he is progressing well and should be back outside towards the end of the week. He won't be available for the weekend though. "Sean is doing very well but he will need a bit more training now and won't be in contention either. "All in all we have a pretty fit squad and don't have too many problems at the moment, which is a pretty nice situation to be in." Follow Leicester City v Barnsley - live at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Chris Wood and Sean St Ledger out of Leicester City's clash with Barnsley

Leicester City to host Fulham in Capital One Cup

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Leicester City will welcome Fulham to the King Power Stadium in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup. Nigel Pearson's are set to lock horns with the Premier League side in the week commencing October 28. City booked their place in the fourth round draw after their remarkable comeback saw them defeat Derby County 2-1 on Tuesday night. Martin Jol's Fulham came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Everton to win their spot in the last 16. The last time the two sides met in all competitions was in the second round of the same competition in 2008 at Craven Cottage when home side Fulham came away 3-2 victors. Paul Dickov and Andy King netted for City, cancelling out Zoltan Gera's opener, but two late goals from Jimmy Bullard and Danny Murphy secured victory for The Cottagers. Follow Leicester City v Barnsley - live at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Leicester City to host Fulham in Capital One Cup

Curve theatre and stars up for national awards

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Leading ladies from the Curve productions of Hello, Dolly! and Piaf have been nominated for a national theatre award. Janie Dee and Frances Ruffelle have both been nominated in the Best Performance in a Musical category in the UK Theatre Awards 2013. Janie Dee starred as Dolly Levi in Curve's 2012 Christmas musical hit Hello, Dolly! and Frances Ruffelle played the iconic singer Edith Piaf, in Curve's production of Piaf earlier this year. Both Curve productions went on to have extended runs at the Leicester theatre due to popular demand and were directed by Curve's artistic director, Paul Kerryson. He said: "We're delighted that both Janie and Frances, who thrilled us with their truly wonderful performances have been nominated for this prestigious UK theatre award. "The nominations are greatly deserved and everyone at Curve wishes them both the best of luck." The Butterfly Lion, which originated at Curve in 2012, in a co-production with New Perspectives and Derby Theatre has also been nominated in the Best Children and Young People category. All three categories will be judged by an expert panel, however, this year, members of the public have the opportunity to vote as well. Curve is among 220 venues from across the UK which are in the running for the Most Welcoming Theatre' Award. Theatre-goers in Leicester today said Curve deserved the award nominations. Nigel Hammersly, 62, of Desford, said: "I'm very proud that it has been nominated - it deserves it due to the great variety and quality of things they put on." Nikkita Starkey, 17, of Glenfield, said: "I feel like it's a really good achievement and puts Leicester out there. "I've seen everything and I've also been in the Young Company they have. "Curve is one of the best theatres I've been to and I'm not just saying that because I'm from here - it provides a lot for the community." Jackie Sealy, 52, of Highfields, Leicester, said: "I think it's brilliant, they have wonderful shows and a great variety." To cast a vote for the most welcoming theatre award, members of the public can visit: www.mytheatrematters.com/surveys/east-midlands. Voting is open until midnight on Monday(30) and the shortlist will be announced on Thursday, October 3. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in London on October 20.

Curve theatre and stars up for national awards

Man with 'machete wounds' airlifted to hospital

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A man had to be air-lifted to hospital after an incident at a mobile home park, near Market Harborough. Police were called to Justin Park in Northampton Road at 10.40am today following reports of an assault. The air ambulance was summoned after a man in his 50s was discovered with serious but not life-threatening head and hand injuries. The helicopter landed outside the entrance to Justin Park on Northampton Road while the casualty was assessed and then taken hospital in Coventry. A spokesperson for the air ambulance said the man was suffering "machete wounds" to his head and hands. The force helicopter was also called in to help search the area for a man believed to have been involved in the incident. A spokeswoman said: "Officers were called to an incident at Justin Park following reports of an assault. As yet details are yet to be confirmed. "The police helicopter was called in to help in the search for a man wanted in connection with the incident." She said officers from both Leicestershire and Northamptonshire were involved in the operation, and added that a 44-year-old man had been arrested and was in custody.

Man with 'machete wounds' airlifted to hospital

Woman robbed while walking along canal towpath

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Police are hunting a man who assaulted a woman and snatched her handbag as she walked along a canal towpath. The 27-year-old victim was attacked as she walked alongside the Grand Union Canal, near Tudor Road, Leicester city centre at 6.30pm on Wednesday, September 11. The attacker struck as the woman approached the Kirby and West dairy building. He assaulted her and took her handbag. The woman was not injured and the man ran away toward nearby St Nicholas Circle. The victim has given police a partial description of the man. He was wearing a green hooded top, a black top and jeans. Detective Constable Derek Johnson said: "Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident as it is believed that there were people walking around at the time and could of seen the incident take place, or events leading up to or after the incident itself." Contact Det Con Johnson on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Woman robbed while walking along canal towpath

Clean up under way after fire at primary school

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A large clean-up operation is underway after a blaze at a Leicestershire primary school, which caught light during a four-hour firefighters' strike. Yesterday, a makeshift crew of senior firemen, including chief officer Dave Webb, tackled a blaze at Mercenfeld Primary School, in Markfield. The handful of crew members, many of whom had not handled a fire hose in over a decade, were called to action at about 2.15pm, and extinguished the flames, which destroyed classrooms and children's work. The incident took place while the county's firefighters picketed their stations in a strike over proposed changes to their pensions and retirement age. Now, head teacher Andy Kitchen is leading an operation to restore the school to its former state and get the children back to class.
He said: "Luckily, the majority of the school was saved because the fire doors were closed - it could have been so much worse. "At the minute we're looking at replacing two, maybe three, classrooms, but we'll have to assess the damage first and see what work needs doing." The school's 250 four to 10-year-olds are expected to return to lessons on Monday. However, many of them will have to be accommodated in other classrooms or areas of the building while restoration work takes place. Hundreds of pounds worth of computer equipment have been destroyed as well as clothes, personal items and school work. Mr Kitchen said: "As with any fire drill you're taught to leave everything behind - and they did." Youngsters had lost school bags and a number of pupils taking PE had left their clothes and shoes inside. "A lot of work has been lost," said Mr Kitchen. "The charred remains of the children's books, art work and personal items. "There was emotional attachment to some of the things as well, stuff which can't be replaced. "They'd brought in items for show and tell, and had photographs. "And then there were pictures the children had drawn for their parents - it's very sad." The clean up is being carried out by an outside contractor provided by Leicestershire County Council - although it is being paid for by the school. Insurers were also on the site today to assess the damage and process a claim. It is not clear how much the repairs will cost, said Mr Kitchen. A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said: "We were pleased to hear that no-one was hurt as a result of the fire and are offering support to the school to ensure that pupils continue to receive high-quality education during the time that Mercenfeld is closed." RELATED ARTICLE: Fire chief fights school blaze as crews strike

Clean up under way after fire at primary school


Fire chief fights school blaze as crews strike

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The county's chief fire officer was forced to lead a makeshift crew during yesterday's strike after a blaze broke out at a primary school. Leicestershire's top fireman Dave Webb, who has not manned a pump since the 1980s, took charge at Mercenfeld Primary School when a fierce blaze destroyed classrooms and threw plumes of black smoke into the sky. The fire broke out at the building in Oakfield Avenue, Markfield, at about 2.15pm - during a four-hour strike by the county's fire service. It meant just 40 staff and a small unit of eight engines were left to cover the whole of Leicestershire and Rutland. They were led by Mr Webb, who donned breathing apparatus and directed fellow firemen at the Markfield scene as flames tore through the school. His skeleton crew consisted of a handful of senior fire officers, many of whom had not handled a hose for a number of years. Mr Webb said: "The crew fighting the fire were all a little more hands on then they're used to. "Don't get me wrong, they've all been given training to refresh them, but they haven't been hands on for a while. "For me, it's been about 30 years - but my role was more of a command function. I'm still the boss." Mr Webb said it was thought the school's solar panels caused the fire, but that investigations were ongoing. "It was an extremely hot fire," he said. "And it could have caused some substantial damage if we had not been available to do some fire-fighting." Chris Robson, 67, witnessed the fire and made his way to the scene to pick up his two grandchildren, who go to the school. He said: "There was lots of thick black smoke, and you could see the flames from the road. "No-one was injured - that's the main thing. "The building was evacuated and the children were tucked into one corner of the playground." The blaze left two classrooms severely damaged and destroyed the building's roof. It broke out as hundreds of the county's firemen and women protested over Government proposals to extend the retirement age from 55 to 60. Hundreds of crew members picketed stations across the county. Crew member Chris Rollestone, who works at central station and has been in the service for 29 years, said: "The Government is proposing to extend the retirement age, but maintain fitness levels, which doesn't make sense. "Anyone who fails to meet the physical expectations will be forced to retire and will lose their pension. "I didn't join the service to be a millionaire, I joined to help people, but we can't let them change it." The Fire Brigades Union said that no one wanted to take industrial action, but the organisation had been left no choice. Graham Vaux, the organisation's chairman for Leicestershire, said: "It's a complex subject to get across, but we hope people understand our position. "Now we have to get back round the negotiating table and sort this thing out. "The Government's own statistics show that 64 per cent of firefighters wouldn't meet fitness standards if they extended the working limit. The proposal is ludicrous and dangerous." The fire service said that during yesterday's strike, just seven incidents were reported. These included a lorry fire and a tree which had caught light. UPDATED ARTICLE: Clean-up under way after fire at primary school

Fire chief fights school blaze as crews strike

Driver injured after car crashes into garage in Coalville

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Emergency services were at the scene of a traffic collision in Coalville this afternoon after a car ended up embedded in a garage attached to a property. It's understood the Ford Mondeo estate left the road in Bridge Road, near the junction with Belvoir Road and Avenue Road shortly after 3pm. Paramedics at the scene were attending to a man who had been driving the car and was released from the vehicle by firefighters. It's understood the man's wife and child, who were in the car, were not injured and were being looked after in a local house. Belvoir Road was closed at its junction with Avenue Road and police were advising motorists to use High Street as an alternative route. A fire crew from Coalville and a technical rescue team from Leicester's southern fire station were at the scene and freed the man from the car. Firefighters were also working to shore up the property damaged during the incident. An eyewitness said: "The paramedics had the driver, who was conscious, hooked up to an ECG at the side of the car. "His wife and child were being looked after in someone's house while the paramedics treated him."

Driver injured after car crashes into garage in Coalville

Building company fined after two workers fell 13ft

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A building company has been fined after two workers fell 13ft from an insecure platform balanced on the raised forks of a telehandler. Leicester Magistrates' Court heard today that Caplin Homes Ltd was building a new house - the UK's first fully solar-powered house - on land in Stretton Road, Great Glen, when the incident happened, on April 25. Managing director Stuart Caplin, his son and self-employed builder Jason Caplin, and a self-employed joiner, Robert Coleman, arrived on site and decided to take some photographs of the partially completed project to record progress. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that in order to get a high level shot, an enclosed work platform was placed on the forks of a telehandler and raised with Jason Caplin and Robert Coleman inside. However, it was not secured to the forks, and as the telehandler extended, the platform slid off, sending the two workers crashing to the ground. Both men were airlifted to hospital. Jason Caplin, 32, of Great Glen, was diagnosed with a fractured heel and spine compression requiring pins. He was off work for three months. Robert Coleman, 52, of Beaumont Leys, Leicester, suffered a broken collarbone, collapsed lung, fractured pelvis, lacerated spleen and three broken ribs and has not yet been able to return to work. Caplin Homes Ltd, of Stretton Road, Great Glen, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £460. Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Tony Mitchell said: "This was an ill-conceived and totally preventable incident that resulted in two people suffering significant injuries which could easily have been fatal. "Work platforms on telehandlers are not suitable for construction work unless special control systems are in place. More importantly they must be securely attached."

Building company fined after two workers fell 13ft

Police hit 'wall of silence' in hunt for Sylvester Koroma's killer

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A wall of silence is stopping a mother from holding a funeral for her son who died in a shooting outside a pub. Sylvester Koroma, a 35-year-old father-of-one, of Highfields, Leicester was shot in the stomach outside a Birmingham pub on Saturday, August 10, and died in hospital eight days later. The detective who is leading a murder investigation said Mr Koroma's friends, including those who were with him at the time of the shooting, have been unwilling to speak to his officers. Detective Chief Inspector Sab Johal said that he could not release the body to the family in case lawyers representing anyone charged in connection with the killing asked for a second post mortem examination. He said: "Mr Koroma's family, and in particular his mother, are distraught because they have not yet been able to hold a funeral. "Every murder investigation relies on witnesses coming forward and being truthful. "Unfortunately, at this stage I have not yet been able to release the body because I have people on bail and further post mortem examinations may be called for. "Some of the people who were there that night would have been his closest friends and they will not speak to my officers about what happened. "These people need to look at themselves. By not telling us what they know, these people are prolonging this family's grief. "Nobody is speaking on Mr Koroma's behalf and yet when there is a funeral these people may go there to offer their condolences. "People have visited the family home to offer their condolences and Mr Koroma's mother is looking each one straight in the eye and asking 'what happened to my son and why are people not talking to the police?'. "This poor woman deserves answers to her questions and there are people in Leicester who I think have those answers. "The only reason I can think of for these people not speaking to us is that they are not bothered about his death. "If people are frightened to speak I can assure them we have a strong pedigree of protecting witnesses. "A judge can allow them to give evidence from behind a screen and their real names will not be used in witness statements." Mr Koroma was shot outside the Rainbow Warehouse in the Digbeth area of Birmingham shortly before 11pm on Saturday, August 10. He died in hospital eight days later. Eight people, all from Leicester or with strong links to the city, have been arrested, questioned and released on bail. Mr Koroma's family are still too distraught to speak to the media, West Midlands Police said yesterday. However, the family issued a statement through the force the day after he died. In it, they said: "Sylvester was a kind, gentle, loving father, brother, son and friend. "He was a very happy person, who always lit the room up with his smile." Contact the incident room on 0121 626 7191 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police hit 'wall of silence' in hunt for Sylvester Koroma's  killer

Police cordon off Orton Square outside Curve theatre

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Police cordoned off an area outside the city's Curve theatre this evening. Three police cars and an ambulance were parked in Orton Square from about 5.30pm. An area roughly 12 feet by 12 feet was cordoned off behind blue police tape. A number of bright red blood spots could be seen within the cordon. A teenager with a bandaged right hand walked with two police officers along the the public footpath which runs alongside the Serbian Orthodox Church of St George, between St George Street and Orton Square. The injured teenager went inside the ambulance which remained at the scene. A police officer at the scene said they were trying to establish what had happened.

Police cordon off Orton Square outside Curve theatre

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