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Leicestershire weather: Today set to be the hottest day of the year

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Today is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far – but sadly, the sunshine and blue skies are not set to last.

Sweltering highs of up to 32C are predicted for the city and county, but heavy rain and thunderstorms are on the cards for tomorrow.

The Met Office has put Leicestershire on a 'yellow' alert, saying there is a 60 per cent chance of a heatwave – consistently high temperatures over two or more days – and warned people to take care in the humid conditions.

Leicester Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "It's going to be the hottest day of the year so far, but comes at a price.

"We'll have some sun on Friday, but the high temperatures will lead to the build-up of thunderstorms on Saturday.

"We'll get some hail and a lot of rain and lightning.

"So, you'll be warm, but you'll be wet - and there's a chance you'll be struck by lightning."

By Monday, temperatures will have cooled to about 23C or 24C, said Dave.

The changing weather is throwing up some good opportunities for photographers, as the image above shows.

Photographer Mark Warner, from Ashby, was on his way home at about 8pm on Wednesday when he saw a rainbow over Ashby Castle.

"I pulled over and grabbed my camera – it looked impressive," he said.

"The fact that the rainbow was set against a background of grey sky really means the whole thing stood out, and you could see all of it.

"I was only out there for about 10 minutes, but that's all I needed."

In response to the hot weather, staff at Rutland Water have been busy creating a beach and 2,800sq metre swimming area at the reservoir's North Shore, to make the most of the sunny summer days.

More than 400 tonnes of sand has been brought in to cover the 140-metre stretch.

Kevin Appleton, visitor operations manager for Anglian Water, which owns the site, said: "This side of the reservoir has always been very popular with people enjoying barbecues on the grass, and we hope many of them will pay a visit to the new beach, too.

"Visitors can paddle and swim in the designated area with peace of mind as we now have lifeguards on duty seven days a week."

However, the extreme weather has prompted a number of organisations to offer safety advice.

Health officials are warning the city's Muslim community, as they are currently fasting for Ramadan, which means no fluids while the sun is out.

Zuffar Haq, of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel, who is taking part in the religious fast, said: "People who are fasting also need to make sure that they're drinking plenty of water and hydrating themselves in the morning and at night.

"It's all about being sensible , about taking plenty of water, and also aiming to avoid things like fizzy, sugary drinks. It's certainly an area of concern, but people are sensible enough and we have been through heatwaves before."

Elderly people are also being urged to stay out of the sun and make sure they drink enough water.

Age UK chief executive Tony Donovan said: "It's common sense stuff really, things like keeping out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and drinking enough fluids.

"Elderly people don't tend to keep themselves hydrated enough during hot periods, so water is very important."

The temperatures are also expected to bring dangers for family pets .

The RSPCA said leaving dogs in cars can quickly be fatal, with temperatures up to 47C (117F) inside unventilated vehicles.

RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: "A hot car can be a dog's death trap ."

• See the latest four-day weather forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Leicestershire weather: Today set to be the hottest day of the year


Leicester City midfielder Matty James looks forward to Old Trafford return

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Having spent 12 years being schooled at Manchester United, Leicester City midfielder Matty James has admitted he thought his hopes of appearing at the Theatre of Dreams had faded when he left the club.

The 22-year-old was spotted by United as an eight-year-old playing in his native Burnley and was part of the same academy group as England star Danny Welbeck.

Aged just 14, he made his debut for the under-18s and he looked on course to become the next graduate to make his mark in the United first team until nearly two years of injuries curtailed his Old Trafford career.

However, his £1million move to City has re-ignited that potential, and James has played a pivotal part in helping the club return to the Premier League.

Now, James is relishing the prospect of running out at Old Trafford in a City shirt and going face to face with his old friend Welbeck once again.

"I am excited about going to United," said James.

"I speak to Danny Welbeck every now and then because we are the same age and came through the ranks.

"My brother (Reece, a defender) is in the reserves at United as well, so I speak to him now and again.

"I am just excited to play as many games as I can in the Premier League and, hopefully, upset one or two of the big teams."

James knows City will not have it all their own way as they did last season when they dominated the Championship.

There was hardly a game when City did not dominate possession as they took the title with more than 100 points.

That will not be the case in the Premier League where City can expect to be without the ball for long spells against the better sides.

But James said they would not panic and change their passing style.

"Hopefully, we will get some of the ball and put our emphasis on what we want to do on to every game," he said.

" We are not going to be able to do that in every game but there is no reason why we can't do that in some of those games to take the pressure off us, instead of just kicking it long.

"We will try to play our game."

Leicester City midfielder Matty James looks forward to Old Trafford return

Leicester City news: Strikers will be key, says coach Kevin Phillips

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The strikers will be the key for Leicester City in the Premier League, believes new coach Kevin Phillips.

Phillips, who ended his illustrious 17-year career at the end of last season, has taken up his new role with City as a coach specialising in improving the strikers, and said they are looking sharp.

City have spent the week in a training camp in Austria and Phillips has been taking sessions specifically with the strikers.

He said they will be the difference between City's survival and disaster in the Premier League this season.

"It is vitally important I get our strikers in tip-top condition," he said. "Hopefully, they will be the difference between us winning and losing a game.

"The manager wants me to work with the strikers, although I wouldn't say that was the bulk of the conversation we had.

"First and foremost, I think he just wanted me here for my experience and someone to talk to and bounce things off but, ultimately, to work with the strikers.

"I really enjoyed our first training session. The boys were sharp.

"They are the difference between getting points and losing points."

Phillips said it was not just the strikers who were looking sharp in Austria.

"We're looking very good," he said. "I think all the coaching staff, the medical department and the sports science department are really pleased with the way the lads have reported back, and that's to be expected.

"The majority of players here have never experienced the Premier League, so they're going to want to impress by getting fit and staying fit."

Leicester City news: Strikers will be  key, says coach Kevin Phillips

Leicester City's owners 'will not gamble with the club's future'

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Leicester City's owners are hugely ambitious but will not gamble with the club's future, says manager Nigel Pearson.

After City's promotion to the Premier League, many pundits and supporters expected the club's billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha to 'splash the cash' on new signings.

So far, Pearson has signed three players in goalkeeper Ben Hamer, defender Matt Upson and midfielder Marc Albrighton, on free transfers.

However, City have made four attempts to sign Brighton striker Leonardo Ulloa and are lining up a fifth bid believed to be worth £7million.

City have also spent heavily on re-signing a host of their title-winning squad on new long-term contracts. Pearson said there had been huge investment from the owners but in areas that may not seem obvious for supporters, such as the conversion of the club's £103m debt into equity.

The City boss said the owners shared his vision for the long-term sustainability of the club's success.

"They are ambitious and so am I," he said. "You have to remember the money that has been spent on this club so far has brought a stability which we have not had before."

The perception City were going to embark on a spending spree this summer was generated by quotes that originated in Thailand, attributed to Vichai from a press conference in Bangkok.

It was reported the City chairman said he wanted the club to challenge for a top-six spot in the Premier League within three years and that he was willing to spend the £180m required to achieve that goal.

"It was misinformation because we spoke about it on the day," said Pearson. "That was not what happened.

"It is interesting how you get these stories appear out of nothing. We are on the same page in terms of where the club is at the moment.

"Those stories do surface from time to time. I was at the press conference and sat next to the owners.

"When they saw the transcript of what was quoted, they were as mystified as I was at that."

Leicester City's owners 'will not gamble with the club's future'

Children's skydive is tribute to brave Pcs Bryan Moore and Andy Munn

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The children of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty are paying tribute to their fathers' bravery by raising funds in their memory.

The officers, Pc Bryan Moore and Pc Andy Munn, died in August 2002 when fleeing crook Leayon Davi Dudley rammed his van into their patrol car.

Tomorrow, Pc Moore's three children – Vicky, Chris and Jonny – and Pc Munn's daughter, Alex, will take part in a 12,000ft skydive in their honour.

"For us, it's about stepping out in our fathers' memory and making them proud of us," said Vicky, 22,of Shepshed. "This is a tribute to them, the work they did and their bravery."

When the two officers died, their families were supported by the charity Care Of Police Survivors, or Cops.

Vicky, a physiotherapist, said: "Cops have been like a second family to me. Everyone there knew what each of us were going through.

"You learn that what happened is just a part of life that you have to live with.

"It will always be hard for us, but the weight just got easier to carry."

She added: "I know my dad would be telling me I'm a muppet for doing this. But dad was so brave, and me doing this skydive gives me a taste of that bravery."

There will be 10 people from across the country participating in the skydive. All have lost somebody in the line of duty and have been supported by the charity.

"The charity has supported me. Now it's my turn to give something back to them," said Vicky. "I want to help provide support for other children going through what I went through."

Alex Munn, a hairdresser who lives in Nottingham, said she did not know where to turn when her father died.

"It was hard to talk to anybody. But with the charity, I didn't feel stupid when I wanted to cry – I could just be myself," she said.

After their fathers died, the children of Pcs Moore and Munn became close friends.

Alex, 21, said: "For the four of us to do this together is such a special thing. We've all gone through so much with each other."

Alex, Vicky, Chris, 25, and Jonny, 23, will do their skydive at Langar Airfield, in Nottingham.

Police had been pursuing Dudley at high speed across four counties when he reached the spot on the A42 in Leicestershire where Pc Bryan Moore and Pc Andy Munn were waiting.

The two officers, who were based at Shepshed, were hoping to stop Dudley by laying a stinger device across the road. However, he drove his transit van at their patrol car, killing them both.

Dudley, of Acocks Green, Birmingham was jailed for 14 years in 2005. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Also over the weekend, more than 70 police officers from across the country will be riding from the National Police Memorial, in London, to the National Arboretum, in Staffordshire, via Leicestershire, in support of fallen officers. Inspector Pete Williams, of Leicestershire Police, is among those taking part in the event.

To donate money to the Cops skydive, visit:

www.justgiving.com/ victoria-moore5

Children's skydive is tribute to brave Pcs Bryan Moore and  Andy Munn

Hit-and-run leaves girl, six, lying in Leicester street

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Police are hunting a hit-and-run driver who left a six-year-old girl lying in the road with a broken leg.

The motorist hit the child as she was crossing Maidstone Road, Highfields, Leicester, to get to a playground near her home.

People in the street at the time said yesterday the motorist drove away after hitting the girl – and did not even get out of his car to check she was okay. Police have confirmed the driver did not stop at the scene.

The child was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary after being struck shortly after 2pm on Wednesday.

Her mum and dad were at her bedside yesterday.

Family friend Mussa Dakri said: "The family is very shocked and upset. Their little daughter has been badly injured.

"Her leg is broken and she was in a lot of pain. She is a strong little girl and I know she will get better.

"Her mother and father are with her. They are good people and are very upset."

Mr Dakri added: "The little girl was hit by the car as she crossed the road to go to the play area.

"People said the driver didn't even get out of his car. He just drove away.

"There were lots of children around, but they wouldn't have thought to take the car's registration number.

"All they were saying was it was a silver car and it drove away. I just hope people will help police find the person who did this."

He and other residents said there were concerns about the volume of traffic in the road.

Mr Dakri said: "There are three gates into the play area. One is in Maidstone Road, and the others are not in the main road and are safer for children.

"I think that main gate should be locked. That would mean children wouldn't always be crossing the main road."

Another resident said: "There's a lot of traffic in Maidstone Road and some very fastcars.

"There are a lot of children in this area, particularly with the playground, and it is not safe."

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said officers were due to speak to the family and take statements from them last night.

The spokeswoman said:"We appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or if you believe you were involved, to come forward."

Contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

Hit-and-run leaves girl, six, lying in Leicester street

Boy, four, saves mum's life by dialling 999 after she has fit at Ashby home

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A four-year-old saved his mum's life by making a 999 call when she was having an epileptic seizure.

Kathryn Adams was having a fit at their Ashby home in May when her son, Brealyn, dialled 999.

While Kathryn was lying on the floor and Brealyn was waiting for the paramedics to arrive, the youngster checked his mum's breathing and put cushions around her to make her comfortable.

During his emergency call, which you can hear on the Leicester Mercury website, Brealyn listened carefully to the call handler's instructions and answered her questions about his mum's condition.

Jennie Kirkland, the emergency medical dispatcher who took the call, asked the youngster: "What is mummy doing?"

He said: "She is lying on the floor. She is in pain."

Jennie then asked if he could explain where the pain was and he said that it was all over her body.

The caller then added: "Go and ask mummy where the pain is and see if she can tell you."

The youngster said that his mum could not talk and she was not awake.

Jennie asked if she was breathing.

Brealyn said: "I don't know."

Jennie said: "I will tell you how we can check if she is breathing. Just put your ear next to her mouth, okay?"

To which Brealyn responded: "Yes".

Jennie then instructed him to concentrate, and tell her if he could hear any air coming out of his mum's mouth.

He then checked his mum's breathing and said to Jennie: "Yes, I can."

To reward the youngster for his quick thinking, Brealyn was today presented with a bravery certificate at East Midlands Ambulance Service's (EMAS) headquarters, in Nottingham. He was also given a toy ambulance and 'para-ted' - a bear dressed as a paramedic.

He also met Jennie at the event.

Afterwards, Brealyn said: "I am really happy to have met Jennie because she helped save my mummy's life."

Kathryn, who is now back to full health, said the family as a whole had been excited to meet Jennie.

"At the end of the day she is a life saver," she said.

"Without her – and, of course, Brealyn, who has been amazing – I may not even have been here talking to you now.

"The ambulance crew who looked after me were fantastic too, and I'd like to thank them.

"But I do think it's really important people realise there is a part of the chain before that – the people who take the calls and dispatch the ambulances."

She added: "I have always had a massive respect for the ambulance service and the job everyone does, and it's one of the reasons we've always taught Brealyn to know how and when to make 999 calls. But that respect has grown even more today after meeting Jennie."

A spokesperson for EMAS said Brealyn had "made a hugely important contribution in ensuring that his mum, Kathryn, received vital medical attention after she suffered an epileptic fit at their home".

Yesterday's event marked the first time Jennie had met a member of the public whom she had helped on a 999 call.

Speaking after the meeting, Jennie, from Nottingham, said: "I am so happy that I got meet Brealyn – he is really lovely and his family are too. I'm so glad his mum is well again.

"I really enjoy my job and have pride in being able to help people."

Jennie, who has worked for EMAS for 13-and-a-half years and answered more than 200,000 calls, added: "We have a really good team here at EMAS. We are all part of the chain, whatever job we have, and when that team comes together we can, and do, deliver those success stories. Kathryn is proof of that, as are the many thousands of others we help across the East Midlands every day."

Boy, four, saves mum's life by dialling 999 after she has fit at Ashby home

Picture of the day: Getting shirty

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There's a social media campaign, of course. That's how things go these days. Teasers on Facebook and Twitter, the whole kit and caboodle for the launch of the new Leicester City kit tomorrow, complete with a hashtag borrowed from Kasabian, #canyoufeelitcoming.

Here's how the club launched the Scoreline kit back in the summer of 1988. Bit more lo-fi, we think you'll agree.

The deal was groundbreaking, even if the launch picture wasn't. For the first time they did not have to make an initial outlay on the kit. Instead they became sole distributors to retail outlets and took a cut at that stage.

"By going in with Scoreline," said then-City secretary Alan Bennett at the time, "we are in control of our kit for the first time. It is a calculated gamble but we have looked at the figures very hard."

Picture of the day: Getting shirty


Students' art a tonic for children at Leicester Royal Infirmary

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Children at Leicester Royal Infirmary were surprised with a donation of cheerful new artwork.

The paintings were created by a group of talented art students from Abington Academy, Wigston.

"The students have been so excited about the project right from the start," said Louise Claricoates, head of art at the academy.

"The corridor between the wards is apparently quite gloomy and they were keen to brighten it up for the young patients."

Most students chose the theme children's tales, with pieces inspired by classic fairy tales and modern teen fiction.

Other pupils chose graffiti-style work and bright, colourful floral images.

"They tried to cater for the full age range of children in the ward," Louise said.

The project has involved students working in their spare time since the start of the year.

Liz James, matron at Leicester Children's Hospital, said the canvasses would be displayed on a link corridor between two of the children's wards, used by staff to transfer young patients and their families.

"We are grateful to pupils and staff at Abington Academy and would be happy to work with others who are interested in a similar project," she said.

Students' art  a tonic for children  at Leicester Royal Infirmary

Swimming: Trophy wins for Sharks and hosts Braunstone

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There were plenty of medals for local swimmers when Braunstone hosted their popular Sprint Meet.

Leicester Sharks won the visiting club trophy, while Braunstone took the top club award with the most points.

The top Braunstone swimmers were Luke Chapman, Charlie Kaletha and Molly Lee.

The Terry Robinson Endeavour Award was presented to Emily Johnstone, Tilly Strange and Alex Casey. Results (first places):

Girls 9yrs: Kate Parker (Melton) – 100IM 1.32.55; Chloe Baxter (Coal) – 50m breaststroke 48.15, 50m F/S 36.87 50m, backstroke 43.90, 50m butterfly 42.97.

10yrs: Georgia Clarke (Peng) – 100IM 1.26.96; Imogen Lindsay (Melton) – 50m butterfly 38.89; Hannah Freeman (Coal) – 50m breaststroke 46.92, 50m F/S 34.60; Isabel Barnes (Melton) – 50m backstroke 1st 41.23, 100m F/S 1.16.79.

11yrs: Abi White (Sharks) – 100IM 1st 1.23.96, 100m F/S 1.10.44, 50m F/S 32.39, 50m butterfly 37.58; Lindsay Leigh-Scott (Sharks) – 50m breaststroke 42.53; Mia Williams (Braun) – 50m backstroke 38.99.

12yrs: Lara Sinclair-Banks (Peng) – 100IM 1.17.83, 50m F/S 30.81; Nicole Smith (Shep) – 50m breaststroke 41.17; Constance Farmer (Peng) – 50m backstroke 34.80; Zoe Lock (Sharks) – 50m butterfly 34.24, 100m F/S 1.3.13

13yrs: Tia Vyas (Sharks) – 100IM 1st 1.13.51, 50m breaststroke 37.75, 50m F/S 29.94, 100m F/S 1st 1.4.74; Lorna Greenwood – 50m backstroke 33.58.

14yrs: Molly Lee – 100IM 1.9.71, 50m breaststroke 36.21, F/S 29.63, butterfly 1st 31.46; Grace Beesley (Coal) – 50m backstroke 33.43.

15/over: Lauren Boland (Melton) – 50m breaststroke 1st 36.91; Charlotte Seagrave (Melton) – 50m F/S 28.31.

Boys 9yrs: Charlie Kaletha (Braun) – 50m backstroke 40.98, 50m butterfly 39.78, 100IM 1.30.86, 50m breaststroke 49.10, 50m F/S 34.99.

10yrs: Luke Chapman (Braun) – 50m backstroke 37.29, 50m butterfly 39.39, 100m F/S 1.13.08, 100IM 1.25.44, 50m F/S 33.10; Hosea Waweru (Braun) – 50m breaststroke 44.95.

11yrs: Luca De-Zilva (Sharks) – 50m backstroke 36.38; Kai Bacon (Sharks) – 50m butterfly 36.12; Louis Fenson (Sharks) – 100m F/S 1.11.16, 100IM 1.21.79, 50m breaststroke 44.82, 50m F/S 32.84.

12yrs: Cole Lee (Braun) – 50m backstroke 33.08, 100IM1.17.32, 50m breaststroke 41.20; George Dearden (Braun) – 50m butterfly 34.60; Lucas Taylor (Braun) – 100m F/S 1.5.51.

13yrs: Joshua Tapsell (Peng) – 100m F/S 1.3.31, 100IM 1.14.89, 50m F/S 29.40.

14yrs: Harley Kirk (Brauns) – 50m backstroke 32.16, 50m butterfly 31.36, 100m F/S 59.21, 50m breaststroke 36.85.

15/over: Joseph Maye (Braun) – 50m backstroke 31.61, 50m butterfly 31.24; Daniel McGhee (Melton) – 50m breaststroke 34.99.

The Midlands Open Water Championships took place at Bosworth Water. Local medalists were:

Men – 3K: 1 Joel Allen (COLSC) 32.1.48. 2K: 1 Sam Elliot (COLSC) 22.18.78, 3 Bradley Capell (COLSC) 22.58.50.

Women – 18yrs 3K: 2 Chloe Scotchbrook (Sharks) 40.14.02. 40/49yrs 3K: 3 Helen Atton (Leic Neptune) 51.27.81. 2K 30/34yrs: 1 Joanne Griffiths (Leic Masters) 39.00.83. 1.5K: 3 Emily Hatfield (COLSC) 18.49.62.

Three City of Leicester swimmers have been invited to compete in the Sainsbury's School Games.

They are Isaac Peace (Penguins), Megan Morrison (Loughborough) and Candice Hall (Market Harborough).

The annual event covers many sports, and will be held in Manchester from September 4-7.

Clubs are reminded that entry forms for the Leicestershire ASA Inter-clubs Relay gala on September 6 have now been circulated, and should be returned by August 11. Any queries, contact Carole Lister at:

caroleandalan@minke.co.uk

Emotional send-off as Eyres Monsell youth worker Christine steps down

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A "well-loved" youth worker who dedicated three decades to helping young people in her community has bid a fond farewell.

Christine Abdeladim, 55, worked at Magpie Youth Centre, in Eyres Monsell, Leicester, for 28 years, and said leaving was an emotional time.

Christine, who lives in Eyres Monsell, said: "It has been quite sad. We have done some good work.

"I will miss working with the young people, that is without a doubt."

Youth worker Kylie Hill has worked alongside Christine for the past seven years. The 34-year-old also attended groups led by Christine when she was younger.

She said the youth leader was a pillar of the community.

"She is a well-loved lady," said Kylie. "We are really grateful for all the work she has done.

"She has seen so many generations go through the youth centre.

"She has been really supportive with everything.

"Christine's the face of the youth club for the young people. She's a great lady."

Kylie said Christine was well known for her distinctive laugh.

"It is going to be very different without her there," said Kylie. "She's known and loved by many generations of young people in the area and will be missed."

Although she has given up her post at Magpie Youth Centre, Christine still works full-time as a behaviour learning mentor at Eyres Monsell Primary School.

Now she has some free time on her hands, Christine, who is fondly known as Cricket, hopes to keep fit and start swimming again.

However, she said she might not be able to completely give up helping young people and would do some occasional voluntary work, if she is needed.

To mark Christine's departure, a party in her honour was held at the club.

Leonie Horne, of Eyres Monsell, who used to attend the youth centre to get advice from Christine, said: "I used to go all of the time. She is very good at her job. I have had two kids since she has been working there and she has helped me a lot.

"When I was down I could always go up there and speak to her. She is a really good woman.

"It will be weird without seeing her there. It is not going to be the same without Cricket there.

"She has always been there for anyone who wanted to speak to her."

Emotional send-off as  Eyres Monsell youth worker Christine steps down

Hundreds of residents sign petition to keep streetlights on in Leicesteshire

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Hundreds of residents have signed a petition to keep their streetlights on.

They are concerned over existing cut backs and the possiblity of further reductions before winter sets in.

They fear any shut off will lead to an increase in burglaries, car crime and people having to walk in the dark.

The Conservative administration at County Hall began a programme of street light reduction four years ago to save money and cut carbon emissions.

It now proposes a further £1 million of savings over four years, which will involve further switch-offs, though no specific sites are yet identified.

The petition against cuts was launched last month by Liberal Democrat councillors calling for an alternative approach.

They want the county council to invest in cheaper, energy efficient LED lighting which they say would save money while keeping the lights on.

Hinckley councillor Michael Mullaney said: "About 400 people have already signed the county-wide petition in the Hinckley and Bosworth borough. Similar numbers are signing across the county.

"People who work night shifts, often have to walk streets in pitch black in the morning and are particularly worried.

"With many residents signing the petition, I hope the Conservative bosses at Leicestershire County Council will listen and keep lights on."

Businessman Lloyd Godsall, who runs a computer repair company, signed the petition.

Mr Godsall said: "Moving to alternative bulbs such as LEDs is not only cheaper but offers a longer service life and is kinder to the environment."

However, Leicestershire Police said there had been a drop in domestic burglaries and thefts from vehicles in Hinckley and Bosworth this summer.

A police spokeswoman said that between April 1 and July 16 burglaries were down 28.3 per cent compared to last year, dropping from 106 to 76. Theft from motor vehicles dropped 24.5 per cent from 151 last year to 114 .

She said: "This is for the whole of Hinckley though, not specifically roads with the lighting turned off."

The petition was launched by Liberal Democrat group leader Simon Galton, who said people were worried about their safety.

Mr Galton said: "We understand savings need to be made, but think there a better ways of doing it ."

Peter Osborne, the county council cabinet member for highways, said: "We have had few public complaints about the introduction of part-night lighting in certain areas. Evidence from the police shows crime has actually fallen in these areas.

"We have pledged to switch lights back on, if the police inform us of significant problems. This has only happened on a handful of occasions.

"I would remind everyone the public wanted us to save more money from street lighting, in our budget consultation last year. We are doing this, in a safe and responsible way."

You can sign the petition online at:

http://signme.org.uk/973

Hundreds of residents sign petition to keep streetlights  on in Leicesteshire

Expecting a rich harvest as crops in Leicestershire harvested ahead of schedule

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Combine harvesters have started rolling out across the county, with favourable weather conditions meaning barley and oilseed rape is being harvested ahead of schedule.

Cereal farmers in Leicestershire say they are out in the fields cutting their crops up to a fortnight earlier.

John Bourne, who farms 425-acres of barley, oilseed rape and wheat with his brother Ian at Barrow Hill Farm, Osgathorpe, near Coalville, said weather conditions have conspired in farmers' favour.

He said: "We started our barley harvest much sooner than we had expected to – about 10 days earlier."

Mr Bourne said the early harvest is due to a mild winter and healthy amount of spring sunshine.

He said: "A good amount of sunshine has helped, but it's more down to the mild winter, where there were no really cold spells or hard frosts to keep things in check.

"We could have actually done with a hard frost or two to keep the bugs and disease away. But we're not complaining."

Edward Packe-Drury-Lowe, who farms 2,500-acres of wheat, oilseed rape, peas and linseed at Prestwold Farms, near Loughborough, said: "We've started harvesting our oilseed rape four days earlier than the average for the past 10 years.

"The sunny weather has certainly made for perfect harvesting conditions – and also helps with us being the largest solar-powered farm in the UK. We just hope it stays fine – a few heavy thunderstorms at the weekend and bang, things are back to normal."

Mr Packe-Drury-Lowe said ideal growing conditions do have a flip side. "There is more disease in the crops without a harsh winter," he said. "And with high yields come lower prices.

"This year, a tonne of wheat is selling for £120, whereas 12 months ago it was £180 a tonne. But as farmers, the two things you can't control are the weather and prices."

Richard Hezlet, East Midlands regional director at the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said: "Everything is early, which goes back to the mild autumn, which produced ideal planting conditions when the soil was easy to work.

"It meant that everything got away quicker, helped by the mild winter and resulting in an early harvest."

He added: "We expect the first yield figures when they come in to be good, but then again mild conditions have also meant more disease and weeds, such as black grass.

"Then there is the issue of prices.

"It's the other side of the coin but, on the whole, I think things are quite positive."

Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "It has been the perfect combination of a mild winter, wet spring and sunny June and July which has produced ideal growing conditions for crops."

Expecting a rich harvest as crops in Leicestershire harvested ahead of schedule

Archery: Medal joy for Passingham

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James Passingham was part of the Great Britain team that won the silver medal in the Compound Cadet men's event at the European Youth Cup Second Leg in Moscow.

The 17-year-old, from Birstall, also helped bag a team bronze medal in the same event at the European Outdoor Youth Championships in Slovenia.

Great Britain took home eight team awards in Moscow, consisting of two bronze, four silver and two gold medals.

Passingham, with team-mates James Howse and Samuel Jeram, beat Russia to second place on the podium but lost out to Italy's gold medal-winning side.

It was Passingham and Howse again, this time with team-mate Dean Hamilton, who grabbed bronze in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Great Britain took home four medals.

Archery GB performance director Sara Symington said: "We knew that we had selected a very talented team for this tournament and they have gone on to exceed our expectations."

Speedway: Leicester Lions' home run under threat from Lakeside Hammers

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Leicester Lions' new-found home form will be severely tested against Lakeside Hammers tonight (7.30).

Having won their previous two matches at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium, the Lions face a Hammers outfit that is riding high in third place in the Elite League table.

Lions also go into tonight's match on the back of consecutive away defeats, losing 48-42 at King's Lynn on Wednesday and then 47-43 at Swindon on Thursday, so will be keen for a return to winning ways.

Lakeside have maintained a settled side since the start of the season, and the only change to their team occurred last week when Peter Karlsson was released to make way for Kim Nilsson, who returned to the club after a short spell riding for Eastbourne last season.

However, they are without Mikkel Bech, whose sparkling performance at Leicester in May earned the talented Danish teenager the highest step on the rostrum in the World Under-21 Championship qualifier, and his place will be filled by King's Lynn captain Rory Schlein.

Lions have a doubt over the fitness of Josh Bates, who injured his hand during the win against Eastbourne on Monday, and have Coventry rider James Sarjeant on standby.

"There are no easy matches in the Elite League and this one will be a stern test for us," said Lions team manager Norrie Allan.

"Our home form has shown a marked improvement and it is in meetings like this that you gauge just how far we have come as a team.

"Lakeside know they need at least another away win to boost their points tally and our goal, at the least, is to remain unbeaten in 'B' fixtures at home.

"We have started well by beating Belle Vue and Eastbourne on their return visits to Leicester, and it will be a great boost to our confidence if we can add Lakeside to the list."

Lakeside have shown consistent form which has helped them remain one of the forerunners for a place in the play-offs, and possibly their best finish since 2008.

Their strength has been at home, where they have lost just once when Elite League leaders King's Lynn lowered their colours.

Away from home, Lakeside have won at Birmingham and drawn at Belle Vue, but need additional points on their travels to make sure they remain play-off contenders.

On their last visit to Leicester, the Hammers felt aggrieved that a decision to withdraw their reserve Adam Ellis from the meeting may have caused them to lose a match point.

The flashpoint arose when Ellis crashed and, in the opinion of the medical practitioner, the Lakeside teenage reserve was not fit to continue, much to the annoyance of the rider and his team manager.

Leicester went on to win the match 48-41.

Leicester: 1 Jason Doyle, 2 Simon Stead, 3 Mads Korneliussen, 4 Nicolai Klindt, 5 Krzysztof Buczkowski, 6 Max Clegg, 7 Josh Bates.

Lakeside: 1 Davey Watt, 2 Richard Lawson, 3 Lewis Bridger, 4 Kim Nilsson, 5 Rory Schlein, 6 Ben Morley, 7 Adam Ellis.


Noise concerns as GNG football club tries for licence at Riverside Ground

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Concerns have been raised about a football club's application to serve alcohol from their new clubhouse.

GNG FC recently moved to the Riverside Ground, in Leicester's Braunstone Lane East – part of a £12 million city council programme to improve grassroots football.

The club has now asked the council for a premises licence for the clubhouse pavilion, which would permit alcohol sales from 9am-2am and live music.

Nearby residents have written objecting to the proposal and the council's environmental health officials also raised concerns. Councillors on the licensing panel discuss the issue on Wednesday

A report by council noise team officer Andrew Sansome said: "The premises are close to a number of residential properties and I am concerned that use until 2am seven days a week will result in noise disruption."

He has recommended permission be granted for hours of 9am-11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9am-1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

One resident wrote to the council pointing out the clubhouse is near new Ellesmere College, opening in September.

He said: "I object to alcohol being sold or consumed on school premises which is what the playing field still is.

"Is this supposed to be a money making business or a community football club?

"When plans were announced we were told it would just be for football. No dance, music or films were mentioned."

The Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society has said it is worried about the impact of potential late night entertainment on the nearby nature reserve.

The clubhouse is also used by Leicester Ladies and the society said it did not think it was appropriate for alcohol to be served in a place where the clubs encourage children to play football.

The Mercury contacted Kehar Singh Hayer, who applied for the licence, but he was unavailable for comment.

However, in his application, he said all children in the clubhouse would have to be accompanied by parents or guardians.

Ellesmere College chairman of governors Steve White, who is also a patron of GNG FC, said as far as the school was concerned, the licence application was "a non-issue".

He said: "The pupils will play football outside and they will use the changing facilities, but they won't have any reason to go into the clubhouse where the bar is.

"I understand the objections from the Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society, of which I am a member, but all GNG are trying to do is what any other football club does, which is to get a bit of resources from the bar.

"They have been very professional in how they have approached this."

Speedway: Leicester Lions suffer narrow defeat at Swindon Robins

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Leicester Lions agonisingly lost a second final-heat decider within the space of 24 hours when they went down 47-43 at Swindon Robins on Thursday night.

At King's Lynn on Wednesday, the Lions had a chance of coming away from the Norfolk Arena with a draw before being cruelly denied.

The following night at Swindon saw Leicester again in a position to win their first away match in the Elite League.

Entering the final race, Lions required their two riders to finish ahead of the Swindon pairing and, while Nicolai Klindt secured second place, the race was won by the home side's captain Troy Batchelor.

It forced Leicester to be content with a consolation bonus match point for the second time in two days.

On a night that saw more than its fair share of spills, where only three out of the 15 heats ended with all four riders completing the race, it was the Rapid Solicitors Lions who fared marginally better in the first half of the meeting.

The first incident happened in the opening race when Leicester were gifted five points after Peter Kildemand fell on the second bend.

Swindon suffered the same fate in the reserves' race when Nathan Greaves slammed into the air fence with the finishing line in sight. The double setback gave the Lions an unexpected lead of four points but then, in heat three, the bad luck was evened up when Mads Korneliussen pulled up with machine problems when out in front alongside his team partner Krzysztof Buczkowski.

Greaves fell again in his second appearance for Swindon and, in the re-run, Sam Masters held off a late burst of speed from Simon Gustafsson.

With James Sarjeant finishing third, Leicester went six points ahead.

Korneliussen then retired again with bike problems, but Klindt, who earlier this season left Swindon, marked his return to the track with an impressive win after passing the home pairing.

Jason Doyle and Klindt kept the momentum going for Leicester by adding further wins in heats six and seven.

The gremlins struck for a third time for Korneliussen, who was leading the race when his bike stopped. When Masters fell while holding second place, the Lions' lead of six points was down to two.

The Robins were on level terms one race later and, by the end of heat 10, were ahead for the first time. Doyle and Klindt gave Leicester renewed hope by scoring five points in heat 11 to put the Lions back on level terms.

Swindon regained the lead in what was becoming a see-saw ending before Doyle and Buczkowski reduced the Robins' lead to two points.

The match looked over for Leicester when the two Swindon riders were ahead in heat 14, only for Gustafsson to crash and his error enabled the race to end all-square.

Needing five points for a win and four points to draw from the final heat, the Lions could only manage two and with it disappeared any hope of that elusive first away win.

"We are gradually turning our season around," said team manager Norrie Allan.

"Another consolation bonus match point is progress when compared with some of our earlier away performances."

Swindon 47: Peter Kildemand 3+2, Dakota North 9, Nick Morris 8, Simon Gustafsson 5+2, Troy Batchelor 9+1, Nathan Greaves 1 and Steven Worrall 12+2.

Leicester 43: Jason Doyle 11+1, Sam Masters 6+1, Mads Korneliussen 2, Nicolai Klindt 13, Krzysztof Buczkowski 4, James Sarjeant 6+1 and Max Clegg 1+1.

Speedway: Leicester Lions suffer narrow defeat at Swindon Robins

MH17: Outrage over rebel missile strike claims

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Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, claimed US president Barack Obama.

In a statement yesterday, he called the attack "an outrage of unspeakable proportions" – and promised to uncover the truth about what happened.

Details about the tragedy are still sketchy and a team of international investigators are at the crash site to gather evidence of exactly what happened.

However, America said it could not rule out the possibility that Russia offered help to separatists to launch the missile, believed to be an SA-11.

President Obama said: "We know these separatists have received a steady flow of support from Russia. This includes arms and training, it includes heavy weapons and it includes anti-aircraft weapons."

He called for an immediate ceasefire, and said: "Violence and conflict inevitably lead to unforeseen consequences. Russia, the separatists and Ukraine all have the capacity to put an end to the fighting."

Prime Minister David Cameron also described the catastrophe, which resulted in the deaths of 298 people, including 10 Britons, as "an absolutely appalling, shocking, horrific incident".

He said those responsible should be brought to justice as soon as possible.

"We must lose no time in doing that," he said. "It is an absolutely shocking incident and cannot be allowed to stand."

But both Russia and Ukraine are adamant that the other is responsible for the tragedy.

The Ukrainian government has blamed rebels using Russian-supplied surface-to-air missiles for the tragedy.

In response, the Kremlin has accused leaders in Kiev of failing to agree a ceasefire.

Among the British victims were former BBC journalist Glenn Thomas, 49, and Newcastle United fans John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were travelling to New Zealand to watch the football team's pre-season tour.

Another victim was helicopter pilot and father-of-two Cameron Dalziel, who is understood to be South African but travelling on a British passport.

According to the airline, as well as the 10 Britons, there were 154 Dutch passengers, 45 Malaysians, including 15 crew, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians, four Germans, four Belgians, three Filipinos and one Canadian on board.

The Boeing 777-200 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, but was off course when it crashed.

MH17: Outrage over rebel missile strike claims

Roller derby: Impressive win propels Jackals into European top 50

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Roller Derby Leicester came through their toughest test of the season with a convincing 228-107 victory at Dundee Roller Girls.

Leicester travelled to Scotland still undefeated after their first three games, but with Dundee ranked significantly higher than the Jackals' previous opponents.

Both teams started strong in defence with each set of jammers finding it tough to break through the opposition walls.

It was the Leicester defence that proved the stronger, though, and they were able to force a couple of early penalties. The resulting power jams allowed the visitors to build up an early 52-5 lead.

Dundee had a chance to close the gap when a penalty by Leicester captain Sarah Brooks handed them a power jam of their own, but the Jackals failed to capitalise as their own jammer was sent to the penalty box.

Leicester looked on course to put the game beyond the hosts in the first half, with the scores at 88-18, but the home team rallied with some strong offensive play to make inroads into Leicester's lead, ending the first half 108-39 behind.

Leicester struggled after the break, with Dundee picking up 14 points for no reply. However, effective jamming by Brooks and Gemma Warne, combined with strong offensive play by Eve Wylie, got the Jackals scoring again, and they extended their lead to 141-60.

A tactical star pass by Brooks combined with a Dundee penalty brought about the unusual scenario of power-blocker Kez Lint jamming a power jam, much to the delight of Leicester's travelling fans.

The victory propels Leicester to 47th in Europe and 24th in the UK in the Flat Track Stats rankings.

The Jackals will play their first open-door home game on Saturday, August 9, at the De Montfort University QEII leisure centre, against South West Angels of Terror.

Leicester are running recruitment session every Wednesday at Southfields Drive Sports Centre (6.30-8pm). No skating experience is necessary and all hire kit is available. For more information, visit:

www.rollerderbyleicester.co.uk

Roller derby: Impressive win propels Jackals into European top 50

'Absolute idiot' leaves Leicester Crown Court for rehabilitation

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A man who attacked his girlfriend as she slept has been given a community order.

Lee David Holt (32) later continued with his assault downstairs, inflicting punches and kicks on his victim , Leicester Crown Court was told.

He admitted common assault on her on March 22 and also admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a suspended sentence, imposed at an earlier date for assaulting a different ex-partner.

The defendant, of Braunstone Lane, Leicester, was sentenced to a two year community order, with supervision, and required to attend rehabilitation .

He was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 court costs.

James Bide-Thomas, prosecuting, said the two had argued during a night out, resulting in the victim coming home and going to bed alone.

Holt then arrived after midnight and she told him he had to sleep on the downstairs sofa.

Mr Bide-Thomas said: "He went into her bedroom and hit her four or five times to the back of her head.

"She got out of bed and went to call the police, but he grabbed her mobile phone and forced his way into the bathroom, where she tried to hide."

During the outline of the prosecution case in the courtroom, Holt shouted from the dock: "It's not true, only 50 per cent is true."

There was an interruption and a short adjournment when Holt was taken to the cells, before the hearing resumed.

On his return to the courtroom , Holt said: "I am guilty, I did hit her, but I didn't do what she says."

Mr Bide-Thomas said: "The next thing she remembers was in the sitting room and the defendant pushed her against the sideboard.

"She fell to the floor. She describes the defendant hitting her about the head and kicking her, although not hard kicks.

"When the police arrived, Holt said: 'I've hit her, take me away.'

"At the police station he denied any physical violence."

Sentencing, Recorder Adrian Reynolds said: "You're an absolute idiot."

He said Holt had risked going to prison and "losing your job, accommodation and everything."

He said he thought the defendant would benefit from supervision by the Probation Service and attending a course to help mend his ways.

Brinder Soora, mitigating, said: "He does require assistance and the pre-sentence report says there's a lot of work that can be done with him.

"He's not been in touch with the complainant, although he says she's been in touch with him, but he's told her he wishes to move on.

"She plays no part in his future.

"He had expressed remorse.

"Thankfully the victim had no lasting injuries and did not seek medical assistance."

Recorder Reynolds made a restraining order banning Holt from having any contact with the victim .

'Absolute idiot' leaves Leicester Crown Court for rehabilitation

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