Nigel Pearson has hit back at the critics who he says are 'revelling' in Leicester City's poor run.

The defeat at Southampton on Saturday was City's fourth consecutive reverse and fifth in six games.

Pearson said there were some who were enjoying the negativity about City's situation.

However, the City boss said he knew what was required to get his side out of their slump and would be focused on improving their fortunes.

"People seem to revel in the fact that we are on a poor run," he said.

"There seems to be a thirst for negativity. I don't buy into that.

"I am never a believer in listening too much to that stuff.

"For me, there is too big a shift in terms of the negativity which then surrounds us.

"I am responsible for my team and happy to accept the responsibility, but the bottom line is I have a pretty good handle on where we are at and what is required.

"Becoming a Premier League side that is capable week in and week out doesn't happen overnight.

"Getting here is tough and staying here is even tougher, but I believe we can still be competitive."

One criticism aimed at Pearson in recent games is that his diamond midfield has reduced City's creativity in wide positions and, as a result, top scorer Leonardo Ulloa has been starved of service. But Pearson said City needed to avoid being over-run in central areas.

"I accept there is going to be criticism at times and people question why there is no wide player in there," he said.

"When you have the strength of midfield we had, it was key to stay in the game without allowing a very good team like Southampton to boss possession.

"Unfortunately for us, we didn't quite find the answers.

"I think the players worked exceptionally hard and we defended with an awful lot of commitment and sprit, and that came from front to back.

"But the quality side of it is costing us quite severely at the moment."

Pearson admitted he had some sympathy for Ulloa and his lack of goalscoring opportunities.

"He has had a good season so far but what he hasn't had is a lot of chances recently," said the City boss. "Strikers score goals from chances.

"His contribution to the side remains very positive, but he has to continue to work hard."

Tomorrow's 50p Leicester Mercury includes:

• 1. Rich List pullout

• 2. Tokens for an exclusive reader evening at Fenwick - with a whopping 20 per cent discount off all goods

• 3. Win one of 10 limited edition signed Steve Walsh books

• 4. Exclusively from the vendors: Free long life milk or Gingerbread Man book

• 5. Exclusively from Asda Thurmaston (between 11am and 4pm): free Gingerbread Man book, or free Advent calendar or selection box

Dozens of cyclists lined the road for a "positive" protest in favour of planned new bike lanes.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby recently ordered one lane of the Welford Road be temporarily closed to see if it would be possible to narrow the thoroughfare in the future to build a new bike lane along it.

The group of more than 70 campaigners gathered at 5pm today with placards in a coned-off area, ringing their bicycle bells and cheering whenever motorists honked to signal their support.

"We think they're mostly honking in support," said Eric Ludlow of the Leicester Cycling Campaign Group, which organised the protest.

"We've certainly had no one yell at us."

He added: "We've got a very good turnout for a cold November night and I think this is the first protest of its kind organised by cyclists in Leicester.

"It's also quite unusual because it's in favour of something that's happening. But I think it's important people know this idea has support.

"This is a positive protest - a charm offensive."

Many of the protestors carried placards with messages including "Fewer Cars" and "Family-Friendly Cycle Routes".

As the protest continued more cyclists turned up and joined in, while any cyclist passing down Welford Road got a cheer.

Protestor Marie Lefebvre, 27, of New Parks, Leicester, said: "It's a really lovely atmosphere and a brilliant turnout.

"I was in Amsterdam last week and there's so much more security for cyclists there and we need to introduce that in Leicester.

"The better things are for cyclists, the more people will cycle.

"And then everyone will benefit from better safety and air quality."

Tristram Hooley, 40, of Highfields, Leicester, was protesting with his nine-year-old daughter, Freya.

He said: "We just want better access to these central roads in Leicester.

"This road is quite a dangerous one and cars go fast along here. You need a bit of extra space for cyclists - especially little kids - and ideally a decent cycle path the cars can't encroach onto."

Clare Cox, 55, said: "I live in Birstall and never really cycle much in the city centre but I think it's a really good cause and it's very exciting to be a part of it."

Chris Tipler, 65, of Braunstone, said: "There's got to be mutual understanding between drivers and cyclists and I think anything that promotes that is good.

"I cycle a lot around the city and I think more bike lanes would be great."

Meanwhile, motorists are starting their own campaign to get Sir Peter to rethink his plans.

The online petition calls for him to "review and resolve the traffic chaos/congestion caused by the various 'improvements' made to our city centre and surrounding area roads".

A married man had sex with a 13-year-old schoolgirl weeks after returning from his honeymoon, a court has heard.

Krzysztof Zalewski sent the girl messages afterwards, saying he wanted to meet her again and she must not tell anyone.

The 31-year-old, formerly of Lakin Drive, Thorpe Astley, is being tried in his absence at Leicester Crown Court.

He denies six counts of sexual activity with a child, in September last year.

James House, prosecuting, said the defendant was on his own in a room with the child when he allegedly made sexual advances.

He then committed sex acts with her, said Mr House.

She sent a text message to a friend saying she had lost her virginity to an older man, describing what had happened.

Zalewski allegedly sent her messages telling her to keep what happened "a secret".

Mr House said: "She was confused and too scared to tell her mother at first.

"The defendant had married a few weeks before this, on August 17.

"It happened a short time after he returned from honeymoon."

The jury was told the defendant sent the girl numerous messages, which were read out in court, including: "Want sex with you.

"I want you very much, you're super, I adore you darling."

Another message stated: "If you want to meet me and make love with me you have to be very careful and delete texts every time."

The court was told he also sent a message stating: "You're very good, we can do this again and we can keep it a secret."

Zalewski sexually assaulted her on a second occasion, persisting even after she refused, it was claimed.

The girl allegedly told him: "I can't, it's wrong."

Mr House said the defendant allegedly committed sex acts with her, including intercourse.

Afterwards, Zalewski was said to have told her: "Don't fall in love with me, that's not the kind of relationship I want with you."

Mr House said: "It made her realise he was just using her."

She then reported what had happened to her mother, who informed the police.

When interviewed, the defendant claimed he thought the girl was 16, saying she "looked and acted" older than she was.

Mr House said: "He told the police she'd looked at him strangely (before the first encounter) and was provoking him, like seducing him.

"He said she'd offered him sex and seduced him on the second occasion.

"He told the officers, 'This is a little bit of a lie, she's broken my whole life'.

"He was blaming her for everything."

The trial continues.

Take That will be heading to Birmingham next year for three shows.

Mark Owen, Gary Barlow and Howard Donald, who will soon be releasing their first album as a trio, will be at the Genting Arena

 on three consecutive nights from May 14 to May 16.

The visit to the venue, formerly the LG Arena, will be part of a 24-night tour of the UK.

Touring with them will be rising star Ella Henderson who recently celebrated both her debut single, Glow and her first album, Chapter One, becoming No 1s.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday at 9am and are available from The Ticket Factory at www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.

Jennifer Lawrence was signing photographs for fans in the cold today during the UK film premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1.

The film, which is the third in the series, was shown at the Odeon in Leicester Square, London, tonight and opens elsewhere on November 20.

Comedian Russell Brand has responded to the recent joke versions of Blur hit Parklife by making his own video.

He posted his video on Twitter in response to other people making fun of him and his Cockney background by posting online versions of the song.

The satirical track has a dig at the Prime Minister David Cameron as well as the comic's own critics.

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Fire crews were called to a fire in a home in Wigston last night.

Crews from Wigston and Leicester's central fire station went to the scene of the fire in the living room of a home in Burnham Close, Wigston Magna just after 6pm.

Firefighters wearing breathing equipment tackled the blaze in the end terrace property.

The Fire Emergency Support Service vehicle provided by the British Red Cross offered support to the occupants of the home who were not inside when the fire broke out.

The fire, which was started accidentally by an electrical fault in a sofa unit, caused fire damage to the living room and smoke and heat damage to the rest of the property.

Rules which denied about 4,000 war widows and widowers a military pension are to be changed next year.

From April 2015, those who "remarry, cohabit or form a civil partnership" would be entitled to the pension for life, the Ministry of Defence said.

Under current rules some have to surrender their survivor's pension, BBC News online reported.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said he was putting right an issue that had caused "upset and disappointment for many years".

The War Widows' Association had been due to hand a petition to Downing Street calling on the government to address what it said was an injustice.

Veterans' minister Anna Soubry told BBC Breakfast it was "the right time to do it".

She said: "The money is not actually very much in the overall scheme of things, it's the principle that's important and it's important that we've done it under the covenant.

"I think that's the first time anything like this has been done under the covenant and it shows the power of it."

The Armed Forces Covenant states that personnel and veterans as well as their families should be "sustained and rewarded" for their service.

Labour said it had pressed the government to "address this anomaly". Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker said he was "glad it has now been resolved".

The change will coincide with the launch of the new armed forces pension scheme, the MoD added. 

Singer Peter Andre will be meeting his fans and signing autographs at Fosse Park tomorrow, Sunday, November 9.

The star will be at The Perfume Shop, in The Food Court, at 3.30pm.

Peter said: "I love seeing all the fans and try to meet as many of them as I can. Works been manic this year but we've done lots of signings up and down the country as there's nothing better than meeting the fans - and Leicester is great."

He is coming to the county to help promote his new fragrance, Scarlet, which was launched last month.

Speaking of his creation, Peter said: "I wanted a fragrance to represent someone that was powerful yet classy, a bit like Scarlett Johannsson in The Avengers - many women are both those things. I wanted something seductive and fresh with a devilish sting."

Key parts of the World War One poppy display at the Tower of London are to be extended until the end of November, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

The installation of ceramic poppies is to be dismantled on 12 November, BBC News online reported.

But the Weeping Willow and the Wave segments will now stay in place until the end of the month before being sent on a tour across the UK until 2018.

Huge demand from the public sparked a campaign to keep the installation in place longer.

Floodlights are already being used to ensure more people get to see the piece created to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War.

The prime minister said the display had "in a very short space of time become a much loved and respected monument".

The touring segments will eventually go on permanent display at the Imperial War Museums in London and Manchester.

Up to four million people are expected to have visited before 12 November, when there will be 888,246 ceramic poppies - one for each British and Commonwealth death during WW1.

Entitled Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red, the installation is the work of ceramic artist Paul Cummins, from Derbyshire.

Leicestershire paint and finishing specialist ISF, of Thurmaston, provided 27,000 litres of vibrant red paint and clear coating for the ceramic poppies.

Mr Cameron also said the government wanted to ensure that as many people as possible had the opportunity to view the poppies.

"By displaying parts of the installation around the country and then permanently in the Imperial War Museum, we have ensured that this poignant memorial will be saved for the nation," he added.

The Royal British Legion has said it hopes the sale of the poppies, after the installation has been dismantled, will raise in excess of £15m.

All net proceeds plus 10% of every £25 poppy sold will be shared between six service charities, including Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

Authorities in California have revealed that comedian and actor Robin Williams was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of his suicide.

Williams, 63, was found dead in his California home on August 11.

A Marin County coroner's report released on Friday found Williams died from asphyxia due to hanging, BBC News online reported.

Famed for roles in such films as Mrs Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting, Williams had been treated for depression.

The entertainer was last seen alive by his wife on 10 August, and was found dead the following day.

The actor's personal assistant became concerned when he did not respond to knocks on the door, authorities say. The assistant entered the room and found Williams dead.

Williams won an Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting and starred in films including Good Morning Vietnam and Jumanji.

Williams had previously talked, and even joked, about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. After his death, his representative said he had also been "battling severe depression".

The Los Angeles Times reported in July he had earlier returned to a rehabilitation centre to "fine-tune" his sobriety.

In a statement following his death, Williams' wife Susan Schneider said she was "utterly heartbroken" and asked for privacy for the family.

"As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions," she said.

US President Barack Obama paid tribute to Williams, saying he "made us laugh. He made us cry."

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets."

Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include the following:

Ungureahu Nicolae (26), of Larchmont Road, Stocking Farm, was proven guilty in absence of exceeding 30mph on the A6 London Road, Leicester, on May 5.

He was fined £200 with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. His driving licence was endorsed with three penalty points.

Michael Tippetts (48), of St Annes Drive, Aylestone, pleaded guilty to exceeding 30mph on the A426 Aylestone Road, Leicester on February 28.

He was fined £100 with a £20 victim surcharge and his driving licence was endorsed with three penalty points.

Emmanuel Oluwafemi Olulaja (28), of Sunbury Green, Thurnby Lodge, pleaded guilty to using a hand-held mobile phone while driving in Victoria Road East, Leicester, on June 14.

He was fined £110 with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Olulaja also pleaded guilty to exceeding 30mph at the same place on the same date and was fined a further £110.

Much-loved Leicester toy store Dominoes is set to make a return to the city centre in 2015, more than a year after it closed. The news prompted us to have a think back to other shops that have disappeared from the city's streets. Here's our top 10 of stores which we miss. If we have missed out your favourites, let us know in the comment section below.

Lewis's

The shop where you could get almost anything: cosmetics, hats, gloves, stationery, clothing, furniture and carperts. And don't forget the food hall. Read memories of it here

Co-Op

The popular department store eventually made way for The Shires. Read more about it here

Simpkin & James

The store was on the corner of Market Place. Customers used to sit on stools to place their orders. Read more here

Ainleys

If you were a music fan growing up in Leicester you probably bought your first album from Ainleys. Actor Andy Nyman did. He tells us about his favourite store here

Midland Educational

The store in Market Street was the go-to place for books, arts and crafts goods and other academic supplies. For some memories clickhere 

Tom Browne

A high-class gentleman's clothing store, with a hairdressers in the basement.

Jessops

The place to go for camera and photographic equipment, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Of course, everyone just buys that sort of thing on the internet now. The chain, founded in Leicestershire in 1935, collapsed in 2013, although Dragon's Den star Peter Jones bought the company's name and has opened some stores. Read about its sad demise here

Woolworths

You could get anything and everything in Woolworths ... but everyone remembers it for the pic'n'mix. The Leicester branch in Humberstone Gate closed in 2007. The county branches shut the following year.

Marshall and Snelgrove

It was one of the city's busiest stores and was a fixture of Gallowtree Gate until the building caught fire in 1970. Shop worker John Smith talks about his time working there in this story

Charnwood Street

Not just one shop - but a whole street of them! Charnwood Street, known as Charny, was a bustling shopping street and was where Wilko's started. Read more here: 

The £11 million restoration of Leicester City Council's headquarters is complete.

Workers have been revamping the 1930s Art Deco municipal offices in Charles Street since the new year.

While 400 staff have been working in the building since the summer following the closure of the New Walk Centre, its lower floors have been subject to continuing renovation.

The council invited the Mercury to see that final phase of completed work.

Converted

The old rates hall, where residents used to pay their taxes, has been converted into a function room which the council will hire out for weddings and other events.

Committee rooms have been created for council meetings as well the revamping of an auditorium and the conference rooms.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The architects have been very clever in what they have done.

"They have restored things very faithfully to how they were when the building was opened almost 76 years ago to the day.

"It looks amazing, it really does.

"I want to stress we have created a public space for the people of Leicester not a private council area. In fact, we have recycled it."

The building served as council offices until the authority relocated to New Walk in the 1970s.

Since then, it has been used by the Inland Revenue and been the Willie Thorne and then Riley's snooker club.

Sir Peter said: "The building has been somewhat neglected over the years.

"When we went into the rates hall and pulled the curtains down there huge clouds of dust and it was quite a challenge getting the nicotine stains off the ceilings.

"It has cleaned up wonderfully."

The front desk of the building will be staffed 24 hours a day.

Members of the public will be able to walk in off the street to use a new set of public toilets.

The mayor said: "There are catering facilities so we can hold wedding receptions.

"The auditorium would be a great venue for comedy festival shows.

"The aim is we get some income from it."

Sir Peter defended the £11 million cost of the revamp, saying the project had come in at a fraction of the £50 million cost of an alternative scheme being considered before he became mayor.

The council had considered buying the Leicester Mercury offices after it found it had to quit its 1970s base.

Sir Peter also pointed out City Hall cost far less than the recently revamped Derby City Council offices which cost more than £30 million.

Fire crews were called to Lutterworth this morning after reports of loose brickwork 30 feet above a busy pavement.

A crew from the town's fire station who went to the scene in High Street shortly before 9am asked for the aerial ladder platform to be sent from Leicester's central fire station.

Police dealt with traffic while two firefighters got to work from the platform removing the loose bricks from the two-storey building.

A landlord has been ordered to pay over £16,000 in fines and costs after admitting breaching a string of safety regulations.

Munir Nathanie (38), of The Maltings, Hamilton, appeared before Leicester Magistrates on Thursday, November 6, over eight breaches of licensing conditions and regulations covering homes in multiple occupation (HMOs).

The court heard how the property, at 64 Gwendolen Road, Leicester, suffered from a number of failings including a faulty fire alarm system, unsafe electrical wiring and a fire escape which was poorly maintained.

The breaches came to light in December 2013, following a complaint from a tenant.

The house was licensed for use by seven people.

Nathanie was ordered to pay £2,000 for each of eight offences under the Management of HMO (England) Regulations 2006, and ordered to pay £2,037 in prosecution costs, along with a £120 victim surcharge.

Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Councillor Sarah Russell, said: "These licensing conditions and regulations exist to ensure that tenants are safe, and we take it seriously when landlords like this don't comply with them."