Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

Petition set up to prevent building of 1,500 more houses in Birstall

0
0

A petition has been set up to try to prevent 1,500 houses being built in the Birstall area.

As part of Charnwood Borough Council's draft local plan, there is a proposal for 1,500 houses to be built on two large fields next to Bentley Roses, in Birstall.

Councillor Simon Sansome, a Liberal Democrat for Birstall Wanlip ward has set up a petition opposing it.

He said: "The Conservative run borough council has proposed a 1,500 home development next to Bentley Roses.

"We have to stop this development as Birstall will then almost be connected with Rothley and another green field area of separation would have disappeared - putting Birstall's identity at risk.

"Action needs to be taken sooner rather than later to protect Birstall from further development.

"We need to protect what we have in the village and stop this overdevelopment."

He added that the schools in Birstall would not be able to cope if the proposal to build 1500 houses went ahead.

"A few months ago I sat in front of Leicestershire County Council education panel with a petition for a school in Hallam Fields. The panel stated that come 2015 there would not be enough primary school places in Birstall, so adding 1,500 houses is not going to help the situation.

"Another concern is the traffic."

He said it could take a number of residents on the Greengate estate in Birstall between 20-30 minutes to get from their driveway to the main A6 road during rush hour.

"Again, 1,500 houses will bring at least 1,500 more cars, adding to our already congested traffic in the village."

Tom Scott, 27, a resident of Birstall, said he was against the proposal. "It will take away the gap between us and Rothley.

"I have a 12 week old baby that will be going to school in a few years. I don't want this to affect his education."

He added that the new houses would also destroy the close knit community.

"It will also increase commuting times for work and school round and everything else. It is not a good idea."

Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: "This site is a proposed area for development that the council has identified following many years of research and is contained within our draft local plan.

"The draft local plan is currently being examined by the Planning Inspectorate."

Coun Sansome has set up a petition online on the change.org website.

Residents can also sign a paper petition at local shops and pubs in Birstall: The White Horse, Age Concern, The Posy Bowl, Loros, Birstall Fisheries, Dans Gents Hairdressers, Birstall Post office, Silly Prices, Peter Astill & Co Solicitors and The Plough.

Petition set up to prevent building of 1,500 more houses in Birstall


Leicester author Rod Duncan to complete trilogy after signing book deal

0
0

Author Rod Duncan is celebrating after signing a deal to complete his trilogy of books in the Gas-Lit Empire series.

The fantasy series is set in a steampunk world of alchemists and secret societies but is also rooted in the Victorian architecture of Leicester.

The first book in the series, The Bullet Catcher's Daughter, was released in September this year and won the Leicester Writers' Norman King Award.

Sales have been going through the roof in recent days after it was promoted as "daily deal" on shopping website Amazon.

It topped the Amazon fantasy novels chart and reached number 42 is the overall book charts, selling thousands of copies worldwide.

His publisher, Angry Robot, plans to release the second book in the series, Unseemly Science, in May 2015.

Now they have announced they will also be publishing the third, The Custodian of Marvels, which is set for release in spring 2016.

Rod, who lives in Glenfield, said: "Angry Dog are specialist sci-fi publishers and they're the perfect publishers for me.

"They're one of a new breed of publishers who are very aware of their audiences and I'll be going to events and festivals.

"That's one of the joys of writing in this genre - you have a very enthusiastic audience who like to go to conventions."

The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter got rave reviews from reviewers around the world.

It tells the story of Elizabeth Barnabus who lives a double life, sometimes pretending to be her own brother, a private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and her life, and the course of history, begin to change.

Among the reviews for the first book was one in Publisher's Weekly which described it as a "strong supernatural mystery'.

The late Graham Joyce, who lived in Knighton, Leicester, and died in September aged 59, described it as 'a superb book'.

He said in his review: "The Bullet Catcher's Daughter is itself a magic box pulsating with energy.

"Compulsive reading from the get-go, the blend of steampunk alternate history wrapped in the enigma of a chase makes for first-rate entertainment in this finely crafted novel."

Entertainment Weekly's review said that Elizabeth Barnabas felt "fresher and more engaging than the typical steampunk protagonist".

Fantasy Faction's review stated: "It's fair to say I was smitten by The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter.

"Rod Duncan's talent has combined inventive plot and characterization to create a smart, amusing and fascinating tale that had me reading long into the night."

Angry Robot publisher Marc Gascoigne said: "In Elizabeth Barnabus Rod Duncan has created a wonderfully engaging and resourceful heroine and in the Gas-Lit Empire a tremendous alternative version of English history.

"Angry Robot has Unseemly Science, its miraculous sequel, on our list for Spring 2015 but we couldn't leave the story there, so I'm delighted to have snapped up another instalment, The Custodian of Marvels."

Leicester author Rod Duncan to complete trilogy after signing book deal

Thief steals policeman's bicycle during crime spree

0
0

A thief who stole a policeman's bicycle during a crime spree was jailed for 18 months.

Joshua Mills, 21, helped himself to the officer's cycle after it was left securely padlocked outside the Primark store in Leicester city centre, at 11am on November 18.

Hal Ewing, prosecuting, said that CCTV footage showed him removing the lock, which he threw in a bin, and wheeling the bicycle away.

The cycle, worth £100, was later recovered.

Mills, formerly of Tudor Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to the theft and asked for four other thefts of bikes – belonging to university students - to be taken into consideration, along with an offence of stealing £20 from his grandma's purse.

He also admitted the offending put him in breach of a 12 month suspended jail sentence, imposed in August, for burgling his mum's home.

Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "I told you when I sentenced you in August that I was giving you a chance and I also told you what would happen if you didn't take that opportunity.

"You haven't and now you're going to pay the consequences of that.

"It's clear that after I'd sentenced you, your behaviour didn't change at all.

"I also have to take into account a mean theft of £20 from your grandmother."

Mr Ewing said the suspended sentence related to a burglary and an attempted break-in at his mother's home in Fleckney, where he wasn't allowed to go.

He said the defendant's previous convictions were "mainly for offences of dishonesty."

Kevin Waddingham, mitigating, said: "Dabbling in the drug M-Cat has got him into trouble.

"He was kicked out of his home.

"He was leading a chaotic life-style with no address which also meant he had no access to any income or benefits.

"He knows he must serve a sentence and establish a fresh start on his release."

Mills' 12 month suspended jail sentence was activated in full, to run consecutively with a six month sentence for the new offences.

Thief steals policeman's bicycle during crime spree

Drunken couple threaten neighbours with baseball bat in front of children

0
0

A drunken couple armed with a baseball bat threatened neighbours in the street with violence, a court heard.

Scott O'Hara and Nicola Parker continued behaving aggressively in front of one of their children, even when the police arrived.

Both admitted causing an affray near their home in Darley Avenue, South Wigston, on June 27.

O'Hara, 32, a roofer, was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for a year, with supervision, and a requirement to attend a thinking skills programme.

Parker, 31, received a one year community order, with supervision, and a condition to attend for 20 days at the Just Women project.

Leicester Crown Court was told the defendants were drinking during a family BBQ at home.

O'Hara, who had a drink problem at the time, was under the impression a neighbour had sworn at one of their children.

Judge Simon Hammond said: "He went armed with a baseball bat and banged on the neighbour's door and made threats.

"On his way back home he spotted another neighbour and accused them of the same thing.

"The first neighbour looked out of the window to see O'Hara challenging the second neighbour to violence.

"Parker arrived but instead of pouring oil on troubled water, she did the opposite and grabbed the bat from O'Hara and also made threats.

"One of their young children was around when this disgraceful incident took place.

"This should never had happened, for goodness sake.

"You should try and get on with your neighbours.

"O'Hara you should have kept your mouth shut and stayed at home."

Matthew Lowe, prosecuting, said: "The first neighbour saw Parker waving the bat around and offering similar verbal threats to the other neighbour.

"When the police arrived it was obvious both defendants were drunk and they continued being abusive to the neighbours and the police officers.

"Parker threatened to smash car windows with the baseball bat.

"It was in the presence of at least one of their children, aged under seven.

"Both were interviewed after they'd sobered up and admitted they were drunk and at various stages had hold of the bat."

James Varley, mitigating, said: "O'Hara is an alcoholic and he was drunk because it was a social occasion, but he may have been drunk even if it wasn't.

"When this happened he'd already booked in for detoxification because he realised he needed to address his problem and he hasn't had a drink since his detox in September.

"He's now dry and if he stays that way he's unlikely to trouble the courts again.

"It was an unpleasant piece of behaviour on what should have been a pleasant summer's afternoon and evening."

Mr Varley said both regretted the incident and had learnt a lesson.

He said Parker had no previous convictions and acted out of character.

Drunken couple threaten neighbours with baseball bat in front of children

More than 500 people sign petition to save Earl Shilton's last bank

0
0

More than 500 people have signed a petition aimed at saving a village's last bank.

NatWest has said its branch in Earl Shilton will shut as part of a nationwide programme of closures.

The proposal has angered residents and businesses who say they rely on the branch for their day to day transactions.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Bosworth Michael Mullaney started the petition and has written to the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) which owns Nat West calling on them to stop the closure.

Councillor Mullaney said "So far over 500 local residents have signed the petition to save the NatWest Bank in Earl Shilton.

"With more petitions coming in every day, by the time I hand them in to RBS we will have many more signatures.

"I've written to RBS urging them to re-think their plans and to save the NatWest bank in Earl Shilton.

"It's important for there to be a bank in Earl Shilton.

"Not everyone uses Internet banking; there are many pensioners and people who can't afford computers and the internet in Earl Shilton and Barwell, who need to bank in person."

An RBS spokesman said the closure was due a gradual decline in customers and changing banking habits.

He said: "The number of transactions taking place at this branch has dropped by 30 per cent in the last few years.

"The branch is only open 12 hours a week and only has 34 customers who use the branch regularly on a weekly basis."

RBS said there has been a 30 per cent drop in branch transactions since 2010.

"People do their banking where and when it is convenient for them.

"Online and mobile transactions have grown by over 200 per cent.

"We expect these trends to continue as more and more of our customers bank with us through our mobile app, by online and telephone and through our ATM network."

Violet Harrison, 83, of Earl Shilton, said she does not want the bank to close and has signed the petition.

She said: There will be a lot of people who will miss it, especially the older ones.

"It would be lovely if it could be saved. Otherwise we won't have a bank in Earl Shilton.

"There are two building societies but a lot of people use the bank."

Violet said she has been helping to hand out copies of the petition to the shops in Earl Shilton.

Raj Odedra, (CORR) owner of the Spar store, in The Hollow, Earl Shilton, said if the bank closes it will be bad news for the people in the area.

He said: "It will be a struggle for the village and it will effect our shop because people normally come to the bank from neighbouring villages and then come in to our shop. So, we will not have that benefit."

More than 500 people sign petition to save  Earl Shilton's last bank

Pub customer left scarred for life after glass is smashed in face

0
0

A pub customer was scarred for life when a glass was smashed into his face in an unprovoked attack, a court heard.

The victim, who needed 36 stitches to three gashes, was left emotionally devastated by the injuries, which were clearly visible when he got married soon afterwards.

Samuel Bresland, 23, who admitted unlawful wounding, was jailed for 15 months.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said the assault happened at the Narborough Arms, Coventry Road, Narborough, on the night of October 27 last year.

She said: "The complainant had gone out for the evening with his then fiancée and two friends.

"They arrived at about 10.30pm and at midnight last orders were called.

"Their group went outside for a cigarette."

Miss Rose said there was some good humoured banter between the victim and the defendant, who was also standing outside the pub with a friend.

The mood changed when Bresland, of Byron Close, Narborough, approached the victim accusing him of earlier picking on his friend in the pub.

Miss Rose said: "The complainant was surprised and said he'd only just met them and there was no earlier contact."

An altercation then broke out between two women on the steps of the pub and the victim stepped forwards to defuse the situation.

Miss Rose said: "The defendant hit him in the face with a glass and punched him several times.

"He felt blood gushing out of his face.

"An off-duty police officer in the pub assisted with First Aid until an ambulance arrived.

"The defendant pulled his jumper off and went off in a vehicle."

The victim had a 10 centimetre gash and a three centimetre laceration on the left side of his face and a three centimetre cut above his left eye, needing 36 stitches in total.

Miss Rose said: "He has a clearly visible scar running down the side of his face and it's had quite an effect upon him.

"He's since got married and it affected him because he had scars on his wedding day and in the wedding photographs.

"It's also had an impact on his children."

Judge Nicholas Dean QC said the offence was "inexcusable."

He told Bresland: "You attacked him when you had a glass in your hand; used as a weapon.

"It smashed on the victim's face and caused serious injuries that can properly be described as horrific.

"He's scarred for life and no doubt others who see him might think he's a violent individual and that's the legacy you've left him with.

"I accept violence isn't habitually in your character."

James Bide-Thomas, mitigating, said: "He's ashamed of how he behaved.

"He wasn't drunk; he was the designated driver that evening.

"He's written an apology letter to the victim."

Mr Bide-Thomas said Bresland, who worked hard six days a week, had not intended causing serious harm.

Pub customer left scarred for life after glass is smashed in face

Leicester Tigers' Welford Road as you have never seen it before... Made out of Lego

0
0

Nearly 1,500 bricks went into making this Lego model of Leicester Tigers' Welford Road.

The 55x45cm structure of Tigers' home was built by Chris Smith, who runs www.brickstand.co.uk, a site selling Lego models of the country's finest sporting stadia.

Smith is on a quest to build the 92 stadiums of the Football League, but took a break from Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the rest to build Welford Road, a venue he has never been to.

"Somebody asked me to make it," said Smith. "They were going to a birthday party for two massive Tigers fans, knew what I did and requested it as a gift.

"I used Google Maps for the outside and looked at pictures for the inside. I've never been to Welford Road, I've only been past it on my way to the King Power Stadium.

"It took about three days as I had quite a tight timeline to work to. Depending on the build, it can sometimes take longer though."

Smith started Brickstand after discovering nothing of its kind existed, but says building a stadium is not an easy task, as finding the perfect brick can often be tricky.

"I was looking around on Google, thinking maybe somebody had already done something similar. I couldn't find anything so I just started building one. I posted it on Twitter, it got a good response and it went from there.

"It can be trial and error. Sometimes you try a certain brick and it doesn't look right. And sometimes you have to make compromises because there won't be the right brick or the right colour. There not meant to be exact replicas, more like representations.

"Everything seemed to fit into place with Welford Road though.

"The plan is to do the 92 Football League clubs, but I enjoyed building Welford Road so I might do more rugby stadiums. I'm definitely up for doing requests."

To get in touch with Smith, email brickstand@yahoo.co.uk.

Leicester Tigers' Welford Road as you have never seen it before... Made out of Lego

Police raid cannabis 'factories' in Leicester and South Wigston

0
0
Police raided two homes being used to grow cannabis today. Officers entered a house in Upperton Road, West End, Leicester this morning as a result of a tip-off from a member of the public. They found cultivation equipment but no cannabis. Nobody was arrested at the scene. Inspector Steve Brown, commander of Hinckley Road police station, said officers were trying to determine whether the house had been used for cannabis growing or was being prepared for it. Earlier in the day officers found a number of cannabis plants in a house in Fairfield Street, South Wigston. Five men – aged 18,19, 20, 22 and 30 – have been arrested in connection with the South Wigston seizure.

Police raid cannabis 'factories' in Leicester and South Wigston


Dairy Kirby and West shaking up milk rounds

0
0

The story of Kirby & West dates back to 1861. Now, in an attempt to stem competition from the supermarkets, the dairy is entering a new chapter. Deputy Business Editor Tom Pegden reports

Kirby & West dairy in Leicester is hoping to double the size of its business by shaking up milk rounds and bringing in commercial food deliveries.

After years of decline in door-to-door deliveries, management want the 60-odd milkmen and women to buy their rounds – which they say will give them the chance to earn more and win new customers.

The company is also introducing refrigerated wholesale food deliveries to businesses and organisations such as local catering companies, canteens, schools and care homes.

Four vans have already been brought in, with a planned future fleet of 25 within two years.

Bosses said the company – which recently came under new management – has to adapt to survive, and that food deliveries will add a potential £7.5 million a year to a business which currently turns over £8 million.

But some staff and the GMB union fear the change in working conditions might not be in the best interests of milkmen who currently have all the benefits of contracted jobs.

Kirby & West, which is based in Richard III Road, near St Nicholas Circle, has around 100 staff and 64 doorstep routes with about 20,000 doorstep customers.

The number of routes will drop by around a third under the changes, and will cover wider areas.

The company said the net cost of routes would be around £17,000 over five years to drivers who decide to buy them.

Annual earnings for self-employed milkmen would raise from current salaries of around £18,000 to around £28,000 after expenses.

The company said delivery men who don't want to buy their route would have the chance to do food deliveries.

Two-thirds of the business was sold to the Southampton-based Pensworth dairy – which has a £50 million turnover and 214 staff – at the start of September.

Kirby and West director Graham Smith has kept his third share in the business and is helping to oversee the changes with the Pensworth board.

Pensworth managing director Arthur Dunne said customers would continue to get a personal service and get their milk delivered in time for breakfast each day.

He said: "We've been supplying milk and cream to Kirby & West for three or four years and in that time have seen a decline in the business here because doorstep sales are getting tougher and tougher.

"We see this as an opportunity because of the things we have done at our other dairies to buck the trend. Our depots in Watford, Aylesbury and Cheshunt have dairymen who operate and own their own rounds.

"We have looked at their performance over six to nine months and noticed there has been no decline in their business at all – they work a lot harder looking after their own business. The whole point is to make sure we keep the tradition of the doorstep business going."

Six years ago at Kirby & West, there were 110-120 rounds and now it's half that – it has been losing 10 rounds a year.

Mr Dunne said: "We have a vision to have 25 food service routes within the next two years and have about 45 dairymen operating, so there will be change.

"But our aim is not to make people redundant.

"We want to give the opportunity for the guys to earn a better living from the business.

"It's one of the few businesses they can buy and start taking cash out from week one."

Staff are being guided through the changing working arrangements by Pensworth and Kirby & West project manager Alan Payne.

He said: "I've been talking to them individually and there is resistance to change but as people are starting to understand it there is more interest."

Graham Smith said the changes would secure the future of the company.

He said: "People like the tradition of the milkman in their street – they are still part of the community.

"This is great news for Kirby & West. We've been going around 140 years and the Smith family has been involved for 96 of those years. It's great that Pensworth have come on board and are taking it forward. We will be growing the business."

One milkman said he didn't like the idea of investing thousands of pounds in his job and said if the dairy can't give a him a job doing something else, he would start looking around for something new.

He said: "Realistically the new owners have made an investment and are now putting the weight of that on our shoulders. As soon as you sign that contract the owners get their money on credit.

"Lots of us are unhappy about it, but I feel many will do it because they are a bit older and don't think they can get another job.

"I've done a few jobs in my time and this is probably one of the best because you get to meet people and interact with your customers.

"But investing £20,000 is too much – I'm going to see what develops, but maybe I will do a food delivery job."

Colin White, regional organiser with the GMB union, said they had concerns that milkmen taking up the investment offer would become tied to the business.

He said: "My concern is that this company will have a monopoly over the milkmen buying the rounds and there will be nothing to stop them hiking prices."

Mr Dunne said there was no fear of prices going up.

This article will appear in tomorrow's Business Monthly magazine, free with the Leicester Mercury. For more business stories, click here

Dairy Kirby and West shaking up milk rounds

Leicester writer is made poet in residence at Belvoir Castle

0
0

Writer Timothy Grayson was almost lost for words when he was appointed the poet in residence at Belvoir Castle.

The 27-year-old poet, who is Leicester's cultural ambassador for poetry, was delighted to be given the role by the Duchess of Rutland.

Timothy, who lives in Leicester city centre, said: "It is a fabulous opportunity and quite a daunting one and not one that I expected.

"I won't be based there as I live in Leicester but I will probably be spending long weekends there to get to know the place and the people and to be inspired by them."

Timothy was offered the role, on the 18,000 -acre estate in rural Leicestershire, after meeting the Duchess two years ago when they worked together on a community project.

He said: "The Duchess then commissioned me to write a poem for her and, as there was no urgency, I sort of put it on the back burner.

"I got inspired and finished the poem earlier this year and sent it to her."

The poem 'Semper Eadem (ever the same)' was read out at a memorial service for Armistice day this year at the family mausoleum.

Timothy said: "She wrote back thanking me and asked if I might consider doing more work.

"We chatted about it and she wanted me to write more work on an ongoing process and the formal role was born."

The link up with the Duchess is not the first time Timothy has put pen to paper for the aristocracy.

Three years ago he wrote a poem on behalf of the people of the city congratulating the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee.

He said he wanted to encapsulate what Elizabeth II and the royal family represent in 21st century Britain through his poem, The Infamous Nomadica.

Timothy received an official letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace through the Queen's lady in waiting.

He said: "I am very excited about the prospect of this role.

"The Duchess is big supporter of the local arts scene and I am grateful to be given this chance to explore this role and write poetry."

A spokesman for Belvoir Castle estate said: "As poet in residence, Timothy can be booked to perform at a variety of events at the castle and beyond.

"With enough notice, his nomadic troupe of Brothellian poets, artists, musicians, authors, acrobats, fire artists, fortune tellers, stilt walkers, artisans, singers, magicians, burlesque dancers and other performers may be booked to accompany him. "He has a waiting list of six months for commissioned poetry with a standard delivery time of twelve-eighteen months from the date of booking."

To contact Timothy call 0773 77 77 825 or email

t.grayson@live.co.uk.

This is the poem that Timothy Grayson wrote for the Duchess of Rutland.

The Duchess of Rutland said: "His words speak for themselves and illustrate why I had Timothy appointed as Castle Poet."

Prelude

When all is dead but death itself

the stubborn wind shall blow

and echoes of such fragile things

will stir the dust below.

Semper Eadem (ever the same)

The earth revolves on just one truth,

a force which binds us all,

that bracken, beings, buildings too

are all fated to fall.

All this will turn to dust, my friends,

please heed this pauper's call,

and when the dust has settled, there

shall be none left at all,

no leaves to dance in autumn's waltz,

or laughter through the hall;

the mighty oaks of ancient root

know that, they too, will fall -

this earthly truth none can control,

as none can tame the skies,

but even though the sun may fall,

the sun again shall rise

and with the rising sun, my friends,

(hear these impassioned cries!)

we should take note that in this life

not all that's fallen dies:

a castle can be built again,

a mended wing can fly,

an acorn from a dying tree

can grow to scrape the sky,

and I'll not live this life in fear

that yes, I too, shall fall;

I'd rather fall and taste the earth

than never rise at all.

Leicester writer is made poet in residence at Belvoir Castle

Matthew Hoggard donates TV show winnings to children's hospice

0
0

Former cricketer Matthew Hoggard has shared his winnings from a television show with Rainbows, the Loughborough-based hospice for children and young people.

He scooped £21,000 when he appeared on ITV's The Chase Celebrity Special.

He and team mate Fern Britton shared a total of £42,000 which was divided equally between them.

Hoggard, who is a patron of Rainbows, dedicated his prize fund to the only children's hospice in the East Midlands and spent time with youngsters when he presented the money.

He said: "I am delighted to have been able to raise £21,000 for Rainbows from my win on Celebrity Chase.

"I had great fun taking part in the show and to be able to help such a good cause at the same time is a bonus.

"I love visiting Rainbows to see the wonderful work that goes on."

In the show celebrities pit their wits against a quiz genius called The Chaser.

Contestants have to work as a team to answer general knowledge questions against the clock and race down the game board to the exit without being caught.

Matthew Hoggard donates TV show winnings to children's hospice

In The House: 'I'm determined to work with city to boost our economy'

0
0

Liz Kendall, Labour MP for Leicester West, highlights the pressures Christmas can bring:

Local buses are a lifeline for many of my constituents. People rely on buses to get to and from work. Students depend on them for school or college. Buses take patients to hospital, ferry shoppers into town and are essential for many older people to get out and about instead of being stuck at home.

Yet too often, local bus services let people down. My constituents get infuriated when a service stops at 6pm or doesn't run on a Sunday.

Rip-off fares make some trips unaffordable and it's really frustrating that you can't use the same day ticket across different bus companies.

I know the system isn't working when I look out of my office to see empty buses queuing down Narborough Road at the same time as my constituent, Joe Carroll, is on the phone telling me that the bus has once again failed to turn up on time in Braunstone Frith.

Last year, I backed my constituent, Janet Statham, and the 400 people who signed her petition to try and save the 302 service, which was run by Centrebus.

It connected the city centre with Beaumont Leys, Narborough Road, Braunstone and New Parks. Unfortunately, we didn't succeed and the 302 was axed because the company said that it was no longer profitable.

The situation is getting worse as companies axe more routes and reduce their timetables.

Across the country, funding for bus services has been slashed by 17 per cent in three years, 1,300 routes have been cut and fares have risen five times faster than wages.

This isn't just bad news for bus users, it's bad news for taxpayers too: the Competition Commission says failures in the bus market cost the economy up to £300 million every year.

Budgets are tight, so the answer isn't to throw more money at the problem but to look at what works in other parts of the country.

I've argued for years that Leicester should have the same powers over local transport as they do in London. When I'm in Westminster I see the huge difference this makes.

I use my Oyster card across the buses, trains and tube; the buses are cheaper and more frequent; there's real time information at bus stops and many buses run through the night.

No wonder over the past 20 years the number of bus journeys inside London has gone up by 105 per cent but those outside the capital have gone down by 37 per cent. What's good enough for London should be good enough for Leicester.

That's why a Labour Government would legislate to give our city more powers over public transport so we can get faster, more frequent and affordable bus services.

This includes greater powers over bus routes and fares and to ensure bus services are properly joined up with other forms of transport.

Buses help people work and boost the economy, and support communities by helping people keep in contact with one another. Let's make these services work for us all.

If You would like to contact Liz Kendall MP, telephone 0116 204 4980 or e-mail her at:

liz.kendall.mp@parliament.uk

In The House: 'I'm determined to work with city to boost our economy'

MERCURY MAILBOX: As a Jew, I back the boycott but...

0
0

I'm Jewish and fully support the city council's resolution in favour of a boycott.

Many of my fellow Jews, in opposing it, are helping to brush Israeli cruelty under the carpet.

However, I do agree that there are larger scale issues of cruelty around the world.

I would encourage similar motions from Leicester City Council. In particular it's an absolute disgrace that governments don't pressurise China to reverse its occupation of Tibet. The reason, no doubt: greed.

Michael Sackin, Leicester.

MERCURY MAILBOX: Parking plea for staff at hospital

0
0

As a regular patient of Leicester Royal Infirmary, I have long since abandoned using my car when attending appointments, due to the horrendous queuing on Havelock Street.

However bad it is for patients, can I highlight the even greater difficulties staff have with parking. This is something I have become aware of, having a nurse and a midwife in my family.

Most do not have parking spaces at the hospital and either have to pay for limited places in nearby facilities or, especially while on night duty, play Russian Roulette, by parking in the surrounding streets and hoping that inconsiderate patients don't need them to stay past their shift time or those pesky babies all get themselves born before 6.30am, so that the ever vigilant wardens don't ticket their cars for being two minutes late!

People who have "paid for" parking spaces within the hospital car park, can have this "privilege" removed if they reduce their working hours to part-time.

The area around the hospital has many "residents only" parking bays and this is as it should be, but surely when we are so dependent on the staff of the hospital being there to provide our care, there should be some form of exemption that allows a degree of licence and takes away the parking worry while they are working.

Kathryn Byrne, Ratby.

MERCURY MAILBOX: Parking plea for staff at hospital

MERCURY MAILBOX: Sorry Sir Peter Soulsby but things don't add up

0
0

Sir Peter Soulsby stated that parking charges are £1 per hour throughout the city to simplify the system for everyone.

I took my grandson to the LRI accident and emergency and parked on Welford Road.

The parking charges were £1 for one hour £3 for two hours? What's going on? Either it is £1 per hour or it is not.

This man needs to have his arithmetic checked and from other statements he has made it is not only regarding parking charges.

Stephen Bradshaw, Groby.

MERCURY MAILBOX: Sorry Sir Peter Soulsby but things don't add up


Date is set for Leicester City's FA Cup third round clash with Newcastle United

0
0

Leicester City will face Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, January 3.

Kick off for the visit of the Magpies will be 3pm.

Christmas lottery: 10 millionaires guaranteed

0
0

Wouldn't it be nice to be treated to a whopping £1million this Christmas? Yes, we think so too.

Thanks to The National Lottery, there will be 500 winners of £20,000 on Christmas Eve with the Lotto raffle.

And with EuroMillions Mega Friday happening on Boxing Day,10 Brits are guaranteed to become millionaires. They will also each win a luxury trip to see the spectacular Northern Lights.

You can play the Lottery online here. The Christmas Eve Lottery is £2 per play, and the Euromillions draw is also £2 per play.

If you won, what would you treat yourself, or your friends and family to? Let us know by tweeting: @Leicester_Merc

If you're a lucky winner from Leicestershire, then lets us know by e-mailing: newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Can't wait until Christmas Eve? Remember, there's the EuroMillions tonight too. And with an estimated jackpot of £31million, who would want to miss this.

To play and for your chance to win, click here.

For last week's numbers, click here.

The results will be published on the Mercury website, so remember to check your numbers and find out if you're a winner.

Christmas lottery: 10 millionaires guaranteed

Why 'East Midlanders' move could lead to a damaging loss of identity

0
0

Is an increasing regional focus good or bad for the county's economy? Business Editor Ian Griffin sought some views

Could Leicestershire business people be calling themselves East Midlanders in the future? For some this would be a natural progression as the business and political world becomes more regionalised. But for others it would be a damaging loss of identity.

In his autumn statement on December 3, Chancellor George Osborne talked about making the north of England an economic powerhouse.

The message politicians and business leaders in the East Midlands are taking from this is that there needs to be more regional focus.

Paul Norbury, senior partner at the East Midlands office of accountancy group PwC in Castle Donington, says it can be to the city and county's advantage, but it needs to be handled carefully.

"If you stood up at the moment and said you are proud to be an East Midlander, people would look at you strangely," he said. "It would take quite a bit of getting used to.

"As someone said to me the other day, we need a focal point, a Boris Johnson-type person, to bring it all together."

The increased regional focus has been fuelled in part by the merger earlier this year of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce to form East Midlands Chamber.

There is also talk of the county's economic development agency, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), potentially merging with its Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire equivalent.

The two organisations are already working closely together in certain areas, such as helping small firms harness new technology.

"My landmark moment of the year was the chamber coming together," said Mr Norbury.

"That was a lot of hard work and they are now doing quite a good job.

"I think that a lot of people are now thinking, 'if the Leps (local enterprise partnerships) follow suit I would be delighted'. Yes, we are getting closer to the old RDA (regional development agency) we used to have.

"But the key message is we should do this for the benefit of our region, but not lose our cities' individual identities, because that's special.

"Having a balance is really important. However, everyone has a different view about how that balance works.

"One of the things we are hearing from businesses is that the East Midlands needs to be joined up.

"The view is we should speak jointly and not compete with each other.

"We need local governments to work more closely together. We see that Nottingham and Derby talk more together.

"I would love Leicester and Leicestershire to talk to them more regularly.

"What you have to remember is that in 2014 the East Midlands was the fastest growing regional economy outside London and the south-east, and it is set to be again in 2015.

"It therefore makes sense for us to look at things regionally."

For Kevin Harris, LLEP vice-chairman, a region-wide organisation would take us back to the days of East Midlands Development Agency (Emda), which many saw as too Nottingham-centric.

Emda and eight other RDAs were scrapped by the coalition Government in 2010 and replaced with local enterprise partnerships such as LLEP.

"I think it's important that Leicester and Leicestershire has its own Lep," said Kevin, a partner at accountancy firm PKF Cooper Parry, in Castle Donington.

"Emda was not fantastic for Leicester and Leicestershire, and a lot of people share that view.

"If you reduce the number of Leps the chances are you go back to what you had before where you have competition between cities and counties.

"You end up talking about how you divide the pie instead of making the pie as big as you can."

However, Kevin believes the "East Midlands brand" is good for Leicester and Leicestershire in certain scenarios.

"It's horses for courses," he said. "In some situations you need to be offering something bigger than a city and county. In other situations it has to be about the city and county."

Rick Moore is a former president of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and former chairman of Leicester Shire Economic Partnership.

"I think it's so ironic," he said. "I wouldn't be amazed if we didn't end up, subject to the General Election result, with another RDA.

"It's quite funny how people are now singing the praises of Emda.

"Are we are going to end up saying I'm not from Leicester, I'm from the East Midlands? That seems to be the way the debate is going and the chamber seems to be in the vanguard.

"I think it's being driven by money. I'm not sure there's necessarily a masterplan. People are taking their organisations in that direction because it makes financial sense."

Why 'East Midlanders' move could lead to a damaging loss of identity

Quarry group Aggregate Industries' links to Leicestershire are rock solid

0
0

The boss of the UK's second largest quarry group underlines the importance of the county to the company. Business Editor Ian Griffin spoke to him

The first thing Pat Ward did when he became chief executive of Aggregate Industries in April was to re-establish its head office in Leicestershire. His predecessor Alain Bourguignon had switched his base from the quarry giant's traditional Bardon home to London during his time as chief executive.

Mr Ward, who has been at Aggregate for 20 years, took the job after 15 years running Aggregate businesses in the US following Bourguignon's promotion within the group.

Speaking at the group's grade II-listed head office Bardon Hall, between Copt Oak and its Bardon Hill quarry, he said: "Alain was primarily based in London. I made the decision because of the history of the company and the importance of Bardon to the rest of the group. I go to London when I need to, but I'm mainly based either here (Bardon Hall) or Bardon Hill (the quarry office).

"I could have been based in London. But the heartbeat of the company is in Leicestershire and Bardon is the core of the business.

"Because I've had a history with the company for 20 years, the head office was always going to be here.

"I come from a quarrying background, I understand the importance of it. Our executives have generally been here. It makes sense to me."

The importance of Bardon to the group, the second biggest quarry business in the UK, cannot be under-estimated.

The 150-year-old quarry – one of 50 operated by the group across the UK and northern Europe – is set to expand as part of a multi-million pound investment which will see stone extracted from the site for at least another 40 years.

"Bardon is the cornerstone of our business in the UK," said Mr Ward, a 54-year-old Glaswegian.

"This is underpinned by the fact that we have just invested an awful lot of money in an extension of Bardon quarry."

The expansion will see a new quarry created close to the existing one, which is due to cease operations around 2019. About 3.5 million tonnes of stone will be extracted from the site each year, which is likely to help fuel the booming economy of London and the south-east.

During the construction of the infrastructure for the 2012 London Olympics, about 2,500 tonnes of the aggregate was transported from Bardon quarry to London by rail each week, with the rest coming from a quarry in the West Country.

Aggregates, which employs 3,700 people, including about 700 in Leicestershire, has also won other prestigious contracts in recent years, including supplying material to construct The Shard in central London.

Mr Ward said the group had benefited from both the general economic upturn and a new initiative around working more closely with customers.

He said: "Alain was promoted within the group. The group wanted someone from a strong background in the industry. Obviously, I've had 20 years in the group and I have a strong focus on customers.

"If you are at the stage where the market is recovering and you want to make sure that you deliver value to your customers as a company.

"I've spent a lot of time since the move with key customers and stakeholders trying to understand how easy or difficult we are to do business with.

"I made a conscious decision I wanted an input from outside the company rather than just an internal viewpoint."

He said Aggregates' history of supplying big projects and its strong logistics network puts it in a great position to benefit from the £15 billion Government road spending programme announced earlier this month.

Mr Ward said 2014 had been a good year, but was unwilling to provide a turnover figure.

The latest available accounts for the group show it made a turnover of £1.077 billion in 2013, compared to £1.025 billion in 2012. Earnings rose from £40.2 million to £96.4 million over the period.

Mr Ward said: "2014 has been a good year for Aggregate Industries in the UK.

"We are obviously benefiting from some positive indicators in the market and the economy.

"The success that has come hasn't just been market driven through a series of initiatives which has helped develop the business. If you take what the Government is talking about and you take into account all the initiatives we are involved in, we expect 2015 to see continued improvement over 2014."

However, Aggregates is also looking further into the future following concerns about skills shortages in the quarry sector.

The UK group's commitment to training has impressed Mr Ward.

He said: "One of the things I like about Aggregate Industries is when I came back in April I was impressed about how much was invested in apprenticeships and trainee managers. I heard about how the son of someone who works here was doing an apprenticeship.

"It says it all about the company because I know companies that don't want relatives working together. I'm happy we have them."

Aggregates' Swiss-based owner is interested in working more closely with French-based rival Lafarge, which owns Lafarge-Tarmac in the UK.

The merger would create the world's largest cement maker. Mr Ward said he was unable to comment on the likely impact on Aggregate in the UK.

He prefers to focus on his day-to-day job of developing good working relationships with customers, suppliers and regulators. Despite working in Denver, Colorado and Texas for many years, Mr Ward says he found no difference between working there and in the UK – except for the weather and the scenery.

"It isn't as different culturally as you would have anticipated," he said.

"The regulatory side has not been as dramatic as I thought it might be. The weather has been different, of course, although I've been told it's been milder this year."

Mr Ward likes to relax by going on long walks with his two dogs in and around his Market Bosworth home.

"There's a lot of things I miss about the US, but when you look at the countryside around here, it's just brilliant," he said.

Quarry group Aggregate Industries' links to Leicestershire are rock solid

Man suffers fractured skull and eye socket after being punched unconscious

0
0

A man suffered a fractured skull and eye socket, as well as bleeding on the brain, after being punched unconscious in the street.

The victim and his friend were at a takeaway in High Street, Syston, when they encountered a group including defendant Callum Freer.

Someone in Freer's group shouted homophobic insults at the victim's friend, who is gay.

Words were exchanged and the victim and his friend left the scene, said Alexander Davies, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court.

However, the pair met some acquaintances further down the street, who assured them it should be safe to walk past the takeaway.

Mr Davies said: "As they walked past, the complainant was struck from behind by something, causing him to lurch forward.

"He turned around to remonstrate and there was an argument.

"The defendant punched him to the face causing him to fall to the ground unconscious.

"His hit his head very hard on the pavement."

The victim's friends called the emergency services. Freer stayed at the scene until paramedics arrived, but left when he saw the police.

The victim's injuries also included a swollen jaw and a bruised elbow. He was in hospital under observation for two days before being discharged, but later returned with severe headaches - when it was discovered he had also suffered a fractured an eye socket.

Freer (20), of Brookside, Syston, was sentenced to 15 months detention. He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on August 31 last year.

The defendant's basis of plea was that he acted "impulsively" delivering one punch which caused the victim to fall, resulting in unintentional serious injuries.

The defendant was not said to have been involved in shouting homophobic abuse at the complainant's friend.

The court heard that between 2007 and 2010, Freer was given two reprimands and a warning for assault and threatening behaviour, and in 2010 was given a youth referral order for an affray.

Sentencing Freer, Judge Simon Hammond told him: "The complainant was struck and, poleaxed, went to the floor hitting his head.

"Although it was one punch, the injuries were very serious and the defendant was in a group.

"It's the fifth time the defendant has been involved in violence.

"He's had four chances and chosen not to take them."

The judge said "unforgivable" remarks were shouted at the victim's gay friend.

The court heard that the victim, who did not require surgery, has on-going headaches and feels wary of going out.

Michael Coley, mitigating, said Freer was remorseful, and also "horrified" by his actions – and was seeking help for his anger management problem.

He said Freer, who worked as a plasterer and also as a window cleaner, was supported by his family and partner, who had attended court.

Man suffers fractured skull and eye socket after being punched unconscious

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images