Leicester City will again be without top scorer David Nugent for tomorrow's clash with local rivals Derby County at the King Power Stadium.

The 27-year-old striker picked up a neck injury in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest three weeks ago.

While he was able to start against Ipswich the following week, and scored twice in the 6-0 drubbing of the Tractor Boys, he was forced off on the half-hour mark after aggravating the problem.

Nugent has been unable to play since and has missed the last two games, at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds.

City boss Nigel Pearson did not put a time on when Nugent, who has scored nine goals in his last 12 games, would return from what was originally described as a whiplash-type injury.

"David is unlikely to feature this weekend and, when he does return, we want him to be 100 per cent," said Pearson.

Sean St Ledger will be City's other absentee for the visit of the Rams and Pearson will have the same squad available from the one that lost at Leeds on Tuesday.

The City boss said he was backing his players to bounce back to winning ways against Nigel Clough's side.

"The players are honest with how they reflect on performances and, after the game, they were very disappointed with our performance as a group," he said.

"The key to success remains the same, you have to be consistent in your performances. This week we haven't showed that but the players are determined to bounce back tomorrow.

"It is really important that the players feel that way so it is a case of getting back to work and making sure that the next time we take the field we have given ourselves a good chance to win.

"Unfortunately, when you have a bad result, everyone wants to talk about the negative aspect of that particular game. So I have to try to have a bit more balanced view on us and what we are trying to achieve.

"Games like Leeds were disappointing but I know that, prior to that game, we have performed pretty well.

"It can be frustrating but I know we will bounce back quickly."

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson may "tweak" his starting line-up for the visit of East Midlands rivals Derby.

Pearson watched the same XI that beat Sheffield Wednesday so impressively last weekend slip to defeat at Leeds on Tuesday night.

"We didn't get going at Leeds," said Pearson. "The players who started deserved to start but, unfortunately, it is a case now of possibly tweaking it for the weekend."

Striker Marko Futacs and winger Anthony Knockaert went on as second half substitutes at Elland Road, and Leicester did improve after their introduction so they will come into the mix to start Saturday evening's televised clash against the Rams.

Defenders Paul Konchesky and Liam Moore and midfielders Matty James and Jesse Lingard are also options for Pearson.

Leading scorer David Nugent is still a doubt with a neck injury and centre-half Sean St Ledger (hamstring) is still out.

Derby will give Gareth Roberts as long as possible to recover from a calf injury ahead of the trip.

Roberts limped out of the Rams' 1-1 home draw with npower Championship leaders Cardiff on Tuesday night just before the half-hour mark.

The experienced full-back was assessed on Wednesday and manager Nigel Clough said: "His calf is pretty stiff and we will see how much we can work with him and what the physios can do.

"We have certainly not ruled him out yet. We will leave it probably until Saturday morning before we make a decision."

Versatile defender James O'Connor replaced Roberts at left-back in midweek and is likely to fill the void again should the 34-year-old not make it.

There is a possibility that forward Jamie Ward might return to the Derby squad after missing the last 11 matches with a hamstring injury.

Two key opponents of the city's controversial Jubilee Square plan are now backing a revised version of the £4 million scheme.

As part of the consultation process, representatives of John Lewis and Highcross wrote to Leicester City Council urging it to rethink its plan to turn St Nicholas Place, at the far end of High Street, into a public space.

The plaza would replace a 50-space car park, taxi rank and the city's park-and-ride terminal.

Both the department store and the shopping centre said creating a square would increase congestion and cause major problems for customers.

However, after revising the blueprints in response to feedback from the consultation, the council has now received their backing.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The first round of the consultation has been enlightening and we've had a lot of very constructive feedback.

"Highcross and John Lewis have welcomed a quality public space, but they want to make sure people can still get into the shopping centre.

"Originally, the plans were to bring all the traffic in along Vaughan Way, but Highcross and John Lewis pointed out this could make it quite difficult for some of their customers.

"What we've done is allow some of the traffic to come in that way, but made alterations to allow vehicles along the edge of Jubilee Square, which were not in the plans before."

The public space would include lawns and seating, mature trees and a paved section where temporary ice rinks or Ferris wheels could be put up.

The project is part of the Connecting Leicester scheme, which aims to make all parts of the city easily accessible by pedestrians.

It includes removing a lane of traffic from the ring road and establishing so-called "super crossings" – similar to the one opposite the London Road railway station – so pedestrians can get to the historic sites more easily.

The companies' letters, sent in September, both said that in essence they supported the Jubilee Square scheme. But they opposed plans to alter access to the Highcross rooftop car park, in Freeschool Lane, by bringing all the traffic in along Vaughan Way, instead of some being able to come in via Highcross Street, as it does at present.

It said this would put extra pressure on the John Lewis car park, entered off Vaughan Way, and cause congestion on the ring road during peak times.

Jo Tallack, general manager at Highcross, said yesterday: "We're pleased we have been able to come to a mutual agreement on the access to the rooftop car park."

A spokeswoman for John Lewis said it was "generally supportive" of Jubilee Square and the wider Connecting Leicester developments.

However, she said the company was still seeking clarification to ensure the proposals would not cause congestion.

People can still give their views on the project until December 19.

www.citymayor.leicester.gov.uk/ welcome/connecting-leicester/ jubilee-square/

A man was robbed as he withdrew cash from a bank machine.

The 28-year-old victim was targeted in Queens Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester at 10.30pm on Tuesday (Nov 27)

The men assaulted the man and took his cash.

Pc Raj Pahal said: "The victim was assaulted but luckily he wasn't injured during the incident.

"There were a number of people in the area around the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed it or saw two men acting suspiciously."

The attackers are white, 6ft to 6ft 3ins and were wearing light coloured trousers and black hooded tops. They left their victim and walked toward Victoria Park Road.

Contact Pc Pahal on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police have appealed for help tracing vandals who smashed a leisure centre's glass entrance door.

The entrance to Leicester's Braunstone Leisure Centre was attacked at around 9.50pm on Tuesday, November 20.

Police community support officer Sam Jelley said: "We would appeal to the local community to help us identify the person responsible for this damage.

"If you witnessed the incident or have heard rumours locally about who may be responsible we would urge you to contact us."

Contact Pcso Jelley on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Motorists are being warned to expect congestion and delays around Leicester today, with both of the city's major sports teams playing home fixtures on the first big shopping Saturday in December.

Traffic police advised shoppers as well as sports fans to take steps to minimise congestion and disruption.

About 44,000 spectators were expected to watch Leicester City taken on local rivals Derby County at 5.15pm, at the King Power Stadium. Leicester Tigers were hosting Bath, at Welford Road, with the kick-off at 12.30pm.

Police and the city council said they were deploying extra staff and that additional car parking had been made available.

However, they warned there was likely to be higher than usual traffic flows between 2.15pm and 5.15pm, when people will be leaving and arriving in the city, with parking spaces near to the sports stadiums at a premium, particularly for fans attending the football.

Adrian Russell, chairman of the city's safety advisory group, said: "We have been working closely with the clubs and the emergency services over this fixture clash.

"We've introduced a few extra measures that should help make this event pass off smoothly, with minimal congestion.

"However, it is important that all members of the public be aware of the relatively unusual nature of this fixture clash, which may affect their normal travel and parking arrangements."

Visitors were advised to allow extra time for their journeys, be mindful of congestion around the sports stadiums and use public transport or park-and-ride buses if possible.

Football fans were advised to share cars and be aware their normal parking arrangements might not be possible.

Tigers supporters have been asked to arrive at the stadium as early as they can, preferably by noon to walk or use buses to get to the ground.

They should consider parking at Bannatynes Health Club, in Welford Road, De Montfort University, The Gateway, where additional parking has been made available and which will be signposted around the city centre.

Everyone of working age – including the unemployed – will be expected to pay at least 15 per cent of their council tax under a new system proposed in Harborough district.

Owners of vacant properties would also have to pay full council tax after a month.

Under changes to the national council tax support scheme, each authority is getting 10 per cent less from central Government.

If adopted in January, Harborough District Council's proposed scheme would create a benefits cap of 85 per cent for claimants of working age.

It would come into force in April.

Council leader Mike Rook said: "We will be getting less money from the Government to fund the benefits we give out. So we need to have a scheme in place which is affordable within the funding available, while seeking to protect the most vulnerable."

Pensioners and war widows will be exempt to the changes and receive full council tax benefits.

He said: "We also felt that a discretionary fund should be created to help those who fit the criteria and deserve extra support based on their particular circumstances. This new scheme will allow us to be financially sustainable."

The fund of £35,000 will allow the council to support the most vulnerable residents on a case-by-case basis.

He said there would also be a reduction in the existing discounts for vacant properties, encouraging empty properties to be brought back into the rental market. Vacant properties would be exempt from council tax for a month, with owners required to pay full tax after that period.

Police have launched their annual Christmas drink-driving crackdown.

The operation, which will see officers conduct hundreds of checks across the city and county until the end of December, was launched yesterday.

During last December's four-week operation, police caught 119 over-the-limit drivers – a slight improvement on the 2010 total of 127 and 2009's 122.

Chief Inspector Steve Potter said: "Cracking down on those who drink and then drive is a year-round commitment for Leicestershire Police.

"However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after drinking. To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run-up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking and driving."

Cliff Ward, a paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "The impact that road incidents involving drink-drivers has on families, friends and sometimes even emergency services staff is huge.

"On many occasions the scene of devastation can be upsetting even for the most experienced medical professional, especially when in many circumstances the accident could have easily been avoided."

Police launched the operation at St George's Retail Park, Leicester, yesterday.

It is called Over the Limit and is being run by forces across the Midlands.

The penalties for drinking and driving are a minimum 12-month disqualification – which rises to three years for a second offence within 10 years – a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.

Police advised drivers to take one or more of the following simple steps to avoid the temptation to drink and drive:

Arrange for one of your group to be the nominated driver who doesn't drink any alcohol for the evening.

Find out the bus times, including the last bus home.

Book a taxi in advance.

Spend the evening near home.

A website has been created to spread the safety message. It features information about drinking and driving, as well as a series of videos in which five characters explain how they committed offences and ended up with criminal records.

www.over-the-limit.co.uk

Kind-hearted Mercury readers are coming up with a variety of ways to raise money for our Christmas appeal for the Leicester Children's Holiday Centre, in Mablethorpe.

The centre, which provides a holiday for 350 children a year, needs £65,000 to upgrade its boiler and central heating.

Olympic torch-holder John Noble has picked a unique way to raise money for the centre.

Postman John, 55, of Eyres Monsell, who ran one of the city legs of the July Olympic torch relay, has helped raise thousands for charity by turning up in his white suit and torch.

Now he is offering to do the same for individuals, groups and organisations, as long as they make a donation to the centre.

John, whose stint included running past the Leicester Mercury building in St George Street, said: "I went to 19 schools in the 10 or 11 days after the relay. I've now attended 92 charity events with the torch.

"When I saw the Mercury's Christmas appeal for the centre, I thought this was a way I could help.

"I will turn out for anybody so they can have their picture taken with the torch, with or without me in it."

John, who has worked for the Post Office for 37 years, is a member of Leicester Coritanian Athletic Club.

He used to run about 150 miles a week, and still does 80.

"I will go anywhere with the torch to help anybody and I can also give a talk reliving the day. It's nice to make people smile."

Also boosting the appeal will be A Celebration of Christmas, at the Guildhall, Leicester, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.

Jim Roberts, chairman of charity The Leicester Children's Holiday Home at Mablethorpe, said: "It has become a tradition for the charity to organise a very special evening at the Guildhall, with its wonderful atmosphere.

"The evening brings together entertainment from a variety of talented local people and includes a sumptuous buffet supper in the mayor's parlour.

"Guests are greeted with a glass of mulled wine which they can enjoy in true Christmas spirit in front of a roaring open fire.

"The evening is drawn to a close with carols sung by the performers and audience."

The evening, compèred by entertainer Derek Pearce, will feature performers including barber-shop quartet SoClose, musicians T43 and the Tudor Choir, which will also lead the audience into the carol finale.

There will also comedy from Bob Paul.

Tickets are £15 each, including glass of mulled wine or soft drink and buffet supper, and are available from the charity's office on 0116 251 9863 (mornings).

People are urged to book early as tickets are limited and are always in great demand.

Meanwhile, pensioner Lynda Roach has donated her winter fuel allowance to the appeal.

Lynda, of Asfordby, said: "I read an article in the Leicester Mercury about the Leicester Children's Holiday Centre, which desperately needs £65,000 to upgrade its boiler and central heating system.

"I am going to send my winter fuel allowance to this appeal, and hope others in my position will consider doing the same."

Alan Eden, assistant secretary of Leicester City Men's Table Skittles, said: "Over the past 30 years-plus we have supported the home, sometimes with up to a £1,000 a year, and we will continue to do so as long as the league runs.

"I know that a lot of players, including myself, have been to home as children.

"I wish you and everyone concerned with your fund-raising all the best."

Anyone interested in taking up John's torch offer can contact him on 0116 277 4495.

A girl who completed 126 back flips on a trampoline in a matter of minutes has handed over a cheque for more than £2,000 to a charity close to her heart.

Eight-year-old Grace Hartley carried out the stomach-churning feat to raise money for the Harley Staples Cancer Trust – set up in memory of Blaby eight-year-old Harley, who died in 2009.

Grace, of Church Langton, near Market Harborough, bounced her way to success at the Rutland Water Activity Centre where her previous record was 118 jumps.

Yesterday, Grace handed over a cheque for £2,025 to Harley's aunts, Anna Fenwick and Kate Glover, at her school, Church Langton CE Primary.

Grace said: "I got really tired at 90, but managed to keep going. My family was watching me and cheering me on and that helped."

Proud mum Nicky said: "She's an amazing little girl to come up with the idea."

The father of Madeleine McCann has urged David Cameron to "do the right thing" and accept the Leveson blueprint for press regulation.

Lord Justice Leveson highlighted coverage of Madeleine's disappearance in Portugal in 2007 as an example of how stories were allowed to run "totally out of control".

Her parents, Gerry and Kate, were treated like a commodity as an "insatiable" hunt for headlines led to the sacrifice not only of the search for the truth but of their "dignity, privacy and well-being", he said.

Mr McCann said: "I would have liked to have seen a properly independent regulation of the press, whereas I think he has given the press another opportunity of self-regulation," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today.

"The other thing I find a little disappointing from the report is that we don't have a clear roadmap and timescales for implementation."

He said there should also be more accountability of individual reporters and photographers.

"Many of the newspapers almost certainly knew what they were writing was not correct, but the pound signs made them print it," he said.

"The Prime Minister and our other elected politicians have an opportunity now to do the right thing."