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Jail for Leicester street beggar who asked students for money then produced knife

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A street beggar who approached five students asking for money and then produced a knife has been jailed for a year.

Andrew Neal (34) showed the victims his knife, attached to a string around his neck, near the Clock Tower in the city centre.

The students, who were on their way home after a freshers' night out, had earlier refused to give him any cash.

Neal pleaded guilty to a public order offence and possessing a knife, on September 27.

Philip Gibbs, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said: "Neal produced a knife with a 2in blade from inside his jacket. He flicked it open and told the students to 'shut up'.

"He asked the whole group if they had change."

Eventually one of them gave him 40 pence. Mr Gibbs said: "He told them he carried the knife for self-defence."

He then claimed he had another knife.

Mr Gibbs said: "The students walked away. There were about 100 people in the vicinity."

Neal, of Woodgate, Leicester, was arrested shortly afterwards.

Louise McGhee, mitigating, said: "The knife was tied around his neck.

"He carried it as a self-defence mechanism, which is never appropriate.

"He felt threatened by the situation he'd created.

"There was never any suggestion of him using it."

Sentencing, Judge Ebraham Mooncey said: "The most serious matter is the knife.

"New students who came to this city to study were out on a freshers' evening and were accosted by you.

"You were asking for money, which is perhaps annoying for them.

"You didn't restrict it to one quick ask, but were persistent.

"You showed them a knife.

"Although it was on a lanyard around your neck, anything could have happened if your mood changed or if someone who saw it took umbrage and reacted to it."

Neal also admitted two breaches of failing to comply with the requirements of a sex offenders' register, by failing to confirm his address with police, in relation to a previous conviction for an indecent assault in 2002.

Jail for Leicester street beggar who asked students for money then produced knife


Leicester drug dealer jailed for reign of terror

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A drug dealer who forced a woman to continue working as a prostitute against her wishes has been jailed for five and a half years.

Wedmore Hayles fed the vulnerable victim's drug addiction by regularly selling her heroin and crack-cocaine.

At Leicester Crown Court, he was convicted by a jury of causing her actual bodily harm, controlling prostitution for gain and two counts of supplying class A drugs, between January and May.

Hayles (50), of Carrick Point, Falmouth Road, Crown Hills, Leicester, denied the charges.

Caroline Bradley, prosecuting, said the victim was a working girl already addicted to drugs before getting involved with the defendant.

She decided to stop working as a prostitute in January, but the defendant coerced her to carry on against her wishes.

Miss Bradley said: "He became dominant and verbally abusive.

"He ordered her back onto the streets because he wanted money and she became frightened of him.

"He made her comply with his wishes, saying he would kill her and hurt her family.

"He took her to the red light area, watching her work.

"He then followed in a car when she picked up a customer."

The 25-year-old victim told the jury Hayles assaulted her several times.

She said: "It got to the point where I felt worthless and scared. Every time he moved, I'd flinch."

She described on one occasion he repeatedly punched her in the face, cutting her nose and lip.

Hayles claimed she fabricated the allegations against him and was lying.

The court heard his previous convictions included living off immoral earnings in 1985 and 1990.

In 2004, he was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for offences including possessing class A drugs and wounding with intent to resist arrest.

Edward Barr, mitigating after the verdicts, said: "On his last release he made efforts to improve by enrolling on a mechanic's course.

"He's been the architect of his own misfortune."

Sentencing, Recorder John Pini QC told Hayles: "You took advantage of her vulnerability so she could carry on earning money to continue being supplied by drugs by you.

"You used violence on her to overcome her will."

Leicester drug dealer jailed for reign of terror

We were gutted to drop two points, says Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy

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Jamie Vardy said the Leicester City camp were gutted not to take all three points at home to Barnsley.

City were expected to easily dispatch struggling Barnsley but found themselves 2-1 down and staring at a rare home defeat until substitute Vardy grabbed a last-minute equaliser to spare their blushes.

City laid siege to the Tykes goal in added-time but were unable to snatch the winner, and Vardy said the feeling in the dressing room was not of relief at the late equaliser, but disappointment at two points dropped.

"We thought the equaliser wasn't going to come but we were on top in the game and, as soon as it did come, you could see there was only going to be one team that got all three points," said the £1million man.

"That was us but we were unfortunate not to get them.

"The ball fell to me luckily, and I was able to put it away. We are disappointed to drop a couple of points, but we are still up there.

"We thought we could get the winner and their keeper pulled off a few good saves, cleared a couple off the line, but these things happen in football.

"I thought there was a handball when David Nugent flicked one on and their lad had his hand way higher than his head, but the referee didn't see it."

He added: "We were disappointed not to get the three points, but at least we didn't lose."

Vardy said all was not lost and that the failure to beat Barnsley, who were without a win in their previous nine games, was just a small blip in City's otherwise good progress.

"Barnsley came here to cause us problems and they did," he said.

"As soon as they went 2-1 up, they sat back and tried to hit us on the counter-attack, but we managed to get a point and that keeps us nicely in there with a gap to Watford.

"We have got some tough games and they are coming thick and fast.

"This is when a lot of clubs pick up points and the gaps start coming.

"We have to take each game as it comes and try to get the three points."

We were gutted to drop two points, says Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy

Match verdict: Leicester City have their own Lazarus to thank

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Barnsley have become a bit of a bogey side for Leicester City in the last 18 months.

The Tykes took four points against City last season, including a 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium, and they very nearly repeated that feat again on Saturday until Jamie Vardy spared the home side's blushes with a last-minute equaliser.

It was never going to be as straightforward as it seemed before kick-off.

Barnsley were without a win in nine games and had tasted just one victory in 13.

They were travelling to the home of a side that had been beaten at the King Power Stadium just once in the league, and that was against title contenders Crystal Palace, and had dispatched their last two victims 6-0 and 4-1 on their own turf.

The odds were not just stacked against the Tykes, they were not even considered to be in the race.

However, as happens so often in the Championship, the script was torn up by two calamitous defensive moments from City to hand Barnsley what would have been an unlikely victory until Vardy's timely intervention.

It all looked like going to plan for Nigel Pearson's men when Anthony Knockaert swept them in front after just nine minutes, and many City fans must have thought there was going to be another cricket scored racked up on home soil.

But then goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, whose kicking is normally one of his strengths, gifted possession to Barnsley just outside his penalty area with a wayward pass and Stephen Dawson fired home the equaliser after Craig Davies' initial shot had been blocked.

Just before half-time, the unthinkable happened and Barnsley again took advantage of some sloppiness from City.

Andy King gave away a needless corner and, from the set-piece, the superbly named Reuben Noble-Lazarus put the visitors in front with an overhead kick.

City dominated possession in the second period without creating too many openings against a packed Barnsley defence.

The scribes must have been preparing some biblical pun headlines for Lazarus' potential winner until 17 seconds of normal time remained and substitute Vardy grabbed the equaliser.

There was more drama to come as City laid siege to the Tykes goal during five minutes of added-time, and King had a hat-trick of chances to win it for City, but they came up short.

A salvaged point shows City have got plenty of fighting spirit as they never gave up hope, despite it looking like one of those days.

But the simple truth is that, if City are to seriously challenge for automatic promotion, sides like Barnsley, however plucky they may be, must be put to the sword at the King Power Stadium.

Match verdict: Leicester City have their own Lazarus to thank

Plan to extend New Walk into heart of Leicester could get under way soon

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The plan to extend New Walk to the historic heart of the city could get under way within a couple of months.

The first phase will be closing the top of King Street to traffic so people can walk to the end of New Walk at the junction of Welford Road and Newarke Street.

At a later date, the Victorian promenade will be extended all the way to the 15th century Magazine Gateway.

After consultation on the King Street plan, the bollards could be put in place early next year, with a proper makeover for the King Street crossing being completed when the crumbling New Walk Centre is replaced in the near future.

The plan is part of Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's Connecting Leicester project and he expects few complaints about this first stage.

He said: "Closing the top of King Street is one of the quick ones of the Connecting Leicester project.

"There's a very straightforward alternative for traffic to get from King Street on to Welford Road by going along Marlborough Street.

"The first stage is putting bollards on the road to make it a pedestrianised area and how we treat the area ultimately depends on the design of the New Walk Centre's replacement.

"I want to extend the New Walk experience beyond there as well."

He said the next phase – along Newarke Street – would probably involve reducing the number of lanes and creating a wide walkway beside the road.

He said: "Newarke Street is a wide road and cars race down there before braking sharply for the turn into Welford Road.

"There's the possibility of using some of the road to create a wider pavement."

Members of the public in New Walk on Saturday were broadly in favour of the idea of extending the pathway.

Jan Dawson, 73, who lives in nearby Regent Road, said: "I rather approve of most of Sir Peter Soulsby's ideas. I used to work at the New Walk Museum and I like New Walk a lot. I think extending it would be a good idea."

Mark Weston, 39, of Westcotes, Leicester, said: "It's going to make it nicer for pedestrians, so that's good, but I think it's only going to scrape the surface. I'd like to see much more of the city centre pedestrianised."

Lucy Geary, 45, of Wigston, said: "It's an okay idea but I'm worried that if the Government has no money, are we going to end up paying higher council tax?"

Consultation on the King Street proposal continues until January 3 and a decision is expected a few days later. The work would start straight away.

Have your say on the plan at:

http://consultations. leicester.gov.uk/

Plan to extend New Walk into heart of Leicester could get under way soon

Lack of killer instinct cost us, admits Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

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Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson bemoaned a lack of killer instinct as his side lost ground in the race for promotion.

Only a last-minute equaliser spared City's blushes against struggling Barnsley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

City seemed to be heading for a shock home defeat against a Tykes side that had not won in their previous nine games until substitute Jamie Vardy grabbed a late equaliser to make it 2-2.

The draw saw City drop two places to fifth in the Championship table, and they are now seven points behind leaders Cardiff.

Pearson said City had dominated the game against Barnsley without displaying that killer instinct.

"In a game that I don't think they were in, we gifted them two goals and had to fight to get anything out of it," he said.

"We could have had a penalty at the end for handball, but I don't blame the officials for us not getting three points.

"We weren't ruthless enough, really. We had plenty of chances and didn't play as well as we can do, but they weren't in the game."

City had appeared to be heading towards a third consecutive comfortable home win when Anthony Knockaert put them ahead in the ninth minute.

But City then gifted the equaliser to Stephen Dawson when Kasper Schmeichel made a rare mistake.

Further generous defending allowed Reuben Noble-Lazarus to put the Tykes ahead and, although City laid siege to the Barnsley goal, it was not until Vardy's strike that they avoided what would have been a devastating defeat.

"We started the game very well but gave them two goals out of nothing," said Pearson.

"We got something out of the game, which is a positive, but we should win those sorts of games. It was a barnstorming finish and, even throughout the second half, they weren't really a threat.

"It is probably as dominant as you can be without really winning a game. It shows you can't afford to give away poor goals.

"It was a rare mistake from Kasper, but it happens. It was unfortunate because we started the game so well and were in total control. We were the architects of our own downfall."

Lack of killer instinct cost us, admits Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson

One man and his dogs rescued from house fire in Leicester

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Firefighters rescued a man and his three dogs from a house after a blaze broke out in the front room.
Emergency crews were called to Downham Avenue, off Abbey Lane, in the city, at about 7.50pm on Sunday.
They entered the house in breathing gear and used a number of hoses to tackle the flames while the occupant and his three pets were taken to safety.
The fire service said the damage was "severe to the ground floor".
It is not clear how the fire started.
The man was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
His injuries are not known.
The dogs were left in the care of the RSPCA.
Firefighters from eastern, western and central station were in attendance.
They left the scene at about 8.30pm.

One man and his dogs rescued from house fire in Leicester

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill happy despite late rally

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Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said it was a case of "job done" as his side secured a much-needed bonus-point victory against Treviso.

Tigers ran in five tries on their way to a 33-25 win in their Heineken Cup clash at Welford Road, which sees them leapfrog Ospreys into second place in Pool Two, three points behind Toulouse.

Julian Salvi was the star of the show for the hosts, scoring two of his side's tries alongside ones from Manu Tuilagi, Matt Smith and a penalty try.

But Tigers were left hanging on in the second period as Treviso got to within eight points and left the Welford Road faithful holding their breath.

That prompted Cockerill to fire a warning to his players not to be complacent when they make the trip to Italy for the return fixture at the Stadio di Monigo on Saturday.

"We started well, we scored four tries and we were trying to play," he said.

"But we only have ourselves to blame in the second half, we were inaccurate and, if you can't catch and pass, then it's a problem.

"We just went to sleep. To be fair to Treviso, you have to say they played pretty well and more than played their part. It was a lot closer than we would have liked, but it's job done, it's five points.

"We made a raft of changes quite early in the game so we could protect the Test guys, but it certainly won't lead us to be complacent this weekend, so maybe it's done us a favour.

"I don't think we were complacent. I don't think we were under any illusions as to how good they (Treviso) were – two years ago we nearly lost there in the first round.

"The players will certainly know they're in for a tough match. We have to go back to Treviso and try to get five points. Whether that's attainable we'll have to see, but there is no guarantee that it will be a given.

"Hopefully, we won't play as badly as that. We need the win first and foremost, but five points would be very helpful."

Tigers welcomed back five of their England internationals, with lock Geoff Parling captaining the side alongside Tuilagi, Ben Youngs and brother Tom, who all returned to the starting XV with Dan Cole an unused replacement.

"They are all fine and there are no major injuries with them," said Cockerill. "So it's job done, no more than that."

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill happy despite late rally


Leicester MP Keith Vaz in call for rethink on drug laws and policy

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Britain's war on drugs is not working and a major investigation is needed on how to tackle the scourge of criminality and addiction drugs cause, said Leicester East MP Keith Vaz today.

In a major report, the Home Affairs Select Committee, which Mr Vaz chairs, has called on the Government to set up a Royal Commission to look at drug laws and policy.

He said: "Drugs cost thousands of lives and the taxpayer billions of pounds each year.

"This is a critical, now or never moment for serious reform. If we do not act now, future generations will be crippled by the social and financial burden of addiction.

"After a year scrutinising UK drugs policy, it is clear to us many aspects of it are simply not working and it needs to be fully reviewed. We cannot afford to kick this issue into the long grass.

"We have failed to deal with the dealers and we have not focussed on the users.

"Only with this twin approach will we break the devastating cycle of drug addiction in society."

The Home Affairs Select Committee's report focuses on the need to "break the cycle" of addiction and highlights the need for improved treatment in prisons and wider society and for early intervention with better education and preventative work.

Comedian and film star Russell Brand was among those who gave evidence to the committee. He said people with the "condition of addiction" should be given supervised medical care rather than be punished by the criminal justice system.

Such an approach would mean people caught in possession of highly addictive drugs, such as heroin, would not be prosecuted but would instead be placed on supervised medical care.

As part of the inquiry, the Leicester Mercury ran a poll on its website asking people whether cannabis should be legalised. A huge majority – 87 per cent – said it should.

However, it is thought news of the poll spread on the internet and that the pro-cannabis lobby took part in the poll in large numbers.

The Home Affairs Committee has not made any recommendations for changes in the law but said ministers could learn from the experience of Portugal where drugs have been "depenalised" – with possession of small amounts not subject to criminal penalties.

Mr Vaz said the Leicester Mercury poll had been very useful – but he did not favour decriminalisation.

He said: "I think the majority feel it's not an issue for the police. But to decriminalise it would send a very powerful message that it's acceptable."

The Government swiftly rejected the idea of a Royal Commission. A spokesman said: "Drugs are illegal because they are harmful – they destroy lives and blight communities."

Leicester MP Keith Vaz  in call for  rethink on drug laws and policy

Leicester station bike theft: have you seen this man?

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Police have today released two images of a man they would like to speak to about a bike theft.
A bike was stolen, and another had its lock damaged, on the morning of November 17 at Leicester station.
Pc Mike Leconte, the British Transport Police (BTP) officer who is investigating the incident, said: "If anyone recognises the man, or knows his whereabouts then please get in touch. 
"We would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered a bike in suspicious circumstances to come forward."
BTP has recently charged a man for stealing cycles at the station, and he has now been given a suspended prison sentence.
Steven Harries (36) of Gaddesby Avenue, Leicester, was charged with the theft of a bike from the station on Thursday, October 18, and after appearing at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 22, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
Pc Leconte said: "We are determined to track down those responsible for cycle theft and have arrested four people in the last few weeks in connection with the theft of bikes from the station. 
"We hope these recent arrests and Harries' sentencing will make would-be thieves think twice."
BTP has released the following tips to help you ensure your bike remains safe:
• Always lock your bicycle whenever you leave it at a designated cycle rack area. Lock the frame and both wheels to a cycle stand.
• Consider using more than one lock to secure your bike and ensure that you use a recognised security standard lock. D-locks, extension cable or heavy chain locks are certified locking mechanisms. It is important to ensure that yours are up to date.
• Make the lock(s) and bike hard to manoeuvre when parked by ensuring little room between the stand and the bike.
• Do not allow your lock(s) to come into contact with the ground, where they are viewed as more vulnerable.
• Take a photograph of your bike and record your frame number and key details. This will be crucial in recovering your bike if it is stolen.
• Mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations, one of which should be hidden. Attach a 'Coded Cycle' label to reduce the risk of making your bike a target for theft.
• Do not ride with valuables in open baskets or panniers.
• Register your bicycle at www.immobilise.com or www.bikeregister.com
Anyone with information about the man pictured is asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting B6/NEA of 10/12/2012. 
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Leicester station bike theft: have you seen this man?

Two people injured after crash on the A606 near Empingham, Rutland

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Two people were taken to hospital after a crash on a road in Rutland. Two vehicles collided on the A606 near Empingham at about 7.45pm on Sunday. They had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters and both were taken to Peterborough District Hospital. The road remained closed until about 10pm. Police said nobody had suffered life-threatening injuries.

Two people injured after crash on  the A606 near Empingham, Rutland

Concerns over future use of hall

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Calls have been made for a rethink on the closure of a museum at an 18th century mansion.

Residents who live near Leicester's Belgrave Hall, which shut in October, are concerned about plans to re-launch the historic building as a venue for private functions and public events in the spring.

Bosses at Leicester City Council said the hall and its picturesque gardens were unsuited for use as a museum and are looking at ways they can generate more cash.

The issue was discussed at the latest Belgrave and Latimer Community meeting and a vote was held on whether the hall should be retained as a museum with free access to the general public.

Rushey Mead city councillor Ross Willmott, who lives in Belgrave, said: "There is a strong feeling the city council has got it wrong on Belgrave Hall.

"There was a vote on whether the museum should remain. There were about 70 people and it was unanimous it should."

Coun Willmott said a number of his colleagues, including former council leader Veejay Patel, assistant mayor Manjula Sood and John Thomas voted to keep the museum at that meeting.

The council said the hall attracted the lowest number of visitors of any of its museums and that its plans will see about £140,000 of Arts Council cash spent in improving the venue.

The hall received 16,000 visitors in 2011-12.

Coun Willmott said: "What people liked about the hall was that it is was free to enjoy.

"Under the proposals, when it reopens the vast majority of visitors will have to pay in some form to use it.

"We are told there will £40,000 saving from closing the museum. That is not a lot of money."

He suggested setting up a tea room which could create income and make the hall viable as an attraction. Coun Willmott said: "It is not too late for the council to change its mind on this.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It concerns me there may be some disinformation about what we are doing with Belgrave Hall.

"It is not being closed but we are changing the way we use it and we are investing in it.

"When it reopens it will a greatly improved visitor experience."

A council report on the hall said: "The plan changes the way the service is delivered so that Belgrave Hall is presented as a beautiful, high quality period house with fresh, attractive interiors and facilities suitable for a range of modern income generating functions."

Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said: "The council has done much to promote the city's heritage recently but closing a museum is a backward step however you dress it up.

"Again, people have shown they don't like what is being proposed."

Concerns over future use of hall

Christmas cards 'making a comeback' - will you put pen to paper?

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Christmas cards are making a comeback, with 80 per cent of people saying they would prefer to receive a traditional card to any electronic festive wishes. That is according to a poll carried out on behalf of Royal Mail. The research suggests 25 per cent of people intend to make more of an effort to send Christmas cards this year, while the average person expects to send 19 cards - a 27 per cent rise on last year. The average person sent 15 Christmas cards in 2011, but this will rise to an expected 19 cards per person this year, the research found. This rise is partly attributed to a fifth of people saying they were planning to send more cards this year because they felt guilty about forgetting to send a card to someone who was expecting one last year. And it appears Christmas cards are still cherished – 80 per cent of people would rather receive a card than a festive message via social media; a method of well-wishing one in four described as feeling "a bit empty" or impersonal. Meanwhile 85 per cent of people plan to display their Christmas cards around their home, the poll found. Sharon Little, chief executive of the Greeting Card Association, said: "This research confirms that cards remain at the centre of all life's special celebrations. "We all love to be in our homes at Christmas time surrounded by the cards we have received from far and wide. We know that all these people have taken the time to think of us. "Christmas is all about caring, sending real cards to friends and family is far more meaningful than any form of electronic communication - you can't put a Facebook message or an e-card on your mantelpiece." When it comes to Christmas cards, humour and snow come out on top – a quarter of people say they most like to receive an amusing card, while 24 per cent like cards with a wintery image. This was also the case with the first cards sent almost 150 years ago, which featured festive family fun scenes. The world's first commercially-produced Christmas cards were introduced in 1843. Only 1,000 of these cards - commissioned by Sir Henry Cole - were printed, and sold for a shilling each. This meant they were a luxury item and were not within the means of the working class. Today's research paints a different picture to that of recent years – in 2010 the tradition of sending Christmas cards was said to be in terminal decline. Mintel found "over the past four years there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of Brits buying Christmas cards, as while in 2006 as many as 84 per cent of us sent a Christmas card, this has dropped to just 73 per cent in 2009." Meanwhile Oxfam, one of the largest charities which sells Christmas cards, said sales were 14 per cent lower than in 2009. And in 2008 it seemed the rise in e-card sales – of 200 to 250 per cent according to ecards.co.uk– could threaten the traditional Christmas card. But despite Royal Mail's predicted Christmas card comeback, price may still pose a problem for many. According to research conducted by Saga, 51 per cent of over-50s said they would this year send fewer Christmas cards than they did in 2011, due to the rise in stamp prices. In 2011, the average number of Christmas cards sent by post by this age group was 38. This is expected to fall to 28 this year - a reduction of 26 per cent. Saga found sending 50 Christmas cards first class this year will cost £7 more than last year. However, Royal Mail insists it "provides one of the highest quality postal services in Europe and UK stamp prices are amongst the best value in the EU; with the 50p price of a Second Class stamp the lowest in Europe." And the cost of cards themselves may be an issue. The Greeting Card Association Market Report 2012 found the average price for a single Christmas card is now £1.63. To read more about the Royal Mail findings, click here. Will you send Christmas cards this year? Vote in our poll on the right-hand side of the page. RELATED ARTICLE: County Hall scraps Christmas card giving to save cash

Christmas cards 'making a comeback' - will you put pen to paper?

Two people rescued after crash in Sapcote, Leicestershire

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The air ambulance was called out after a two-car crash in Sapcote earlier today.
Firefighters had to help free two people after the collision Stanton Road in the village, near Hinckley, at 9.15am.
Two people were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary and the road remained closed throughout the morning.
Details of the casualties' injuries are not yet known.

Two people rescued after crash in Sapcote, Leicestershire

CCTV appeal after two Breitling watches stolen from Lumbers jewellers in Market Street, Leicester

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Police investigating the 'smash and grab' theft of two designer watches from a shop in Leicester have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace. A man on a bike took the two Breitling watches, which are worth a total of £17,000, by smashing a window of Lumbers jewellers in Market Street, in the city centre. The raid took place at 12.45pm on Saturday, September 22. Detective Constable Eliot Burgess said: "We have been carrying out various inquiries since the burglary happened to try to locate the suspect and hope that the release of these images will help. "The images of the watches are the same style that were stolen and the pictures were given to us by Breitling to aid our investigation. "If you know someone who has acquired one of these watches in suspicious circumstances please call us. "The same goes for anyone who may have been approached by someone trying to sell the watches. "We would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to please contact police with any information they have no matter how small it may be." The thief is white, 30 to 40, approximately 5ft 10in and of slim to medium build. He was wearing a blue baseball cap, blue jacket, jeans and black sunglasses. Contact Det Con Burgess on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

CCTV appeal after two Breitling watches stolen from  Lumbers jewellers in Market Street, Leicester


Construction worker injured in roof fall in Syston, Leicestershire

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A 36-year-old construction worker was airlifted to hospital today after falling through the roof of a house.

The man, who seriously injured his ankle in the fall, was taken to Queens Medical Centre, in Nottingham, by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).

The incident happened at about 11.30am at a house near Syston, where the man was working.

The doctor on board the air ambulance administered pain relief to the man, and the crew put a splint on his injured leg to help maintain circulation.

A DLRAA spokeswoman said: "We regularly carry doctors on board our flights so they can provide advanced treatment at the scene of an accident, effectively bringing the hospital to the patient."

Construction worker injured in roof fall in Syston, Leicestershire

CCTV image released after man headbutted Leicester pub-goer

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Police searching for a man who headbutted a pub customer have released a CCTV image of a person they want to trace.
The victim was taken to hospital with facial injuries after he was assaulted in the Bricklayers Arms in Welford Road, near Leicester city centre, at 6pm on Saturday, November 3.
The attacker left the pub with two other men and two women.
Pc James Collins said today: "The suspect would have left the scene with a cut to his head after assaulting the victim, and we hope that this will be vital to our appeal.
"If you know someone who matches the description of the suspect, who you saw that night with a cut to his head, please call us and help us with our inquiries.
"We would also like to speak to the person in the images we have released.
"That person was in the pub at the time of the assault and we believe he may be able to help us with our inquiries. If you know him, or are him, please call us."
The suspect is white, approximately 40, of medium build, with shaved hair and a receding hairline. 
He was wearing a grey, long-sleeved top.
Contact Pc Collins on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

CCTV image released after man headbutted Leicester pub-goer

Two men arrested after attack in Conduit Street, Leicester

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Two men have been arrested and questioned about an assault which resulted in a man being taken to hospital. A 36-year-old victim was attacked in Conduit Street, off London Road, Leicester city centre, last month. Police said he was stopped by two men who asked him for a cigarette before swearing at him and punching him to the ground. The attack took place shortly before 3pm on Wednesday, November 14. The injured man was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment and has since been discharged. Two men, aged 23 and 26, have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on police bail while officers continue their investigation. Pc Dan Robberts said: "This was a particularly nasty assault resulting in the victim having to undergo medical treatment. "Even though we have two people arrested we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything to please get in touch." Contact Pc Robberts on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Two men arrested after attack in  Conduit Street,  Leicester

Plans for GPs to be in charge of NHS are officially approved

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Plans to put doctors in charge of the National Health Service in Leicester and Leicestershire were officially approved today.

From April, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), made up of GPs, will take over from primary care trust in running health care from hospitals to learning disability services. There will be one CCG for the city and two for the county under the shake up.

The three CCGs have existed in a shadow form for some time, but have now been officially approved. The city's CCG will manage an annual £370 million budget.

Chairman Professor Azhar Farooqi said: "I strongly believe GPs and other clinicians are best placed to understand patients needs.
"The new way of working gives GPs a voice and the freedom to respond to patients needs with innovative services to improve quality of care."

The East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG comprises doctors from 34 practices in Melton, Rutland, Harborough, Blaby Lutterworth, Oadby and Wigston. Its managing director, Dr David Briggs, said: "We are confident that we have developed a set of aims and plans that respond to the health needs of the local people.
"They include enhancing the quality of life for people with long-term conditions, delivering excellent community health services and improving the quality of primary care, as well as closer working between health and social care, and between acute, primary and community care."

Some 50 doctors make up the third CCG, which covers west Leicestershire and includes Hinckley and Bosworth, Charnwood, and North West Leicestershire.

Chairman Dr Nick Pulman said: "This is a major milestone on our way to tackling the area's healthcare needs more effectively, and shows how much has already been achieved as a result of GPs being in a new commissioning partnership which we see as involving GPs, fellow clinicians, experienced managers, social care and importantly patients in decision making.
"We have also involved patients more directly in shaping health care services, and as a result we have a growing number of patients in new and existing patient participation groups, based at surgeries.
"This has had a big influence on improvements, such as making healthcare more proactive, and the redevelopment of the walk-in centre at Loughborough." For more information, visit:
www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk
www.eastleicestershireandrutlandccg.nhs.uk
www.westleicestershireccg.nhs.uk

Plans for GPs to be in charge of NHS are officially approved

Brave Alfie Clay loses his fight against disease, aged six

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A young disabled boy whose fight for life against an incurable disease inspired fund-raisers, friends and family has died.

Alfie Clay was 18 months old when doctors told his parents, in 2008, he had Krabbe disease and would probably die within six months.

However, the youngster fought the condition and lived to celebrated his sixth birthday last month.

He died on Sunday, after suffering a seizure at his home in Wigston.

Alfie's mother, Sarah Baxter, 34, said: "I am totally lost without him.

"He was an incredible fighter and he was my life. I don't know what I am going to do now."

Sarah said she became aware there was a problem at 7am on Sunday.

"Alfie slept in my room and over the years I have become accustomed to how he breathes," she said.

"Whenever there is a change in his breathing pattern I wake up. I heard a change on Sunday morning and turned the light on.

"I could see he was having a massive seizure but there was nothing I could do to help him.

"I called the ambulance and they came and took me and him to hospital.

"I was glad I was there with him at the end and I was able to hold his hand. The doctors said he was brain dead after the big seizure.

"He had no chance. He had fought long and hard and it was his time to go."

Krabbe disease, also known as leukodystrophy, is an incurable degenerative disorder which shuts the body down.

Alfie became completely blind, deaf and was left severely disabled by the condition.

Shortly after her son's diagnosis, Sarah and friend Jenny James set up the Alfie Appeal to raise money for leukodystrophy charity The Myelin Project, and to raise awareness of the condition.

They organised a series of fund-raisers and collected £15,000 for the appeal.

Alfie's grandmother Audrey Birchall, of Sapcote, said the family intended to carry on fund-raising in Alfie's name.

She said: "We are going to launch another big fund-raising day and get more money in for the appeal.

"The more people know about these kinds of conditions, the better.

"Sarah is devastated at losing Alfie. She has a 13-year-old daughter, Phoebe, and those two are my main concern at the moment.

"As a family, we will continue with the Alfie Appeal. When we raised money we got donations from people all over the country. It was lovely to know Alfie had touched people so far away who did not know him."

Lynda Carthy, spokeswoman for the Myelin Project, said: "It is very sad to hear Alfie has lost his fight.

"He was a very brave and courageous little boy who amazed everyone.

"We have had donations from his family and we are very grateful for these.

"His mother was very focused on trying to help find a cure to try to stop other families going through what they have. It is good to hear they intend to carry on raising money in Alfie's name."

To support the appeal and find out more about the condition, visit:

www.alfieappeal.btik.com

Brave Alfie Clay loses his fight against disease, aged six

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