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London helicopter crash: Leicestershire MP describes tragedy which kills two in Vauxhall

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A Leicestershire MP has described the moment she heard a helicopter crash into a crane in central London killing two people. The helicopter exploded into flames after hitting the crane, on top of a tower block by the River Thames, before crashing into a street during rush hour. Conservative MP Nicky Morgan told BBC News she was walking towards Vauxhall when the accident happened and said she thought it was a bomb explosion. She said she realised something "dramatic'' had happened because of the thick black smoke. "Within a minute there were sirens, so you felt that the emergency services were immediately reacting, which was comforting. It is a terrible, unexpected tragedy. I wondered if it was a bomb explosion." Just after the crash happened Ms Morgan tweeted "Something happening near Vauxhall. Big Bang and clouds of black smoke." And later tweeted "Terrible news about helicopter crash near Vauxhall, London within last 40 mins". Scotland Yard said that two people have been confirmed dead, nine people have been injured and one is critically ill.London helicopter crash: Two die in Vauxhall crane accident

London helicopter crash: Leicestershire MP describes tragedy which kills two in Vauxhall


Thugs force their way into elderly couple's home in Rowley Fields, Leicester to steal jewellery

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Two thugs barged into an elderly couple's home to steal their jewellery.
The men knocked at the front door of the victims' Leicester home and forced their way inside when the husband opened it.
The two men threatened the couple and later left with two necklaces.
The victims were not injured, police said.
The couple, who have asked not to be identified, were targeted in their home in Collingham Road, off Narborough Road, Rowley Fields, at 1pm on Sunday. (January 13)
Detective Constable Kim Potter said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the victims in their own home and we need to catch those responsible.
"We have been carrying out house to house inquiries and studying CCTV from the area in a bid to trace witnesses and any information which could lead us to the suspects.
"If you haven't yet spoken to the police and you were in the area on Sunday afternoon, then we would urge you to contact us.
"Did you see two men acting suspiciously or have you been approached by someone trying to sell two gold necklaces?
"If you have heard rumours locally about who may be responsible or you have any information which could assist then please come forward."
One of the men is Asian, in his 30s and of medium build. He has a light complexion, short black hair which was slightly curly and stubble along his top lip.
He was wearing a navy padded jacket which had a large collar and gloves.
The second an is white, slim build and in his mid 40s. He is 5ft10in or 5ft 11ins and has a round face. He was wearing a blue and grey hat and jacket.
Contact Det Con Potter on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Man rescued after falling from roof of house in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire

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Firefighters were called to rescue a man who had fallen from the roof of a semi-detached house. The man, thought to be in his 50s, fell from the roof of the property in Aylestone Lane, Wigston Magna, at about 8.50am yesterday. He fell onto a lower roof on part of an extension at the rear of the property. Firefighters used a special "pop-up" scaffold unit to bring the man down. Paramedics, who were called to the scene by the fire service, took him to Leicester Royal Infirmary. His condition isn't known. Crew manager Dave George said: "He had come off the roof of the semi-detached house onto the kitchen extension roof. "Because it was suspected he may have suffered spinal injuries he was put onto a long board, or spinal board. "The technical rescue unit carry a pop-up scaffold which we put up to the level of the roof. He was talking and conscious throughout."

Police granted extension to detain men arrested after restaurant attack

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Police have been given more time to question six men arrested in connection with an attack on a city restaurant.
Officers were at Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning to apply for an extension to custody time, which would allow them to hold the suspects for a total of 96 hours.
The men were arrested on Monday night in connection with an incident which left three men in hospital.
Some 40 men burst into the Moghul Durbar restaurant, in East Park Road, Spinney Hills, Leicester, at about 9pm on Monday.
They smashed windows and assaulted people inside.
The injured staff and customers were taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary where they were treated for both serious and minor injuries.
Police said that three men are still being treated and are in stable conditions.
Chief Superintendant Rob Nixon, police commander for the city, said: "A dedicated team of officers continue to work extended hours speaking to the victims and those people inside the restaurant.
"Detectives are also viewing CCTV footage and scenes of crime officers are carrying out forensic examinations of the scene."
Anyone with any information can call police on 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Police granted extension to detain men arrested after restaurant attack

Bardon-based housebuilder Barratt doubles profits to £45m

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Building firm Barratt today said profits more than doubled in the second half of 2012 as the housing market continued to return to health.
The Bardon-based company revealed it made a surplus of £45 million in the six months to December 31, compared to £21.6 million in the same period of 2011.
This was despite a small fall in total revenue, from £952.8 million to £950 million.
The group, which owns David Wilson Homes, was boosted by an increase in profit margins, which rose by almost a third to 8.4 per cent.
Barratt, like many other house builders, is seeing a bounce-back in profits following the credit crunch. It comes after the firm bought land cheaply in the deepest part of the recession and is now using it to develop more up-market homes which can be sold at higher margins.
The company completed the sale of 4,241 homes during the half-year, up 5.3 per cent on the same period of 2011.
Chief executive Mark Clare predicted profits would continue to grow healthily.
"We have been investing for the future, successfully securing higher margin land both in the South-East and across the rest of the country that will drive further profit growth," he said.

Bardon-based housebuilder Barratt doubles profits to £45m

Leicestershire jobs at risk after Blockbuster goes into administration

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More Leicestershire retail jobs were put in jeopardy today after DVD and video rental chain Blockbuster went into administration.
The company, which continues to trade, employs more than 35 people at stores in Abbey Lane, Leicester; Narborough Road, Leicester; Beaumont Leys, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton and Market Harborough.
In total, the group has 4,190 staff and 528 shops.
Blockbuster is the third major high street failure in a week after yesterday's collapse of entertainment chain HMV, which put 4,000 jobs at risk, including dozens at stores in Leicester and Loughborough.
Last Friday saw the closure of Leicester-based camera retailer Jessops with the loss of 1,500 jobs, including 177 in Leicestershire. The company had plunged into administration two days earlier.
Lee Manning, joint administrator for Blockbuster and partner in Deloitte, said: "In recent years Blockbuster has faced increased competition from, internet based providers along with the shift to digital streaming of movies and games.
"We are working closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors.
"The core of the business is still profitable and we will continue to trade as normal in both retail and rental whilst we seek a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern. During this time gift cards and credit acquired through Blockbuster's trade-in scheme will be honoured towards the purchase of goods."
Mr Manning said gift cards would still be accepted by the chain.

Leicestershire jobs at risk after Blockbuster goes into administration

Pilot Pete Barnes killed in London helicopter crash worked for air ambulance in Leicestershire

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The pilot who was killed this morning when his helicopter hit a crane in central London has been named as Pete Barnes, Sky news reported today.
It is believed that Mr Barnes was a pilot for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland air ambulance and was educated in Oakham.
The helicopter smashed into a crane on St George Wharf Tower, in Vauxhall, amid heavy fog.
It cartwheeled out of the sky, smashed into two cars as it hit the ground and exploded into flames.
The pilot - the only person aboard the helicopter - and a person on the ground were killed, the Metropolitan Police said.
Captain Barnes, aged, 50,  has been described as one of the experienced aviators in the UK.

Mr Barnes was working freelance for Rotormotion , which is based at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The Rotormotion website describes him as having a 'relaxed and charming manner', and says he was one of the most experienced Augusta helicopter pilots and instructor in the country. Captain Philip Amadeus, managing director of Rotormotion, said: "We are devastated by the loss of a highly valued colleague and very dear friend. "Our thoughts and condolences are with Peter's wife and children." It is understood he was born in Nottingham in 1962 and was educated at the Oakham Independent school, before going on to study business and marketing at what is now called the University of Derby. After graduation he worked as a ski instructor across Europe before later entering the advertising industry. His passion for aviation soon took hold in 1989. During his career, Captain Barnes logged more than 10,500 flying hours and was highly regarded among his peers for his skill and professionalism. He used his aviation skills for the purposes of filming, opening up a new and exciting career line, and he eventually started his own business, called Helivision Ltd. His TV and film credits have included the 2002 James Bond movie, Die Another Day, Saving Private Ryan, Tomb Raider II and the popular BBC show Coast. During the summer he was employed by the London Olympics organisers in a number of roles and has also piloted helicopters involved in the monitoring of the America's Cup yachting race and F1 Powerboat racing.

Pilot Pete Barnes killed in London helicopter crash worked for air ambulance in Leicestershire

Assistant ref dropped from FA Cup tie after telling Manchester City players to thank fans who paid £62

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An assistant referee from Leicester who told Manchester City players to thank fans who paid £62 to see their match against Arsenal was dropped from an FA Cup tie last night.

The words spoken by referee John Brooks were picked up by a camera at Arsenal's Emirates stadium on Sunday.

Mr Brooks, who is registered with the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, told City defender Joleon Lescott at the end of their 2-0 away win: "They've paid 62 quid over there, go and see them."

The 22-year-old was due to assist at last night's FA Cup third-round replay between West Brom and QPR, but was dropped yesterday.

The cost of tickets at the Emirates had been a talking point before the game on Sunday, with some Manchester City fans boycotting the match in protest.

The club is reported to have returned 900 of its 3,000 ticket allocation for the match.

Mr Brooks' comments – considered a welcome breath of fresh air by football pundits and non-sports fans alike – sparked a flurry of interview requests from print and broadcast journalists.

Sources at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body that assigns referees and assistants to games, suggested dropping him as one of the two assistants at last night's match was to "protect" the young official.

A PGMOL source told the Leicester Mercury: "It's the FA's competition, they appoint the officials so it's their decision for him not to be at the game.

"Officials have to be 100 per cent focussed on the match. A lot of people have been calling him up since Sunday's game.

"We have a duty of care to protect officials so they can be 100 per cent focused on the game.

"He's a first year official who is coming through the ranks, and he's a good young official. We don't want people coming to football to speak to officials about officiating.

"The focus has to be on the football match – not the officials.

"It takes the focus off the most important thing – the game itself ."

Mr Brooks is in his first season as a Premier League assistant. For the majority of his matches, he has worked alongside Mike Dean, the referee at the Emirates on Sunday, and has been given a number of high-profile fixtures, including games at all the top Premier League clubs.

He was assistant to Dean at St Mary's for Chelsea's 5-1 win over Southampton in the third round of the FA Cup 11 days ago.

Leicestershire County and Rutland FA chief executive Keith Murdoch said he did not want to comment as it was not a local issue.

Assistant ref  dropped from FA Cup tie after telling Manchester City players to thank fans who paid £62


Diners flee as mob of 40 men attack Moghul Durbar restaurant in Leicester

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Diners at an Indian restaurant were forced to flee in fear after a mob of about 40 thugs ransacked the venue, smashing windows and doors and assaulting people inside.

The attack happened at the Moghul Durbar restaurant, in Spinney Hills, Leicester, at about 9pm on Monday.

Six people were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary and three men remained in hospital last night – and are in a stable condition.

Police have arrested six men in connection with the incident.

CCTV footage taken by a nearby business shows about 40 men running from a nearby side street and going into the restaurant through the front door.

It takes almost a minute for the large group to squeeze inside the restaurant, in East Park Road.

Some of them can then be seen running out and smashing the front windows before disappearing down the same side street.

Witnesses yesterday described seeing people running from the scene with blood streaming from their faces.

Fast food worker Saif Butt, 18, from Royal Chicken and Pizza, a takeaway shop across the road, was working as the chaos spilled out on to the street.

"We were pretty busy, so I didn't see it at first," he said. "Then a big group of people ran past and some people were bleeding from the side of their faces – blood was running down their cheeks.

"Other people were bleeding from their bodies, around their chests. They looked frightened and some of them were crying."

The attack lasted five minutes, and traders said it was one of the worst incidents of violence they had seen in the area.

Ashraf Sidat, 32, owner of fast food shop Toro's Express, next door to Moghul Durbar, said: "I was talking to the staff who were on last night and they said it was crazy.

"A massive group of lads ran into the kitchen next door.

"It's only just been taken over and redecorated. The new guy has only been there for about four weeks.

"You don't expect it in this area, nothing like this has ever happened before."

Bilkis Shakh, owner of Seam Line Tailors, opposite the restaurant, said: "I've heard a lot of rumours about what went on. We obviously weren't open, but it sounded awful.

"We've only just opened ourselves but I've never heard of anything like this happening."

The owner of the CCTV camera which supplied the footage – who asked not to be named – said: "I just don't understand how they thought they could get away with it when the police station is so close.

"We know the owners and they're really nice guys – it's horrible to think something like this has happened to them.

"The footage shows people running around, there's so many of them, it's crazy."

Police said they would not be releasing the CCTV images.

However, they did call for witnesses to come forward and identify members of the group.

Detective Inspector Simon Preston said: "We have had a team of officers working on this incident and already have six people arrested.

"However, that doesn't mean that we don't still need witnesses to come forward."

A section of East Park Road outside the restaurant remained cordoned off yesterday while forensic officers carried out their examinations.

Police said officers would be patrolling the area to reassure members of the community.

Chief Superintendant Rob Nixon, police commander for the city, said: "I would like to reassure the community in the East Park Road area that we are treating this incident very seriously."

The Mercury was unable to contact the owners of the Moghul Durbar restaurant yesterday.

Anyone with any information should call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Diners flee as mob of  40 men  attack  Moghul Durbar  restaurant  in Leicester

Man, 60, in hospital after assault in Main Street, Markfield

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A woman has been arrested after a 60-year-old man was assaulted on a village street.

The man, who has not been named, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary after he was injured in Main Street, Markfield, last night.

There are unconfirmed reports tonight that the man had been stabbed.

He was said to be in a stable condition.

Police said a 49-year-old woman was arrested a short time later in connection with the incident. She remained in police custody tonight.

Man, 60, in hospital after assault in Main Street, Markfield

Leicester City stars hope to beat illness bug

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Leicester City will be holding a sick parade ahead of tomorrow's televised clash with Middlesbrough at the King Power Stadium.

Although there are no new injury concerns, a wave of illness has been sweeping through the club.

Nigel Pearson said some players, and members of the coaching staff, were feeling unwell and suffering from heavy colds.

Pearson, who himself has just recovered from illness, said winger Anthony Knockaert had returned to training after feeling unwell, but would consider the condition of all the squad before naming his side.

"Anthony trained so he should be okay," he said.

"He had a knock in training prior to the Bristol game last week and took another knock on that area.

"He was also unwell on Saturday morning. He has suffered a bit with that since. Taking him off early was a wise decision and it has given him more time to recover, but we will see how he is.

"I think the biggest concern we have in the build-up to this game is we have quite a bit of illness in the camp, both among staff and players.

"We have had it now for the past couple of weeks so we will have to see how we are in the build-up.

"We will just have to see how one or two are. But it shouldn't affect our performance. We have had to deal with this for the past couple of weeks so we will manage it."

Pearson said defenders Zak Whitbread and Sean St Ledger were edging closer to a return to action after calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

"Zak is on his way back, as is Sean, so, hopefully, we will have more positive news before too long," he said.

Although snow is forecast for tomorrow, City do not currently have any major concerns over the fixture.

A City spokesman said: "We have more than adequate supplies, equipment and human resources to cope with the forecasted conditions and to ensure that King Power Stadium is fully operational for tomorrow's match."

Only one game has previously been postponed at the King Power Stadium, and was against Birmingham in 2007 after the roof of the nearby Holiday Inn was blown off.

Leicester City stars hope to beat illness bug

Spirit at Leicester City is just brilliant, says Paul Konchesky

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Paul Konchesky has hailed the team spirit within the Leicester City camp.

The 31-year-old has played at Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Fulham and Liverpool, but says the bond among the current crop at City is just as strong, if not stronger.

"There was a good team spirit at West Ham and Fulham but the team spirit here is right up there with them," said the former England international .

"We have been a close unit all season but, when you are winning, you get closer and closer. At the moment, it is hard to put anything between us. We stick together and, hopefully, we can keep that going.

"There are a great bunch of lads here. It is a young squad and they all want to learn and do well. That is a good thing in football.

"The quality is also second to none. We have one of the best squads in the league and, hopefully, that will be proven come May."

City face Middlesbrough tomorrow night at the King Power Stadium and could move into the automatic promotion places if they can claim a fourth consecutive league victory.

Konchesky said confidence was soaring within the camp.

"We know it will be tough but we are at home, in front of our fans and, the way we are playing at the moment, we expect to get something out of the game," he said.

"We go into every game trying to win and, on the back of the 4-0 win at Bristol, our confidence is very high.

"There is a buzz around the place. While things are going well it is buzzing. Hopefully, the good times will keep coming.

"We know if we do win we move into the top two, it will put pressure on the teams on Saturday. I would rather be there than looking up. Hopefully, we will achieve that.

"We are taking it step by step and game by game. It is a big tomorrow and, after the FA Cup game at Huddersfield, we have Wolves at home, so there are some big games coming up. We need to take one at a time and take confidence."

Spirit at Leicester City is just brilliant, says Paul Konchesky

Leicester's hospitals 'fined' over A&E waits

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Leicester's hospitals have lost out on nearly £1.4 million because they are not treating accident and emergency patients quickly enough.

The financial penalty has been imposed by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland primary care trust (PCT) after Leicester Royal Infirmary failed to hit its target of seeing and treating 95 per cent A&E patients within four hours.

Just over 89 per cent of 14,201 patients were seen within the target time last November.

The department has met the target in just three of the eight months between April and November last year.

Health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "This is a crazy scenario. Leicester's hospitals are effectively being fined for seeing too many patients in accident and emergency.

"The hospital should be given extra resources, not have them taken away."

Jeremy Tozer, interim director of operations at Leicester's hospitals, said: "We have already begun looking at ways to streamline what we do in the emergency department and we have worked with the clinical commissioning groups to develop a joint recovery plan to improve overall performance."

Changes have been made to try to speed up processes such as getting X-rays and blood tests.

A payment of £688,000 was first withheld from Leicester's hospitals in October last year.

At the time, Simon Freeman, managing director of the Leicester City clinical commissioning group, which oversees the contract and which will take on responsibility for city health services in April, said the cash might be paid if the November target was met – but that has not happened.

A report to be discussed by PCT directors today states: "As UHL (Leicester's hospitals) has not recovered the 95 per cent cumulative performance (July to November 2012), the October penalty will not be returned and a further penalty will be levied for the November 2012 performance."

A PCT spokesman said the November penalty amounted to £683,000.

A new plan has also been drawn up with the clinical commissioning group to try to make sure patients are seen within the target time.

The commissioning group is also testing a scheme in which GPs are available to make urgent home visits to patients.

There is also a campaign to encourage patients to contact their GP if feeling unwell.

Leicester's hospitals 'fined' over A&E waits

Warehouse worker's attempt to illegally sell Viagra

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A warehouse worker caught with a supply of Viagra he hoped to sell has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Imran Ali (26) obtained 500 tablets from a friend in India for £50.

He planned to sell the blister packs, each containing 10 tablets, for about £10 each, Leicester Crown Court was told. However, he gave away 40 tablets to friends.

Police stopped him in a car in the city centre and found him in possession of 460 tablets.

Ali, of Trueway Road, Leicester, admitted possessing Viagra with intent to supply it when he was not authorised to do so, on October 11 last year.

In mitigation, the court heard it was an amateur attempt by Ali to make a profit, but he was caught before he actually sold any.

He was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

Warehouse worker's attempt   to illegally   sell Viagra

Waiting is nearly over for the county's sporting stars

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The waiting will be over tonight when the winners of the 2012 Leicester Mercury Sports Awards are announced.

The county's sporting Oscars once again received outstanding support from the public, with an incredible array of sports represented in the nominations received.

It seems fitting that in a year when the likes of Jessica Ennis, Laura Trott, Sarah Storey and Ellie Simmonds shone on the Olympic and Paralympic stage, it was the Young Sportswoman category which provoked the most debate among the Mercury's judging panel when it met before Christmas.

Such was the high quality of the nominees that the judges opted to select four finalists rather than the usual three.

Lucy Garner, the winner is 2011, is joined by her younger sister and fellow cyclist Grace, while swimming is represented by the outstanding duo of Sophie Smith and Harriet Cooper, both previous award winners.

The popularity of the category is a terrific result for Loughborough College, who are sponsoring the Young Sportswoman category for a second consecutive year.

"We have a strong reputation in sport and a long record of educating and supporting young athletes," said college principal Esme Winch.

"We like to support young sportswomen, too," she said. "We tend to find that they don't have the highest profiles unless they are at the top of their sport, such as Jessica Ennis."

Tonight will provide a first taste of the Mercury Sports Awards for the Loughborough principal, who moved to the area in September.

"I'm looking forward to celebrating the achievements of all the finalists, not just those in our category," she said.

"One thing that has struck me since I came to Loughborough is how much sport is part of the region's DNA.

"After the Olympics, I think we all need to take a deep breath but make sure that we keep the momentum going and are able to inspire the next generation.

"We have to make sport accessible, and not just to the elite athletes. It is also about the benefits it can offer in terms of career opportunities for people."

There are 14 winners to be announced this evening, which tales place at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road stadium.

The event will culminate in the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, only the second time that this category has been included.

Former Leicester City footballer and Leicestershire cricketer Graham Cross was the inaugural winner in 2011.

To find out the award winners see tomorrow's paper. Also, check out a 16-page awards special on Tuesday.

Waiting is nearly over for the county's sporting stars


Play park plan for Leicester city centre

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The city centre's first public playground is being proposed in an effort to make the middle of Leicester more family friendly.

A patch of land including a paved area with seating in St George Street, opposite the Leicester Mercury building, has been earmarked for a £45,000 redevelopment.

Leicester City Council wants to turn it into a playground and install play equipment for children aged two to six.

Castle ward councillor Patrick Kitterick has been pushing for a play area, next to St George's churchyard, to be established for some time.

He said: "In the city centre, there really are not a lot of green spaces. That is one of them but it is under utilised.

"There are also more families with young children living in the St George's area than you would think.

"There are three nurseries that are very close by which could use it."

In the past, the area has been used by street drinkers but Coun Kitterick said he thought they would move away when the play area was running.

He said: "There are a couple of individuals who go there, but in my experience of dealing with street drinkers they are not confrontational. They will go somewhere else."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "In the city centre there are no other play areas. This will be the first.

"I hope it will be used by families, as well as visitors. We want to make it a more family-friendly city centre.

"In other cities, where there are lots of apartments, you often see small parks tucked away and that is what we are hoping for."

The mayor said he wanted the project to be funded from money paid by developers in return for being granted planning permission.

There are 13 trees in the proposed play area.

A city council spokeswoman said one of them would have to be felled to allow the play equipment to be put in.

She said: "That one is currently in poor health. The others will be kept but some of them may have to be cut back a bit."

The police have welcomed the proposed play area.

City centre police commander Chris Cockerill said: "I think it's a fantastic idea.

"There have been some reports of anti-social behaviour but the area is not blighted by it.

"It's a lovely area and I think it would make great playground."

The city council's own planning officers are considering the scheme.

Play park plan for Leicester city centre

Back on track with arts group anti-crime project

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A community arts group is running a programme encouraging young people to explore attitudes to violent crime using music.

2Funky Arts has launched its latest Words Without Weapons workshops for youths aged 11 and 19 at Leicester's Curve theatre. Funded by the Home Office Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives Fund, the 10-week programme sees participants write lyrics and music focusing on themes of anti-violence and from the perspective of victims.

Vijay Mistry, of 2Funky Arts, said: "This is the fourth round of our successful programme.

"It has already demonstrated the power of lyricism in encouraging young people to empathise with victims of crime.

For more details, e-mail:

vijay@2funkyarts.co.uk

Back on track with arts group anti-crime project

Mayor facing rebellion on Leicester travellers' sites

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Sir Peter Soulsby's controversial decision to develop two travellers' sites in Leicester has been challenged by a group of Labour city councillors.

Earlier this month, city mayor Sir Peter announced he would press on with plans for council-controlled pitches in Red Hill Way, Mowmacre Hill, and Greengate Lane, Beaumont Leys.

It followed months of consultation and ferocious opposition from campaigners.

Now, councillors from Sir Peter's party have used "call in" rules to try to get him to rethink the decision, which he had been set to personally sign off.

Under legislation, if five members question a decision made by the mayor, they can call it in and force it to be discussed by the council.

It is the first time the legislation has been used to question one of Sir Peter's decisions since he was elected in May 2010, and the first formal challenge from within the city Labour group.

The move has been made by councillors for Abbey Ward, Annette Byrne and Harshad Bhavsar, and Beaumont Leys members Paul Westley, Sundip Meghani and assistant mayor Vi Dempster.

Sir Peter said he was "comfortable" with the call-in.

He said: "On a decision as big and important as this I am not surprised. I really do understand that those councillors have to represent the views of the people in their ward. They have a job to do."

Sir Peter said he still believed he had made the right decision on the sites, but the issue will now have to be debated when the council meets on Thursday.

If the council recommends a different decision be taken, the mayor will announce a decision on that recommendation, with reasons, confirming whether he dismisses the alternative.

The Mercury attempted to contact all five councillors but only Paul Westley was available for comment.

He said: "I would like a rethink on the Beaumont Leys site. I accept the mayor has grasped the nettle on this, but people in my ward are unhappy, and I was elected to speak for them.

"Even mayors have to be accountable to the people and the council and they can be challenged. People don't elect us to be mice, shivering and whimpering."

Councillor Westley said he thought Sir Peter "should consider a site on Ratby Lane which is more suitable".

He added Sir Peter "may have to get used to more challenges, particularly when we look at the budget".

The LE4 Action Group collected 2,700 signatures on a petition against the sites in the north of the city, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living the other side of the city boundary, in places such as Birstall.

Group spokesman Roy Rollings said: "I am glad the councillors have called it in because it shines more light on the matter."

Opposition Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Porter said: "It may be late but it looks like some Labour councillors have found the guts to stand up to the mayor."

Tory opposition councillor Ross Grant said he thought the call-in was a stunt.

He said: "It looks stage managed. It's a talking shop. It allows those councillors to claim they have opposed a decision people in their wards dislike."

Mayor facing  rebellion on Leicester travellers' sites

Homes plan will return terraces to Leicester's Filbert Street

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New plans have been drawn up to redevelop part of the site of Leicester City's former Filbert Street ground.

Developer Filbert Ltd wants to build 77 four-bedroom terraced homes on the land.

The area was turned into a temporary car park, but in March last year Leicester City Council refused to extend its use for another year.

Leicester City quit Filbert Street in 2002 to relocate to nearby Filbert Way.

The land was bought for redevelopment and a large student halls complex was built on part of the site.

However, much of the land was left empty after plans for a further 405 flats and 10 houses did not go ahead and developers Downing Development established the 220-space car park – used by nearby hospital workers. An appeal by Downing against the council's refusal to allow continued car parking has yet to be determined but now Filbert Ltd has come in with a new plan.

Tamsin Cottle, of Strutt and Parker, which represents Filbert Ltd, said the previous flats scheme was no longer viable so new plans had been drawn up.

She said: "We have always said the long-term aim was to redevelop the site.

"The original scheme is not viable but the market has now improved and the intention is to develop four-bedroom terraced houses.

"The terraces are intended to fit in with properties in nearby streets and will provide affordable family housing."

Ms Cottle said: "We are still waiting for the result of the appeal.

"Not everybody liked the car park but it was used by hospital workers.

"It is hoped there can be redevelopment of the site."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he hoped the remaining part of the site would be redeveloped subject to planning permission being granted.

He said: "I am glad new plans have been prepared.

"I have been concerned the granting of short-term permission for car parking on land earmarked for long-term redevelopment tends to release the pressure on developers to get on with it.

"I hope we will soon be getting much-needed housing on a brownfield site that has remained unused for many years."

Darren Ginns, 27, from Burnmoor Street, near the old football ground, said: "Everyone has wondered what will happen there for ages.

"I'll believe some houses will get built there the moment I see a builder turn up with some bricks.

"I can't see it being built on any time in the near future because the economy is stuffed."

Planning officers at Leicester City Council are considering the scheme.

Homes plan will return  terraces    to Leicester's Filbert Street

Tragic last flight of pilot Pete Barnes who helped to save so many lives

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The pilot who died after his helicopter crashed in central London yesterday used to help save lives by flying for the air ambulance in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Former colleagues at the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) paid tribute to Captain Pete Barnes who, along with a passer-by, was killed in the 8am tragedy in Vauxhall, London.

The 50-year-old's helicopter crashed on to the street, injuring 12 people, after it clipped a crane on top of The Tower, in the St George development – one of Europe's tallest residential buildings.

Captain Barnes, a former pupil at Oakham School, was believed to be on a solo scheduled flight from Surrey to Hertfordshire when he diverted due to bad weather.

Andy Williamson, chief executive of DLRAA, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Pete was killed in the helicopter accident in London.

"Pete had worked with us for many years and will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts are with his family, and with all the families affected by this tragedy."

Dr Sanjiv Nichani, consultant paediatrician and children's intensive care consultant at Leicester's hospitals and the Ecmo unit at Glenfield Hospital, said Mr Barnes would be greatly missed.

"It is an immense and tragic loss of such a valued member of the paramedical team helping to transport extremely vulnerable and critically ill patients to allow them to get treatment right away," he said.

"He will be sorely missed and he will be hard to replace. Our prayers are with his family."

As well as flying the air ambulance, freelance pilot Captain Barnes also rubbed shoulders with celebrities as a commercial pilot who ferried stars around.

He also flew on TV and on film. His flying credits include James Bond movies, Saving Private Ryan and the popular BBC TV show Coast.

In an interview with the Derby Telegraph, Captain Barnes said he enjoyed the showbiz element of his career but that the air ambulance work was more satisfying.

He said: "I've flown celebrities, such as Lewis Hamilton, and been in films such as Tomb Raider 2 and the James Bond films Casino Royale, and Die Another Day, but flying the air ambulance means I can put my skills to use saving lives."

When yesterday's morning rush hour crash happened, Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan, who has a south London flat, was making her way to Vauxhall Underground station. She said: "I'm not very good at judging distances but I was a couple of streets away, heading to the Tube.

"I didn't see the helicopter crash, but I heard an almighty bang.

"My first thought was, 'Did I just hear that?' Then there was so much black smoke, so I knew something bad had happened.

"It was very alarming. I wondered whether it was a bomb.

"It is an awful tragedy that there has been a loss of life."

Fire crews rescued a man from a burning car, and London Ambulance Service took six people to hospital and treated seven people at the scene.

Prime Minister David Cameron was "very saddened to learn of the fatalities and injuries" in the tragedy, his spokesman said.

The crash caused chaos in the capital.

Vauxhall Tube station was closed, several roads were blocked off and buses were forced to make diversions.

The driver of the crane avoided injury because he was late for work and was not in the cabin when the helicopter collided with it.

Tragic last flight  of pilot Pete Barnes who helped to save so many lives

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