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Leicester man who placed pig's head outside Thurnby Lodge community centre used by Muslims spared jail

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A man who placed a pig's head at the door of a community centre used by Muslims has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Liam Ferrar (24) appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court for sentencing yesterday, after pleading guilty to religiously aggravated harassment.

Ferrar went to Thurnby Lodge Community Centre, in Thurncourt Road, Leicester, in the early hours of December 26 and placed the severed head by the locked doors.

The head was facing worshippers from Muslim group As Salaam as they arrived at the centre that morning for prayers.

District Judge John Temperley, sentencing Ferrar to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, told him: "You were well aware of the significance of your actions.

"You knew what you did would cause great distress. Indeed, that was your intention."

"The pig's head was positioned in such a way it could not be avoided by all those, including, potentially, young children, who had the misfortune to enter the building that morning.

"It is easy to imagine the shock, distress and disgust they would have felt.

"But the harm you caused goes further. Others in the community and beyond would also have been affected when news of the incident spread, prompting profound alarm, fear and insecurity."

The offence was committed at a time when protests were being held outside the community centre over plans by Leicester City Council to allow As Salaam take over a disused Scout hut nearby.

Mr Temperley said Ferrar would have been "keenly aware" of that background.

He said: "It should have been obvious what you did was intimidatory and would only serve to inflame an already tense and volatile situation."

He said the offence was so serious only a custodial sentence was justified. But Ferrar's remorse, previous good character, work in the community and the fact he was "highly unlikely to appear before a criminal court again" meant the sentence would be suspended.

The judge ordered Ferrar to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £85.

Ferrar had been to a party before he planted the head, which he had acquired at a barbecue the previous summer and kept in a freezer at his home in Brook Road, Thurnby Lodge.

Louise Cox, prosecuting, said Ferrar was a member of the Forgotten Estates group "that has been involved in protests about the use of the Scout hut".

Ferrar, who had acted as a liaison between the group and police and was seen by officers as a "calming influence", was recognised on the centre's CCTV footage.

After being arrested on December 28, he "became tearful" and confessed.

Ferrar's solicitor, Stephen Morris, said his client was deeply ashamed of what he had done and had distanced himself from Forgotten Estates.

He said Ferrar was concerned at the lack of facilities in the area and coached a junior football team for which he paid for items from his own pocket.

When the judge said the sentence would be suspended there was a sigh of relief from Ferrar's family and supporters.

After the hearing, Maxine Williams, licensee of the Stirrup Cup pub and a founding member of Forgotten Estates, said: "I was pleased for Liam that he is not going to prison.

"He is a good chap really."

As Salaam imam Moulana Mohammed Lockhat said: "We are happy justice has been done. We hope this will discourage anyone else from taking part in acts which promote religious and racial hatred."

Mr Morris said: "My client wishes to apologise to the As Salaam Trust for any distress his actions have caused."

Read the judge's comments in full, at:

www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk

Leicester man who placed  pig's head  outside Thurnby Lodge community centre used by Muslims spared jail


Tens of millions 'will be needed to pay for roads' as new homes built in Leicestershire

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Tens of millions of pounds will need to be spent on building new roads and improving existing ones to cope with the impact of thousands of new homes being built in Leicestershire, experts have revealed.

Charnwood Borough Council is trying to decide on which sites should be earmarked for construction over the next 15 years so it can meet Government-set house building targets.

It needs to find space for about 11,000 homes, as well as 276 acres of employment land, by 2028. It is anticipated there will be a large increase in traffic resulting from the developments and a new report by transport consultants MVA said nearly £80 million will have to invested so the roads can handle it.

The suggested improvements include dualling Troon Way and building a £17 million road from Barkby Thorpe Lane to Hamilton Lane.

Developers will be expected to meet those costs and opponents of the proposed house-building, which will be largely on farmland, say the vast expense could deter builders.

The Barkby and Barkby Thorpe Parishes Action Group (Babtag) is fighting plans to build 4,500 properties on the edge of Thurmaston.

Babtag chairman Owen Bentley said: "The sheer cost of the road improvements needed is a concern. Developers will need to pay millions up front before they have built a single home.

"There are also some very contentious roads that will need to be built.

"Also, these measures start from the basis that the traffic is at acceptable levels at the moment. Roads around us are already congested."

Mr Bentley said Babtag had asked its own traffic consultants to challenge the findings of the council's experts and he is expecting their response later this month.

The council's cabinet is set to discuss the report when it meets in April, ahead of a public consultation in May.

Council leader David Slater said the cost of the road improvements would not put off developers.

He said: "It works out to be £7,100 per dwelling. If you assume each house will be £200,000 on average, I don't think it will be prohibitive.

"So much major infrastructure is needed and the building can't go ahead without it."

Tens of millions   'will be needed  to pay for roads' as new homes built in Leicestershire

Bus badly damaged in blaze in Witherley, near Hinckley

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Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled a fire in a single-decker bus on Monday morning. The fire broke out on the empty 52-seater as it travelled along Atterton Lane, Witherley, near Hinckley shortly after 7.30am. Fire crews from Hinckley and Atherstone were called but could not prevent the vehicle from being badly damaged. The cause is believed to have been accidental. No-one was injured.

Bus badly damaged in blaze in Witherley, near Hinckley

Leicester and Leicestershire to get more independence from Whitehall

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Leicester and Leicestershire are to get more power to decide for themselves how they spend their budgets, the Government has announced. The move - called City Deals - aims to give areas more power to help them thrive. Under the scheme, the city and county will have more power to decide how to use their budgets to meet local needs, such as shaping public transport and encouraging new businesses to start up. In return, the areas must demonstrate they have a strong plan for local growth. The Government said it would work closely with the areas to negotiate a deal over the next year. Making the announcement last night, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council would be part of the Whitehall scheme to create jobs and spearhead economic growth. He said: "Even more places will be free from Whitehall control and have the tools to power their own growth. These deals help cities and their wider areas make once in a generation changes that will be felt by everyone across their region. "Letting go of power and money doesn't come naturally to Whitehall. Over time, the economic importance of other parts of the country has been devastatingly downplayed, as the economic elite have narrowed the debate towards a London-centric view. "Rather than let our industries and communities wither, we need to free up cities outside of London that have their own unique selling points." The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council joined forces to put forward the City Deal bid last November. Under the scheme, the LLEP and councils will pool some of their land and budgets to achieve transport improvements and developments, in return for extra Government powers and control of funding. A series of negotiations will now take place with the Government to determine the details of the City Deal. LLEP chairman Andrew Bacon said: "This City Deal is a genuine opportunity for us to influence uplift in business growth and job creation. "Giving control to local authorities will ensure that delivery of economic growth schemes and how money is spent is managed on a local level, by those who understand the needs of the local area." City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I welcome this very positive Government announcement on the awarding of a City Deal for Leicester and Leicestershire. "We will now enter into detailed negotiations with the Cabinet Office to agree the support that can be provided on delivering the new employment and business opportunities I have outlined in Leicester's Economic Action Plan. "I hope that the City Deal will give Leicester priority status to attract new Government grants in the future and look forward to working with my county and district council and LLEP colleagues to bring new investment into the area." Nick Rushton, leader of Tory-run Leicestershire County Council, said: "This bid could lead to significant changes in our area, such as unlocking and speeding up delivery of development. "It will help satisfy future growth needs of businesses and have a great impact on our construction industry and its supply chains, creating thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships. "I'm keen to work with the business community, the city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, and the district councils, to benefit the entire area." The deal will allow both authorities to pool land and funding, so that they can take more control of development priorities and building infrastructure. It will also allow them to keep additional business rate income, which could mean that fewer services have to be cut. Some 28 areas are now part of the City Deal scheme, which is part of proposals to increase the amount of government spending local authorities across England can control.

Leicester and Leicestershire to get more independence from Whitehall

Hayley Pointon murder inquiry: Police search canal in Hinckley

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Police have made a fresh appeal after the murder of mother-of-two Hayley Pointon, in Hinckley. The appeal has been made as specialist officers are due to search a canal today near to where the murder happened. The searches are taking place in Nutts Lane, in Hinckley. Hayley, 30, from Coventry, died of a single gun shot wound and was found at a house in Sunnydale Road, on Sunday, February 3. Two men aged 29 and 36 have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Police are still urging witnesses to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood said: "We are doing all we can to bring those responsible for Hayley's murder to justice and this most recent search is just one of many lines of enquiry. "Although it has been two week's since Hayley's death, the pain and grief felt by her family is still very raw. At the heart of this investigation is a young mother who should still be here with her two children and we cannot forget that. "So far we have spoken to some really helpful people, however, I have no doubt in my mind that someone out there knows who did this. Someone knows what happened to Hayley, someone knows why it happened and someone knows who took her life. I want to reassure those people that it isn't too late to get in touch and any information that you can provide will still be extremely important to this investigation. "It may be that you feel that you cannot call police or feel that there may be repercussions if you do. I would like to reassure you that the information you provide to us will be treated confidentially and you also have the option of calling Crimestoppers anonymously too. "We are appealing for any information that might help us, even the smallest detail. Following the incident two men, who both had their hoods up, left the scene in a dark coloured hatchback car that was parked nearby and was seen in Northfield Avenue and Coventry Road shortly after. If you know anything about that car or its occupants please call us. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.

Hayley Pointon murder inquiry: Police search canal in Hinckley

Gang of teenagers cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage on rampage through Narborough

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A gang of teenagers "rampaged and rioted" through a village, smashing cars and windows and terrifying residents.
Business owners and residents said between 15 and 20 teenage boys caused widespread damage in Narborough, Leicester, last night.
They smashed windows at three businesses, before destroying a wall and using the bricks to damage cars.
The gang then smashed every single window in a church hall which was being used by a women's sports group and attempted to smash the door in, according to residents.
A woman who was at her elderly mother's home in Chapel Court, Narborough, when she heard young people gathering outside, said: "We heard an enormous bang.
"They had gathered in the car park outside her house and knocked one of the coping stones off the top of the wall nearby.
"They were throwing them at the cars and smashing a guy's car window.
"It is absolutely disgusting. My mother now says she is frightened to be in her own home."

Gang of teenagers cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage on rampage through Narborough

Tories spent most for Leicestershire crime commissioner election

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The Conservatives slightly outspent Labour in their bid to win the police and crime commissioner election.

Published figures show the Tories spent £14,727.79 in their successful effort to get Sir Clive Loader elected to the position. Labour spent £14,480.06 trying to win it for its candidate, Sarah Russell.

Former senior RAF officer Sir Clive was backed by 64,661 voters. Leicester assistant mayor Councillor Russell got 51,835 votes.

Independent Suleman Nagdi, got 21,744 votes, having spent £5,243.75 on his campaign.

Under election laws there was a spending cap of just over £140,000 for each candidate.

The spending figures have been published by North West Leicestershire District Council, which acted as the returning authority for the election. They showed Sir Clive's campaign team spent £2,320 on advertising, slightly more than £10,300 on fliers, leaflets and posters, £1,566 on agent and staff costs and £500 on office accommodation and administration costs.

Coun Russell's campaign spending included £50 on advertising, £9,075.23 on publicity material, £861 on transport, £4,040.98 on agent and staff costs and just over £450 on accommodation and administration.

Mr Nagdi spent nearly £3,800 on advertising, £1,400 on leaflets and posters and £78.74 on accommodation.

Sir Clive's campaign received £13,200 of donations from Conservative Party associations across Leicestershire and Rutland. Unions and local Labour parties donated £14,480.06, Coun Russell's total campaign spend.

Mr Nagdi received £6,310 in donations from businesses and individuals. He said that figure was higher than his total spend because he had declared £2,160 in sponsorship from a dairy as a donation.

The cash was paid by the dairy directly to an advertising agency and not to himself.

Tories spent most for Leicestershire crime commissioner election

Driver, 84, airlifted to hospital after three-vehicle crash on the A426 Lutterworth Road, Leicestershire

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An elderly man was airlifted to hospital after a crash involving three vehicles on the A426 Lutterworth Road, in Leicestershire. Fire crews had to cut the roof off the car so that the badly injured man could be released from the wreckage. The crash happened at about 1.30pm on Monday on the A426, south of Dunton Bassett. It involved a Chevrolet Kalos, a Vauxhall Corsa and a Vauxhall Vivaro van. After being cut free, the 84-year-old driver of the Chevrolet was taken to Coventry and Warwickshire University Hospital for treatment, where his condition is described as stable. A spokesperson for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) said: "The helicopter landed in a nearby field and the paramedics set about treating the casualty's leg, arm and chest injuries." The Corsa driver was treated in hospital for minor injuries. The van driver was not injured. Detective Constable Ady Keeble, who is investigating the collision, said the Chevrolet and Vauxhall Vivaro were travelling along Lutterworth Road towards Dunton Bassett when the collision happened, and the Corsa was travelling in the opposite direction. He appealed to anyone who saw the crash to call him on 101. Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Driver, 84, airlifted to hospital after three-vehicle crash on the A426 Lutterworth Road, Leicestershire


Motorcyclist in critical condition after crash in Wigston

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A motorcyclist is in a critical condition following a crash. The collision happened in Leicester Road, Wigston, at the junction with Carlton Drive, at about 12pm yesterday. It involved a brown Mercedes van and a blue Kawasaki motorbike. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment, where he is in a critical but stable condition. Nobody else was hurt in the collision. Detective Constable Pete Davies, who is investigating the incident, said the motorbike was travelling towards the city and the Mercedes in the opposite direction when the collision occurred. "We would like to speak to anyone who was driving or walking along Leicester Road or Carlton Drive yesterday around the time of the collision," he added. "Did you see either vehicle prior to the incident? Any information you have could help us with our investigation so please don't hesitate to get in touch." Call Det Con Davies on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Motorcyclist in critical condition after crash in Wigston

Woman charged with death by careless driving following fatal collision in Rutland

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A woman has been charged with death by careless driving following a collision in Rutland in June last year. The crash happened on June 24 on the southbound carriageway of the A1 in Stretton, and involved a Vauxhall Vectra and a Rover 400. The driver of the Rover, 79-year-old Norman Searles, and one of the three passengers, 77-year-old June Searles, both of Chatham, in Kent, suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. A 38-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the collision in June last year and has subsequently been charged with death by careless driving. She is due to appear at Loughborough Magistrates' Court on March 13.

Woman charged with death by careless driving following fatal collision in Rutland

Horsemeat scare increases business for Harborough butchers and farm shops

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The horsemeat scare may be bad news for supermarkets, but it's good news for butchers and farm shops in Market Harborough, who have all reported an increase in demand of between 10 – 20 per cent for cuts of meat, sausages, burgers, mince, ready meals and pies.

Over the last 20 years the number of local butchers in the UK has dropped from 30,000 to 6,000 (source NFMFT) and we are very lucky to have two outstanding butchers, and two farm shops on our doorstep.

Farndon Fields Farm Shop
Ben Williams, Head Butcher at Farndon Fields farm shop said, "We have experienced a 20% increase in sales of meat and meat products. We rear our own lambs and source pork and beef from local farms.  Our customers can be confident that the animals are slaughtered locally and fully traceable. We also grow a fresh range of ingredients for our sausages and ready meals and are optimistic that the new customers that we have attracted will return."   
Mrs Smith, who was making a purchase said, "All the meat here is absolutely delicious and the service exemplary."

Farndon Fields Farm Shop has just won a Countryside Alliance regional award for sourcing food locally and will go on to represent the region in the national finals– dubbed the Rural Oscars, at in Westminster on March 13.

John Ross Butchers
Chris Moore, owner of John Ross Butchers, in the Old Market Hall said, "Sales of meat are up by 10%." Chris takes a pride in being involved in every step of the field to fork process and said, "Our meat comes from Melton, Grantham and Newark and I personally go to the abattoir on the day that the animals are slaughtered. All the animals we select are grass fed and female because the meat is tenderer."  I asked John whether prices were more expensive than in supermarkets, "Every two weeks I do a price check of all the local supermarkets and apart from the specials that are on offer, we are generally cheaper."

I spoke to Lesley Swaplow who was standing in the queue, she said, "I will use the butchers until the supermarkets have sorted themselves out. The meat here is brilliant quality, but sometimes it is down to how much time I have and often it is easier to shop in the supermarket."

Bates Butchers
Eddie Partyka, owner of Bates Butchers said,"We have seen an increase in customers of between 15 -20 per cent, many of whom are surprised at the price; chicken is far cheaper, lamb slightly cheaper and beef around the same price." I asked Eddie why many people believed that supermarket meat was cheaper, he said, "Supermarkets advertise a product price which is actually less important than the price per kilo.  I advise all customers to check out the price per kilo  . . they will be amazed at how competitive we are."

Waterloo Cottage Farm Shop
Kirsty Clarke joint owner of Waterloo Cottage Farm in Great Oxendon, said "More people are coming to us from Harborough than ever before and many are enquiring about where our meat comes from and what is in our ready meals." Kirsty went on to explain "All our meat is reared here or locally.  It has no added colour or preservatives and is almost entirely grass fed, which not only increases the omega 3 content of the meat and reduces cholesterol, but ensures that all our animals have longer, healthier lives. Our ready made meals are baked on the premises." 

In my experience, meat tastes much better when it is bought from a butcher – they know where their meat has come from, how the animals have been reared, will prepare it to suit your requirements and can offer advice about the most suitable cut and cooking method.  They also sell home produced and additive free pies, pasties, sausages, burgers and cooked meats.   

Horsemeat scare increases business for Harborough butchers and farm shops

Leicester vs Charlton: Kermorgant returns to haunt Foxes

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Yann Kermorgant returned to the King Power Stadium to haunt Leicester as the Frenchman scored one and created another in Charlton's 2-1 npower Championship victory.

The 31-year-old, who also scored in the Addicks 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in August, was playing in Leicester for the first-time since his costly play-off semi-final penalty miss two years ago during an ill-fated spell with the Foxes.

Booed throughout, Kermorgant, almost inevitably, had the last laugh as Charlton performed a textbook smash-and-grab raid against a Leicester side who dominated from start to finish.

Both Kermorgant's first-half opener and Danny Haynes' winner came completely against the run of play, while the returning Chris Wood's leveller was not enough to earn his side anything from the game.

It continued Nigel Pearson's manager-of-the-month curse; since winning five out of five in January the Foxes boss has now overseen three straight defeats.

Leicester's first opening came in just the third minute as David Nugent advanced down the left wing and squared the ball for Anthony Knockaert, who rode a challenge on the edge of the area before delivering a fierce shot which Ben Hamer did well to parry behind.

The Foxes were enjoying the better of the opening exchanges and Paul Konchesky should have done better in the ninth minute when Ben Marshall put him clear down the left flank, but the former England full-back picked out a defender with his cut-back when three Leicester forwards were lurking.

The visitors went in front after 19 minutes when Pritchard got free down the left channel and pulled back for Kermorgant, who neatly converted from 12 yards to a chorus of boos from the fans of his former employers.

Marshall came close to restoring parity in the 37th minute when he collected a cross-field ball on halfway, surged forward and, as the Charlton defence parted, flashed a powerful drive which Hamer initially spilled before smothering.

Knockaert fluffed a golden opportunity to equalise six minutes before half-time.

Richie DeLaet went on a marauding run down the right flank, beat two Athletic defenders and picked out the Frenchman, who ballooned his effort over the bar with only Hamer to beat.

Charlton showed little attacking intent throughout the evening, but they might have had a second four minutes after the interval when Kermorgant brilliantly put Pritchard clean through, only for the striker's audacious attempted lob over Kasper Schmeichel to sail harmlessly into the crowd.

The Danish keeper then spilt Johnnie Jackson's 57th-minute free-kick at the feet of Michael Morrison, only to recover superbly and tip the defender's shot away.

Leicester thought they had equalised shortly before the hour-mark as Matty James played in Wood, who finished calmly only to see the flag raised for off-side.

Wood's anger intensified seven minutes later when Leon Cort appeared to deflect his 20-yard shot behind with his arm, but it was a case of third time lucky just two minutes later.

DeLaet went on another foray into opposition territory and the Belgian's centre deflected kindly for the 21-year-old to fire home an eighth goal in seven matches since arriving from West Brom.

There appeared to be only one winner at that stage, but Charlton substitute Haynes latched on to Kermorgant's flick and, with the Leicester defence standing off, unleashed a 20-yard left-foot effort which sailed into the top-left corner of Schmeichel's goal.

The visitors were indebted to Hamer for securing victory when he tipped Danny Drinkwater's fizzing 30 yard effort behind in the closing minutes, and Wood rifled a 20-yard free-kick narrowly wide deep into stoppage time.

Gran Pamela Chamberlain ordered to leave Leicester flat after drugs used and sold there

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A great-grandmother has been kicked out of her council flat after a court found drugs had been used and sold there.

Pamela Chamberlain, 73, and her grandson have been ordered out of their home in Stocking Farm, Leicester, for three months under a "crack house closure order".

Police yesterday convinced Leicester magistrates Chamberlain and 21-year-old Spencer Mottram had ignored warnings from officers and the city council about drug-related activity and other anti-social behaviour.

Chamberlain challenged the police version of events twice during the hearing, saying she would be happy to undergo a lie detector test on the Jeremy Kyle television show.

Following the hearing, she went to the city council to report herself and her grandson as temporarily homeless.

Her flat in Topcliffe Walk was sealed up with metal shutters.

The city council said it would honour its duty to provide some form of temporary accommodation.

Police said the behaviour of a group of men – said to be Mottram's friends – had left some people in the neighbourhood scared and intimidated.

Chamberlain, who was unable to secure legal aid and represented herself, told the court evidence presented by police – including heroin and crack cocaine worth £3,500 found during a raid last month – was "fabricated".

"I would never condone anything like this. I have never dealt in or allowed class A drugs on the premises," she said.

"All I have ever done on that estate is goodness. I could have brought 100 people here today to tell you that."

She called two neighbours as witnesses, who both said they had not seen drug misuse in her flat.

Asked by District Judge John Temperley about the men who visited her flat, she said: "They are nice boys, Your Worship. They're Spencer's friends.

"I told them 'If you ever bring any drugs into this house I'll call the Old Bill'. They are boisterous but they would never cause anyone any harm."

Police executed a drugs warrant at the flat in early January.

Officers found heroin and crack cocaine under the kitchen window in a communal yard. They arrested six men in the flat.

Lists of names and figures which police believe detailed drugs transactions were orders for take-away meals, Chamberlain claimed.

She said two sets of digital scales had only been used for weighing pieces of broken gold jewellery she sold for scrap.

Pc Simon Walters, who covers the Stocking Farm beat, said: "I am stopped regularly in the street or receive telephone calls from people telling us things are getting out of hand and they do not feel safe.

"One woman was in tears and was pleading for help, saying she could not take any more.

"This is a call I don't think I will ever forget because she referred to taking her own life."

Pc Walters said he had watched the flat one evening and saw a number of people approach it, meet a man outside and leave after five seconds.

The court heard that complaints first began to surface in mid-2009.

Mr Temperley granted the closure for three months, saying that "on the balance of probability" drug taking and misuse had taken place at the house and would continue if the order was not granted.

Following the hearing, assistant city mayor Sarah Russell said: "We welcome this action, which was necessary to tackle this problem and the impact it was having on neighbours who have a right to live in peace and safety."

Gran  Pamela Chamberlain  ordered to leave Leicester flat after drugs used and sold there

135 Year Old Steam Locomotive to return home to Loughborough

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The Talyllyn Railway's Locomotive No.3  Sir Haydn is going on its travels in April, when it is due to be moved to Leicestershire to appear at the Great Central Railway's Swithland Steam Gala between 26th and 28th April 2013. Here it will be displayed in the yard at Quorn and Woodhouse station along with a Talyllyn publicity and sales stand staffed by volunteers from the railway.

The Talyllyn Railway is a narrow gauge railway opened for goods traffic in 1865, which has operated continuously since between Tywyn on the west coast of Wales and Nant Gwernol just over seven miles inland. In 1951 operation of the line was taken over by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society and became the world's first preserved railway.

Operation of the line is primarily by volunteers from all walks of life, with a small paid staff. It is now a major tourist attraction in the mid-Wales area, contributing significantly to the area's economy.


This is an appropriate venue for the locomotive to visit as it is very close to the original works where it was built in 1878. These were the works of Henry Hughes' 'Hughes's Locomotive & Tramway Engine Works Ltd.' in Loughborough, which later became the 'Falcon Engine and Car Works'. This in turn was taken over by the 'Brush Electrical Engineering Company' in the early twentieth century.

No.3 'Sir Haydn' was the third of three identical 0-4-0's built by Hughes for the 2ft 3ins gauge Corris Railway, being rebuilt as an 0-4-2 in 1900. It continued to serve the line until it closed in 1948. In 1951 it, along with Corris No.4, was purchased by the embryonic Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society for the Talyllyn where it has worked ever since, although it has returned to the Corris on two occasions in the last few years. It was named Sir Haydn on the Talyllyn after the long-time owner of the line before it was preserved, but often appears as its alter-ego Sir Handel from the Skarloey Railway.

Richard Patching, Great Central Railway's General Manager said 'Although it will not be in steam it should prove to be a unique attraction during the gala, along with, hopefully, another standard gauge diesel Loughborough locomotive, plus the other attractions at the station including the working turntable.' All Talyllyn members are also entitled to privilege ticket rates during the gala, upon production of a valid membership card.

A spokesman for the Talyllyn commented 'Our thanks must go to all those who have made this visit possible and enabled No.3 to return to its birthplace. Particularly we would like to thank the Corris Railway Society for being so gracious in releasing the locomotive to us. We hope that it will prove to be a great attraction during the gala.'

135 Year Old Steam Locomotive to return home to Loughborough

Match verdict: Charlton stunner rocks Leicester City's hopes

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Leicester City suffered a huge blow to their hopes of promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 defeat at home to Charlton last night.

Manager Nigel Pearson fielded a full-strength team after making several changes for the FA Cup defeat against Huddersfield last week.

Former City striker Yann Kermorgant came back to haunt his old club by putting Charlton on the way to victory, and Danny Haynes cancelled out Chris Wood's equaliser.

3 min: Anthony Knockaert does well to wriggle free on the edge of the box and test Ben Hamer with a left-footed strike which the Charlton keeper pushes around the post for a corner.

7 min: Bradley Pritchard picks up the ball from a long kick and fires wide from distance. Charlton are going very direct, with former City striker Yann Kermorgant the targetman, and have started quite well.

9 min: Good combination between Ben Marshall and Paul Konchesky, and Konchesky just fails to pick out a City player inside the area. The ball comes back into the area and Wes Morgan heads over.

19 min: GOAL 0-1 A terrible mistake by Danny Drinkwater gifts the ball to Pritchard inside the City box and he pulls the ball back for Kermorgant, who stuns his former side with a neat finish. It was a blind pass backwards from Drinkwater and City have been punished for a sloppy start.

30 min: Johnnie Jackson is booked for a rash challenge but there is no question that the visitors are winning the 50-50s, to the frustration of City fans.

35 min: City just cannot get their passing going and squander possession repeatedly. The front two of Chris Wood and David Nugent just cannot seem to get hold of the ball and provide City with a platform for their attacks. Credit to Charlton for their doggedness in defence.

37 min: City surge forward and Marshall's shot is spilled by Hamer, but the Addicks keeper gathers at the feet of Nugent.

39 min: A piece of City quality as Ritchie De Laet surges down the right and beats two defenders before teeing up Knockaert, but the Frenchman scoops his finish over the bar.

45+1 min: Marshall cuts inside off the left flank and shoots from 20 yards but it is way wide. That sums up the first half for City.

45+1 min: Jackson shoots from 20 yards out but it is wide of the target.

H-t: min: City 0 Charlton 1

49 min: Knockaert again gives away possession and Pritchard is almost sent clean through but takes his shot early with Konchesky closing in and fires wildly wide.

52 min: Schmeichel makes a hash of Jackson's high ball but redeems himself with a good save to deny another former City player, Michael Morrison, a second for the visitors.

58 min: Morgan's pass dissects the Charlton defence and wood finishes but he is flagged off-side.

64 min: Marshall's corner flashes across the Charlton box but Nugent and Morgan cannot get a vital touch to it.

64 min: CITY SUBSTITUTIONS Paul Gallagher for Marshall, Lloyd Dyer for Knockaert.

67 min: Wood shoots from outside the box and it appears to hit Leon Cort on the arm. Referee Michael Naylor gives a corner.

69 min: GOAL 1-1 De Laet makes another surging run into the box and the ball ricochets into the path of Wood who slots home.

75 min: Konchesky's deep cross is headed into the area by De Laet and the ball falls for Wood, but he hooks his half volley over the bar.

79 min: GOAL 1-2 Danny Haynes scores with a dipping half-volley on the turn just minutes after coming on. City had showed signs of taking control and that goal has come out of the blue.

79 min: CITY SUBSTITUTION Andy King for James.

88 min: Wood's deflected shot is inches wide with Hamer stranded. City are having no luck.

88 min: Hamer touches Drinkwater's strike from distance around the post at full stretch.

90+4 min: Wood has a great chance with a free-kick on the edge of the area but his strike beats the wall and flashes past the far post.

f-t: City 1 Charlton 2

Match verdict: Charlton stunner rocks Leicester City's hopes


Leicestershire dole queue rise blamed on end of temporary seasonal jobs

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The number of people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance in Leicestershire rose by 735 last month, figures revealed today. The combined claimant count for the city and county increased by 3 per cent to 21,935 between December and January. In the city, the figure went up 320 to 12,475, while in the county it rose by 415 to 9,470. Max Boden, policy manager at Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, blamed the impact of temporary seasonal shop, bar and hotel jobs coming to an end. "We take the view this is a shake out of seasonal jobs," he said. Mr Boden said the 150 redundancies in Leicestershire last month after the closure of Leicester camera chain Jessops would not be included in the figures. However, he said some of the 100 jobs lost when building firm Hallam Contracts, of Oadby, collapsed in November would be.

Leicestershire dole queue rise blamed on end of temporary seasonal jobs

Rampaging teens leave trail of fear and damage in Leicestershire village

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Villagers were left terrified after a group of teenagers went on a rampage, smashing cars and shop windows.

Up to 20 youngsters were involved in the attacks, which caused widespread damage in Narborough on Monday night.

Windows at a newsagents, a cafe and a hardware shop in the village were smashed. The thugs also destroyed a wall and used the bricks to damage cars.

The vandals – estimated to be aged 14 to 16 and mostly boys – then smashed every window in a church hall.

Their spree of vandalism began at the Mercury News Shop, in Coventry Road, at about 8pm.

David Ovington-Creighton, 38, was buying cigarettes when about 10 youngsters went into the shop and refused to leave. "Only two are allowed in at a time and the lady who works there was asking them to leave," he said.

"They were shouting abuse, calling her names and swearing at her.

"She was shaking. We got them out and locked the door and she called 999.

"One got a wheelie bin and threw it and broke the window. They were throwing bricks around, too.

"They then went out destroying the rest of the village."

Shop manager Dilys Smith, who was not in the store at the time, said one window was smashed during the incident – and that two others had also been broken by vandals the night before.

"It all adds up and while head office will sort it, it is going to go against our profits," she said.

"I'm not sure yet how much it will cost to fix," she said. "Why are parents not in control of their kids?"

The group then targeted a cafe and Narborough Hardware and DIY Shop, in Leicester Road.

Hardware shop owner Zoheir Broachwalla, who has been in the village for 10 years, said the vandals smashed two side windows that would cost between £300 and £400 to replace.

"Times are very difficult at the moment, everybody knows that," he said.

"Something such as this happens and it leaves a big hole in your pocket.

"This is a nice village and when something like this happens, everyone is concerned about it.

"I think the answer is to put CCTV up everywhere. It would be nice to see more police around."

After attacking the store, the thugs are believed to have congregated in a car park outside elderly people's sheltered accommodation in Chapel Court, off Leicester Road.

There, they pulled bricks off the top of a wall and hurled them at cars, smashing a windscreen.

A woman who was visiting her 86-year-old mother in Chapel Court said she heard an "enormous bang".

She said: "They had gathered in the car park outside and knocked one of the coping bricks off the top of the wall nearby. They were throwing them at the cars and smashing a guy's car window.

"It is disgusting and I'm raging. My mother now says she is frightened to be in her own home."

After the incident in Chapel Court, the teenagers ran along a lane connecting the housing complex to Narborough Congregational Church, in School Lane, pulling about 10 more bricks off the top of the wall as they went.

They smashed all the windows at the neighbouring Robjohn Church Hall and tried to break down the door, terrifying a women's badminton group who were inside.

Church leader Mick Sawyer, who was in a church committee meeting in a room next door, said the badminton players were "very frightened" by the incident.

He said at least £500 of damage was caused.

"It's a shame some youngsters have to go round doing this," Mr Sawyer said.

"They have got parents. If they knew what they were doing, maybe they might apply some discipline."

Police are in the process of taking statements and scanning CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

Sergeant Mike Cawley, of Blaby police station, said: "We are extremely disappointed with the behaviour of some youths who were congregating in the area.

"There were a number of reports of thoughtless damage in the area which we are taking extremely seriously."

He said he was aware of previous incidents of anti-social behaviour and said plain-clothes and uniformed officers had been patrolling hot-spots.

"Sporadic groups of youngsters are gathering in the area but this needs to be balanced with the fact not all young people are there to commit anti-social behaviour," Sgt Cawley said. "Any groups seen gathering in the area causing a nuisance are being dispersed.

"We would also ask parents and guardians to help us by ensuring they know where their children are and what they are doing."

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents or the youths involved should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Police arrested two more teenagers a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old youth yesterday evening (Tuesday February 19). They have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Rampaging teens leave trail of  fear and damage in Leicestershire village

Transfer news: Leicester City's Liam Moore goes on loan to Brentford

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Leicester City defender Liam Moore is set to join Brentford on loan until the end of the season.

 

The 20-year-old has made 14 appearances for City this season but has not played since their 1-0 win over Burnley in December.

 

Manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed that the youngster will be joining the League One side.

 

"He will be going out on loan – I think he needs some games," said Pearson.

 

"We have got a fully-fit squad at the moment so I think that will be good for him."

The loan deal comes as central defenders Zak Whitbread and Sean St Ledger both return from long-term injuries. The pair are both back in full training and St Ledger was a substitute in last night's defeat against Charlton.

Transfer news: Leicester City's Liam Moore goes on loan to Brentford

Leicester HMV store escapes new round of closures

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The HMV store in Leicester has escaped a new round of branch closures. The store, in High Street, is not among 37 which have today been earmarked for closure by administrators Deloitte. It comes after 66 of the entertainment stores, including the Loughborough branch, were given closure notices two weeks ago. HMV, founded 92 years ago, went into administration last month after being badly hit by competition from supermarkets and online operators such as iTunes and Amazon. The closures, due to take place over the next few weeks, would leave 116 stores across the country. Following HMV's collapse Hilco, the turnaround specialist, effectively took control of the business after buying its debt. Joint administrator Nick Edwards said: "As part of our ongoing review of HMV's financial position, we have undertaken a further review of the store portfolio and have identified an additional 37 stores for closure. "This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern. Together with the previously identified 66 closures, this restructuring will result in a residual portfolio of some 116 stores."

Leicester HMV store escapes new round of closures

Youths arrested in Narborough teen rampage investigation

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Police investigating a spate of vandalism and criminal damage in Narborough have arrested two more people. A 17-year-old and 15-year-old youth were arrested yesterday eveing in connection with a number of incidents in the Leicester Road area of the village. A16-year-old youth who was also arrested on Monday evening. It follows reports from residents that cars and windows of properties were damaged on Monday. All three youths arrested have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Sergeant Mike Cawley, of Blaby police, said: "We are extremely disappointed with the behaviour of some youths who are congregating in the area on Monday evening. "There were a number of reports of thoughtless damage in the area which we are taking extremely seriously." Anyone with information should call the police 101 number.

Youths arrested in Narborough teen rampage investigation

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