WATCH WORD

For Leicester & Leicestershire Newsletter of CITY & COUNTY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – (LEICESTER & LEICESTERSHIRE) Working in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE. Charity No. 1072275 Issue 1/2015 The City & County Neighbourhood Watch is here to represent the concerns of members and their families. We operate entirely outside the police chain of command, so we can always promise an independent and confidential service Working in SUPPORT of LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE

e-petition Fitting security screws to car number plate

Your City & County Neighbourhood Watch Association are supporting this e-petition. We would ask that you get as many of your neighbours, relatives and friends to sign as possible

We need 100,000 signatures for parliament to even discuss it. Click on the Link below Published Thursday, 08 January 2015

YOU KNOW THAT IT MAKES SENSE EARL Shilton's success in reaching the final of the government’s inaugural Great British High Street e-petition awards, has been officially recognised. fit security screws to all car number plates at The award judges, made up of representatives from point of sale & MOT to prevent their theft the government-backed Future High Street Forum praised the welcoming nature of the town Responsible department: Department for Transport and the positive way in which the Borough Council, Business Forum, Town Council and County Council Over 40,000 number plates stolen from vehicle's are working together to improve the High Street each year costing over £15 millions but to fit through the Earl Shilton Town Team Working Group security screws costs 60pence per vehicle By fitting and presented a certificate at a ceremony held at security screws to car number plates at point of sale the Palace of Westminster. or MOT takes a couple of minutes preventing YOU the POLICE and others wasting time effort and Earl Shilton’s bid focussed on the town’s on-going money SIMPLES!!! INDIA have done it already why regeneration project. Notable successes during can't we? 2014 that helped secure Earl Shilton’s award as a finalist were: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/68647  The publication of the Earl Shilton and Barwell Area Action Plan, which includes Hinckley & Bosworth strong local planning policies That will guide, support and help enable the Earl Shilton’s High Street receives regeneration of Earl Shilton over the years to come national recognition  The publication of the Earl Shilton Shopping Guide  The ‘Welcome to Earl Shilton Art Work’ on the High Street

 The Earl Shilton Investors' prospectus and also by visiting the Earl Shilton Business Forum which has successfully promoted and the Earl Shilton Town Council pages on opportunities for commercial buyers in Earl Facebook. Shilton and the surrounding area resulting in a low level of vacancies on the High Last updated: 08/01/2015 11:57 Street  The growing success of the Tuesday markets in the town centre Leicester City  A programme of shop front improvements  A strong programme of events over the Haymarket Bus Station to close course of the year for major revamp  Impressive new BMX and skate facilities at Wood Street Park through The Wood Street Youth initiative and the People’s Millions 08/01/2015

The judges also praised the range of shops and LEICESTER’S Haymarket Bus Station will close to services available on the High Street, several of the public this weekend as work begins on the main which they dropped in on during a visit to the town phase of its £13.5m redevelopment. in October. They also noted the hard work of the Earl Shilton in Bloom volunteers who have The bus station, in Charles Street, will shut to the brightened up the High Street with their fantastic public from Sunday, 11 January. displays during 2014. All 20 bus services which use the station’s existing Earl Shilton Borough Councillor Janice Richards 12 stands will move to temporary stops. The new said: bus station is due to open before Christmas 2015.

“As a member of the Town Team I am very proud of The Shopmobility service at the Haymarket Bus the enthusiasm that entering into The Great British Station has now moved to temporary premises on High Street Awards generated in Earl Shilton and the old ABC car park on Belgrave Gate. This will also in reaching the final. My thanks go to also be the new drop-off point for the city's Dial-a- everyone who helped; it just shows what can be Ride service. achieved with so many groups and residents working together. I hope that in 2015 we can build The new bus station will provide significantly more on that success.” capacity for local buses, with the number of stands almost doubling from 12 to 23. Bus services that Council Leader Stuart Bray added: use nearby on-street bus stops will be relocated into the new bus station once its open. This will “The village’s success in reaching the final of this reduce bus queueing and congestion in the area, competition is testament to all the hard work that is and help to speed up journey times. taking place to revitalise the village, as well as its shopping centre. My congratulations go to all those It will feature an attractive new concourse building who are involved in this work.” with modern facilities and the latest information systems for passengers. There is much more planned for 2015, with the Working Group Partners keen to build on its early The £13.5milllion redevelopment project will also successes. Initiatives to look out for over the course include improvements to make the area around the of 2015 include: bus station more attractive. The footpath on the opposite side of Charles Street will be widened and  The increased use of the ‘Welcome to Earl rebuilt with high-quality block-paving. New seating Shilton’ brand and decorative screens will be installed and new  Activities to bring empty retail units back trees will be planted. into use  High Street vouchers City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The closure of the  Increased on-line presence bus station marks the start of the main construction phase of this exciting redevelopment project. Residents and anyone else with an interest in Earl Shilton are being encouraged to keep in touch with “When complete, the new Haymarket Bus Station what is happening locally by following the Town will help transform this part of the city centre and Team Working Group on Twitter @Earl_Shilton_TT bring about real improvements for bus passengers.

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“Council officers have worked closely with the bus • The Dial a Ride service pick-up point will move to companies to offer suitable temporary bus stands Belgrave Gate (close to stand BQ) for those services which will be affected while this ambitious redevelopment takes place.” Leaflets giving details of the changes will be available on all affected buses. Information will also The bus services that will be affected by the closure be displayed around the Haymarket Bus Station of Haymarket Bus Station are as follows: site.

• Arriva services 5 and 5A to Melton Mowbray – bus ?Roadworks taking place at the junction of Charles stop will move to Belgrave Gate (stand BR) Street and Belgrave Gate this weekend will mean that some bus services will be diverted. Passengers • Arriva service 6 to Syston – bus stop will move to travelling into the city centre will not be able to get Belgrave Gate (stand BS) off at their normal stops on Abbey Street or Belgrave Gate, but will alight at nearby stops on Charles Street. These diversions will be in place • First service 12 to Kirby Frith – bus stop will move from 8pm on Saturday (10 Jan) until 5am on to Haymarket (stand BQ) Monday (12 Jan). • Arriva service 14 to New Parks – bus stop will ?Traveline has information on all local bus services move to St Peter’s Lane (stand AB) on 0871 200 22 33. • First services 14 to Kirby Frith and 14A to Beaumont Centre – bus stop will move to St Peter’s For other information visit Lane (stand AA) www.leicester.gov.uk/haymarketbusstation

• First service 21 to Thurmaston – bus stop will Leicester City move to Humberstone Gate East (stand DE) Council HQ demolition date • Centrebus service 21A to Hamilton – bus stop will move to Humberstone Gate East (stand DE) revealed

• First service 22 to Rushey Mead – bus stop will 08/01/2015 move to Charles Street (stand CR) THE crumbling office blocks at New Walk Centre • Centrebus services 22A, 22B and 22C – bus stop are due to be brought down in a controlled initiated will move to Charles Street (stand CS) collapse next month (Feb).

• First service 25 to Mowmacre Hill – bus stop will Leicester City Council has today announced that its move to Belgrave Gate (stand BT) former headquarters will be demolished on Sunday, February 22, in a carefully-controlled event which will see the two blocks brought down into their own • First service 26 to Beaumont Centre – bus stop footprint in a matter of seconds. will move to Belgrave Gate (stand BT)

An exclusion area will be in place around the site to • Arriva service 80 to Oadby – Abbey Street will meet safety requirements, and perimeter fencing move to Abbey Street (stand BP) will be in place to ensure that debris and dust are largely contained within the demolition site. • First service 94 to Glenfield – will move to St Margaret’s Bus Station (stand SM19) The whole operation will be monitored closely by the Health and Safety Executive, which is • Kinchbus service 123 to Loughborough – will responsible for overseeing the process and move to St Margaret’s Bus Station (stand SM3) ensuring it meets stringent safety conditions.

• Centrebus service 154 to Loughborough – will City council officers and its contractors are in move to St Margaret’s Bus Station (stand SM2) contact with residents and businesses in the area, giving them details of the plans for the day, and • Centrebus service 162 to New Parks – bus stop arrangements for offering them alternative will move to Haymarket (stand BD) accommodation during the demolition event.

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An intensive clean-up operation will take place Press release issued by West Leicestershire immediately after the buildings are brought down. Clinical Commissioning Group

Streets, bus routes and businesses in the People living in West Leicestershire are being immediate area should re-open by early afternoon. urged to visit a travelling health bus so that they can make a new start and get support to achieve their Since July 2014, contractors from demolition firm New Year resolutions. DSM have been carrying out preparatory works and stripping the buildings of their fixtures and fittings. As part of a their New Start, New You campaign, They are aiming to recycle 95 percent of the West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group material. (CCG) is travelling across West Leicestershire with a health bus, which will offer health information and By the time of the demolition, known as a ‘blow giveaways targeted at helping them to stop down’, the two office blocks will just be empty smoking, drink less alcohol, lose weight and eat concrete shells, with all glass, wiring, cables, and better as well as staying positive and dealing with other internal components removed. managing long term conditions.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “As Visitors to the bus will have the opportunity to have anyone walking past New Walk Centre over the last a free mini health check including blood pressure, few months will have noticed, the demolition body mass index and more. There will be experts contractors have been making huge progress in offering advice on many aspects of staying fit and stripping the buildings back to their bare bones in well. So whether someone is a carer who needs readiness for demolition. information or advice for themselves or their loved ones, wants support in improving their health and wellbeing or just wants to talk to someone about “We’ve been working closely with DSM to ensure how to stay positive, they can come and see our local businesses and residents are kept up to speed team. with developments, and with the detailed arrangements for the day so they know how it will affect them and what help we can offer. Professor Mayur Lakhani, a GP and chairman of West Leicestershire CCG, said: “January is traditionally the time to look at making a new start, “The ‘controlled initiated collapse’ method means whether it is a specific goal such as losing weight or the buildings can be demolished, the surrounding area cleaned and the roads and businesses re- stopping smoking or just trying to live a healthier opened all within the same day, which will be a lifestyle, but it can be hard to know exactly where to start. huge relief to residents and businesses who have patiently put up with the preparation works over the last few months. “We’re here to help and are encouraging people to come and visit our New Start New You health bus “We are due to make an announcement shortly on when it arrives in their area. We’re working together with our partners Healthwatch Leicestershire, a preferred developer to bring the site back into Voluntary Action Leicestershire and Leicestershire use, which I’m also sure will be welcome news to County Council in order to provide advice, support the businesses in that area.” and helpful information on how to improve your health, feel good and keep positive. We’re also As a part of the agreement with the future being supported by Patient Participation Groups development partner the site will be cleared and from across West Leicestershire who are giving up ready for the development scheme. their time to help out on the bus. ”

The New Walk Centre plot is a prime city centre The health bus will be making the following stops: development site easily accessible from Leicester Station, New Walk and the heart of the city’s shopping area.  Wednesday 14January – ASDA, Inglenook Park, Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston  Thursday 15 January – Loughborough Charnwood Borough Market, Market Place, Loughborough  Friday 16 January – Hinckley Market, Make a New Start on the Health Hinckley Town Centre, Hinckley  Saturday 17 January – Morrisons, Whitwick Bus Road, Coalville  Monday 19 January – TESCO, Resolution Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

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 Tuesday 20 January – Woodlands Garden percentages would fall from the above-target rate of Centre, Ashby Road, Hinckley 56% which we are currently achieving." Last updated: 07/01/2015 15:24 Professor Lakhani added: “By targeting lifestyles that adversely affect health, such as smoking, Hinckley & Bosworth excessive drinking and obesity, we can make a real difference to health outcomes and help people to reduce their risk of developing a long term health Community groups urged to apply condition and also improve their chances of living for grants longer. If you already have a long term health condition, there is still a lot you can do to keep yourself well, and I encourage everyone to come Published Wednesday, 07 January 2015 and visit the bus at one of its stops to find out more.” COMMUNITY groups in parishes across the borough are being encouraged to apply for their share of the Borough Council's Parish and Hinckley & Bosworth Community Initiative Fund before applications close in February. Garden waste service to continue Grants totalling £100,000 per year are awarded to Published Wednesday, 07 January 2015 support community projects in the parished areas of the borough. These grants fund a wide variety of projects such as play areas, community buildings, Green-fingered residents in Hinckley and Bosworth new pathways, heritage trails, and sports facilities. will be able recycle their garden waste for free for another year after councillors agreed to fund the service until March 2016. Grants for 2015/16 will be provided on the following basis: Leicestershire County Council currently pays the Borough Council around £500,000 each year in  Projects must be within a parished area of recycling credits towards the cost of collecting the borough garden waste for recycling. However, the County  Maximum of £10,000 per parish area Council will remove recycling credits for garden  Maximum of £10,000 per project waste from April 2015. The removal of this funding  Maximum of 50 per cent of total project has forced the Borough Council to consider how the costs funded service can be provided and paid for in the future.  All works must be completed within the financial year Councillors were initially planning to consult with  Projects must demonstrate that they meet residents about the future of the service this winter the council's corporate aims and that they but at a full Council meeting in December, are of community benefit councillors agreed to use additional income from planning fees in 2014/15 to cover the cost of the Councillor Bill Crooks, the Executive member garden waste collection service from April 2015 responsible for Rural Affairs, said: until March 2016, in order to allow more time for all of the alternative options to be explored more fully "As in previous years I would like to see these within the council and with residents. grants spread as wide as possible, with special emphasis on the smaller organisations as well as Residents will now be asked for their views on how parish councils." the garden waste recycling service should be provided and paid for in the longer term in a Applications forms, guidance notes and general consultation this year. information are automatically sent to parish and town councils and to community groups that have Councillor Bill Crooks, Executive Member applied in the past. responsible for Neighbourhood Services, said: For further copies, or for more information, please “I am delighted that our officers have been able to contact the Green Spaces Team on 01455 255707 locate extra funding from additional income brought or email [email protected] in by the large amount of new homes being built. The green waste is a major part of our recycling Last updated: 07/01/2015 14:57 tonnage and without this our EEC target

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Hinckley & Bosworth A £240,000 Christmas present for communities in North West Move More for Less Week Leicestershire

Published Wednesday, 07 January 2015 Date of Release: Fri 18 December, 2015

A WEEK of fun, fitness boosting activities has been Community groups across North West planned this month to help blow away the Leicestershire received a £240,000 Christmas Christmas cobwebs and get people out and more present on Wednesday 17 December, as the active. winners of the ‘£20,000-for-Seven’ fund were announced at a special event. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Active Together team, in partnership with Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, is offering a carefully selected programme of events and activities, called ‘Move More for Less’.

All of the sessions throughout the week, running from Monday 19 to Friday 23 January, are free or cost just £1.

The wide variety of activity sessions on offer range from kickboxing in Barwell to Mature Movers in Stoke Golding. A full list of the activities available The winners were decided by the public vote, with together with booking details can be found on the more than 2,100 people voting for their favourite council’s website or by picking up a copy of the projects. This originally meant a number of groups ‘Move More for Less’ brochure from The Hinckley would miss out on funding, but a sprinkling of Hub or Hinckley Leisure Centre. Christmas magic meant that every single project received at least £10,000. Organiser Tariq Arif said: Members of community groups opened golden envelopes containing the news of whether they “Introductions to new activities such as these will were winners of the funding. help people of all ages be more active, with the aim of doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week”. The grants provided by North West Leicestershire District Council saw seven groups win £20,000, and seven groups win 10,000 to boost their community Cllr David Cope, Executive Member for Cultural & projects. Reserves in the community funding pot led Leisure Services, added: to three further projects being ‘highly commended’ and receiving a £10,000 grant. “It is great to see the Active Together team pull such a wide variety of activities together at a The projects funded range from new clubhouses reduced cost as part of the Move More for Less and communal facilities, to IT equipment and a Week. Let’s make 2015 a more active and healthy community media bus (see full list below). year”.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West  For more information visit: Leicestershire District Council, said: “The £20,000- http://www.hinckley- for-Seven’ initiative was launched as part of our bosworth.gov.uk/activetogether or call the empowering communities agenda, which set out to Active Together team on 01455 255 908 benefit organisations from all over the district. It has always been important to me that this money will Last updated: 07/01/2015 14:13 benefit projects that are truly needed in the community, which is why the success of the North West Leicestershire projects was decided by the public vote.

“I am delighted to see that the initiative attracted a good number and range of projects. We’ve come a long way to get to the point of providing funding, but

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this is really only the beginning. Congratulations to  Appleby Magna Parish Council - all the projects - I am now looking forward to seeing Community Media Mini Bus them develop and progress.”  Donisthorpe Youth Club - Changing rooms comes to Donisthorpe Youth Club Each community group was thrilled with their  Heather Parish Council – Improvements to award. Commenting on the night, Mike Marriott Heather Village Hall from Castle Donington Bowls Club said: “What a fantastic effort! Everyone at the council has been so Highly Commended – awarded £10,000 helpful in guiding us through the application for funding. It means so much to our bowls club as  Whitwick Parish Council - Workout in we’re trying to get young people involved. Our new Whitwick: Free Fitness 4 Families clubhouse means young people can now come  New Bardon Community Interest Company along and use it, and that’s just great.” - A new community centre and garden  Whitwick Community Enterprises - One Sallie Moore from Worthington Church added: “Out Stop Shop for young people project will mean we can use our church as a community venue, with accessible toilets and a server. Without this money, we wouldn’t have even Changes to Oakham Police front been able to start the project. We’d like to thank enquiry service start today everyone at the council for organising £20,000-for- Seven.” Issued on 7/1/15 at 11:05 a.m. Clare Birch, Secretary of the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds, said: “We’re thrilled – this money is really Leicestershire Police Force’s front counter service going to kick start our project for a new footpath on in Oakham will relocate to Rutland County Council the Bath Grounds, which will really make a from today (7th January 2015), allowing residents to difference to the Ashby community.” access police and local authority services in one shared location. Winners and Highly Commended projects The change, which was announced last year, will see the police enquiry desk move from its current Winners of £20,000 location at Oakham Police station on Station Road to the Council’s Catmose offices.  Castle Donington Parish Council - Youth activity provision Residents can continue to access a full range of  Whitwick Scout Group - A centre for police services at the new location, such as Scouting in the Whitwick area reporting crimes and handing in lost property, and  Castle Rock High School - The Sanctuary there will be no change to the availability of council @ Castle Rock services as a result of the move.  St. Matthews Church, Worthington - Disabled access, toilet and servery The police enquiry service at Catmose will be open  Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds - Footpath Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. The Council’s for improved accessibility at Ashby Bath Customer Service Team will continue to provide Grounds assistance to residents between the hours of  Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Council - 8.30am to 5pm (4.30pm Fridays). South Street Sports  Measham Parish Council - Skatepark for There will be a private room in the council reception Measham area for anyone wishing to talk to the police in confidence. A phone will also be installed on the Winners of £10,000 outside of the council building so that people can contact police when the offices are closed.  Castle Donington Town Bowls Club - Bowls Club Pavilion Oakham Police Station will be closed to members  Kegworth Village Hall Management of the public following the move however officers Committee - Kegworth Community Hub will continue to be based there, eventually moving  1188 (Coalville) Squadron Air Training to a smaller building currently under construction in Corps - ICT for ATC the station car park.  The Friends of Newbold School - Newbold Playing Field – 21st Century Makeover The changes were agreed in October 2013 after Leicestershire Police reviewed data that shows

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fewer people are visiting police stations. As a result, The first place to get advice is animal welfare the force has realigned its front counter enquiry charities, like the Dogs Trust or specialist breed service across Leicester, Leicestershire and rescues (the Kennel Club has a breed rescue Rutland to better match demand. directory). These organisations may be able help find a new home for their pet. Alternatively the The relocation of police reception services to within council will help to re-home the dog. Rutland County Council will also benefit members of the public by allowing them to access police and Each year, more than 120 dogs are found as strays council services in a single location. in North West Leicestershire – some of them released onto the streets by their owners, because Inspector Lou Cordiner, commander of Rutland they don’t know what else to do with them. Local Policing Unit, said: The animals are then picked up by the council’s “The new joint service, together with our new police stray dogs service, at a cost of £13,000 per year - station, is a commitment to a continuing police £93 per dog. presence in Oakham and Rutland. Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and “In addition to the counter service, members of the Portfolio Holder for Community services, said: public can still access the police through phone, “Giving a pet as a Christmas gift can seem like a email, social media, web chats and beat surgeries.” great idea, but pets can lose out when new owners realise they can’t care for them properly. There are ways of getting rid of an unwanted pet, so don’t Roger Begy, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: abandon these animals and make sure you make proper arrangements for them. Our stray dog service is not a way to get rid of unwanted dogs.” “Having Oakham’s police inquiry desk here at the Council makes perfect sense and is a move we’re The council does not offer a re-homing service for sure residents will welcome. We know that local people value the visible police presence in Oakham cats, but charities like the Cats Protection League can help. and sharing a reception area will also offer added convenience for those who need to access both police and council services.” Find out more information on dogs and what the council can do. North West Leicestershire Leicester City Unwanted dogs – what to do if Mayor unveils vision for you no longer want your Waterside regeneration Christmas gift 06/01/2015 Date of Release: Tue 6 January, 2015 LEICESTER'S City Mayor has unveiled an New dogs given as gifts can quickly become too ambitious 15-year vision for the multi-million pound much of a handful after Christmas, and North West regeneration of Leicester’s Waterside. Leicestershire District A draft planning document that will guide development and regeneration in a 60-hectare area around the River Soar and Frog Island is due to be released for public consultation.

It sets out a vision for change and investment which – over the next ten to 15 years – will help transform Waterside into a thriving place to live and work and reconnect Leicester to its waterfront.

Council has advice for owners who no longer wish City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Waterside has the to care for their pet. potential to be one of the most exciting large-scale regeneration opportunities in the East Midlands.

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“We have an ambitious long-term vision to Work is also now underway to convert Friars Mill transform Waterside into a thriving neighbourhood into a £6milllion business workspace. The city with great places to live, space for businesses to council project successfully attracted £4million from flourish and attractive links between the riverside the European Regional Development Fund. and the city centre. If the Waterside planning document is adopted, it ?“By setting out a clear framework for that vision, will help the city council encourage new we can focus on the opportunities that we want to development and attract further investment into the realise and make the area more attractive to private area by giving the authority more power to bring developers as investment opportunities” unused buildings or land back into use.

Among the key guiding principles outlined in the City Mayor Peter Soulsby added: “Over the Waterside Supplementary Planning Document decades, the Waterside area has suffered badly (SPD) are: through the closure of key industries. This has left many sites derelict, unused and ugly. Taken • Creating of a new residential community featuring together, this creates a very negative impression of a mix of new, high quality housing this important gateway into the city.

• Developing a thriving neighborhood, with a mix of “I am confident that with the right development residential and new business development partners, the regeneration of Waterside could be the biggest transformation Leicester has seen since we breathed new life into Bede Island with City • Restoration of the area’s character and industrial heritage through the positive re-use of key buildings Challenge in the 1990s. – including Friars Mill “The draft Waterside SPD will be our first opportunity to share our vision with the public as we • Public realm improvements along the A50 at Frog begin consultation on the principles that will guide Island and Woodgate, including better routes for pedestrians and cyclists, on-street parking, new the area’s future economic and physical regeneration.” shops and offices and new tree planting

A six-week public consultation will begin on Friday, • Developing Soar Island as a unique city centre destination to help encourage more public access January 16. to the waterfront Charnwood Borough • Establishing the river and canal as a hub for water-based and leisure activity, with improved connections for pedestrians and cyclists to nearby Taxi Drivers Warned to Follow the Abbey and Rally parks Rules After Undercover Operation

• Attractive new routes to re-establish lost Three taxi drivers are under investigation and two connections between the riverside and nearby city defective vehicles were taken off the road following centre an undercover operation by Charnwood Borough Council. • Protecting the area as a valuable wildlife habitat and creating neighbourhoods with a real sense of Council officers, posing as customers, carried out nature on their doorsteps. 13 test journeys with taxis in Loughborough as part of routine enforcement to check that customers are The proposed 60-hectare Waterside area is being kept safe and not being overcharged. bordered by a stretch of the River Soar to the west and the A6 St Margaret’s Way to the east. It As a result of the operation, two drivers are being includes the A50 and neighbouring streets in Frog investigated for refusing to take officers on a short Island, and is adjacent to Highcross Shopping journey and a third is being investigated for failing Centre and Jubilee Square to the south. to switch on his meter. Both are criminal offences and the drivers could be prosecuted. Around £26.5milllion of Government funding from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Seven vehicles were also inspected by the Driver Partnership (LLEP) Local Growth Fund and city and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which is council capital has already been earmarked to kick- responsible for maintaining vehicle standards. Two start regeneration in the area.

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were suspended from use after defects were £10 if booked before the end of January and the found. price includes a buffet lunch.

One licensed driver who was stopped failed to Anyone attending the conference can take part in produce his driver badge, which is also a their choice of two different workshops during the requirement of their licence. day. There will also be opportunities to share good practice, action plan and discuss issues with others The operation was organised by the Council’s working in the same field. They can then pledge Licensing team and supported by police and the their support for the Charter for Children's Play. DVSA. Confirmed workshops at the one day conference Councillor Jonathan Morgan, Cabinet Member for include: Regulatory Services, said: “The majority of taxi drivers in Charnwood are law-abiding and provide  Street play - Nottingham Playworks an excellent service.  Free play and using play pods - The Play Resource Company “However, there are some who don’t and that’s why  Quality play opportunities - Oxfordshire we need to carry out operations like this. Play Association  Play - Building Resources - Jane Routen, “Public safety is our number one priority and we will Play Trainer at Leicestershire County not hesitate to take action against drivers who are Council. not following the rules.” There will also be a number of stands with The operation was carried out on Friday, December information and advice and a specialist panel to 19, 2014. answer questions. The key note speaker will be Dr Wendy Russell who is a Senior Play and Playwork Lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire as well Hinckley & Bosworth Borough as an author and researcher.

New Play Conference for Hinckley Councillor Mathew Hulbert, the Borough Council's and Bosworth Children and Young People's Champion, said: "This first conference of its kind in our Borough is Published Monday, 05 January 2015 going to be a very important and innovative occasion.” A new and innovative one day conference in March will debate play and the impact of play on the lives “Play is so important in the lives of young children of children living in Hinckley and Bosworth. and in their development and this will be a great opportunity for all those involved in working with The Hinckley and Bosworth Play Conference, which children professionally to come together and ensure will take place on Wednesday 18 March in that we're continuing to provide our youngest Bagworth, is the first of its type to be organised residents with many and varied opportunities to play thanks to collaboration between the Borough across our area." Council and Leicestershire County Council. Anyone interested is urged to book early as places The conference aims to bring together a wide range are limited. Further information and a booking form of professionals who work with children such as can be downloaded from the Hinckley and family support workers, health workers, teachers Bosworth Borough Council website at: and child care providers with those who are www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/playconference responsible for providing public play areas and playgrounds such as parish councils and green  For more information please contact space officers. Rebecca Ball on 01455 255937

The conference is open to any professional who is Last updated: 05/01/2015 12:35 interested in play and children's rights and attendance can be used as a professional development opportunity. Places for professionals Leicester City working in the Hinckley and Bosworth area cost just

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New home for annual arts “This year, we have simplified the process of submitting work for consideration and we hope that showcase this will encourage even more artists to enter.”

05/01/2015 The Open 26 exhibition is organised by Leicester City Council in partnership with De Montfort ARTISTS and craftspeople from across the East University, a leading centre of art teaching. Midlands are being invited to submit works for consideration for Leicester’s next annual open For more information visit exhibition. www.leicester.gov.uk/open26

The popular competition and showcase is open to artists living in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, North West Leicestershire Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire. Craft entries from Warwickshire Move more 4 less week and the West Midlands will also be considered.

This year's exhibition - called Open 26 - is being Date of Release: Mon 5 January, 2015 organised in partnership with De Montfort University and will run from 14 March to 4 May 2015. Ever thought of trying Zumba? Pilates? Or maybe Swimfit has always tickled your fancy but you can’t For the first time in its 26 years, the exhibition will justify the price? be held at Newarke Houses Museum where it will launch the museum’s new Garden Galleries.

In another change for the exhibition, submissions are being invited in digital format and entries need to be made online. Works can be submitted from 9 January to 9 February 2015.

A drop-in session will be held at New Walk Museum on to help any artists who are uncomfortable with the technology required for online entry.

All works entered will be considered by an independent panel.

Artists chosen to feature in the exhibition will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including the annual award of the £2,000 Attenborough Prize. Move More 4 Less week gives you the chance to try out new classes for just £1 per class. This year will also see the award of the new Trevor Thomas Prize which has been named in honour of Move More 4 Less takes place at Hermitage and the former director of Leicester museums who Hood Park Leisure Centres between Monday 19 established the city’s world-famous German and Sunday 25 January, helping people to stick to Expression collection in the 1940s. that New Year’s resolution.

There will be a number of additional prizes offered Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and by sponsors. Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “Move More 4 Less is aimed at getting people more active Young artists from across Leicester are also being by offering these great classes for such a low price. invited to submit work for consideration for the The classes are all fantastic for burning those Youth Open, now in its sixth year. calories and toning up, so why not come down and give it a go?” Cllr Piara Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Sport, said: For more information on the activities available in “Leicester’s annual open exhibition always provides the district visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/leisure or an inspiring snapshot of the wealth of artistic talent contact Zara Barnes on 01530 454606. that exists in Leicester and the wider region.

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Charnwood Borough

Charnwood's Largest Loser Is Back!

Beat the bulge this January with the help of a £10 fitness programme.

Charnwood Borough Council’s 10-week Largest Loser programme is back and is once again offering regular weigh-ins and exercise classes for anyone looking for a healthy way to kick start 2015.

The programme starts on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Rawlins Academy, Quorn, and will be held weekly. Weigh-ins will be from 6.30-7.30pm and exercise classes will run from 7.30-8.30pm.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are committed to ensuring residents have access to affordable health and fitness advice, and at this time of year we know people are looking for ways to improve their health.

“We’re in the fourth year of the programme and have already helped more than 70 residents on their quests to beat the bulge.”

The participant who loses the most at the end of the programme will win a spa break for one worth £99 at Burleigh Springs Spa, Loughborough.

For further information visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoods_large st_loser , email [email protected] or call the Sport and Active Recreation team on 01509 632535.

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