First-half goals from Chris Wood and Ritchie De Laet saw Leicester ease through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burton.
Reported by MailOnline 1 day ago.
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Leicester 2 Burton 0: Chris Wood, Ritchie De Laet score
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Leicester City 2-0 Burton Albion | FA Cup third round match report
Leicester eased through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burton Albion, thanks to first-half goals from Chris Wood and Ritchie De Laet.
Wood scored after just three minutes and De Laet doubled the lead as the midway point of the first half approached. The Foxes had chances to win by a greater margin, but two goals were enough as the Championship club took the first step towards emulating their quarter-final appearance of last season.
Marko Futacs made his long-awaited first start for Leicester as the manager, Nigel Pearson, made three changes from the side that thrashed Huddersfield 6-1 on New Year's Day. The summer signing lined up alongside recent arrival Wood in attack, while Andy King and Lloyd Dyer were recalled in midfield.
Manchester City winger Adam Drury went straight into the Burton starting lineup after arriving on loan on Friday. He replaced Jack Dyer, while fit-again club captain John McGrath made his first start of the season, with striker Billy Kee making way for the midfielder. Anthony O'Connor missed out because of injury, so Nathan Stanton returned from suspension to fill the right-back slot for Albion.
Leicester went into the tie having not been beaten in the FA Cup by a team from the fourth tier since January 1986, but Burton had previous when it came to winning at the King Power Stadium. However, unlike in their Capital One Cup triumph in August, the League Two side made an awful start.
A long ball into the box by Paul Konchesky sought out Wood and the former West Brom striker outmuscled Aaron Webster before guiding a right-foot volley into the corner of the net for his third goal in two games for his new club.
McGrath came close to a quick response for the visitors, but his curling effort from the edge of the box just cleared the crossbar.
Leicester extended their lead after 21 minutes. They showed patience in and around the penalty area before a challenge from a Burton defender saw the ball squirt out to the right-hand side, where De Laet fired the ball home from 10 yards out.
Sloppy play from the hosts almost allowed Albion a route back into the game after half an hour. Drury seized on the loose ball and teed up Robbie Weir, who was denied by an excellent save by Kasper Schmeichel, diving to his right.
Futacs had chances, either side of half-time, to put the game beyond Burton, first steering a shot from Matty James's cross against the crossbar and then blasting over after neatly bringing down King's centre.
Calvin Zola showed lovely technique to control Jacques Maghoma's cross with his back to goal, but his acrobatic volley was straight at Schmeichel.
McGrath cleared Michael Keane's header off the line after an hour and Leicester threatened a third goal again midway through the second half, when King's effort from 20 yards out skidded narrowly wide.
Substitute Nugent headed over shortly afterwards, but, in truth, Leicester played much of the second 45 minutes in second gear. Reported by guardian.co.uk 1 day ago.
Wood scored after just three minutes and De Laet doubled the lead as the midway point of the first half approached. The Foxes had chances to win by a greater margin, but two goals were enough as the Championship club took the first step towards emulating their quarter-final appearance of last season.
Marko Futacs made his long-awaited first start for Leicester as the manager, Nigel Pearson, made three changes from the side that thrashed Huddersfield 6-1 on New Year's Day. The summer signing lined up alongside recent arrival Wood in attack, while Andy King and Lloyd Dyer were recalled in midfield.
Manchester City winger Adam Drury went straight into the Burton starting lineup after arriving on loan on Friday. He replaced Jack Dyer, while fit-again club captain John McGrath made his first start of the season, with striker Billy Kee making way for the midfielder. Anthony O'Connor missed out because of injury, so Nathan Stanton returned from suspension to fill the right-back slot for Albion.
Leicester went into the tie having not been beaten in the FA Cup by a team from the fourth tier since January 1986, but Burton had previous when it came to winning at the King Power Stadium. However, unlike in their Capital One Cup triumph in August, the League Two side made an awful start.
A long ball into the box by Paul Konchesky sought out Wood and the former West Brom striker outmuscled Aaron Webster before guiding a right-foot volley into the corner of the net for his third goal in two games for his new club.
McGrath came close to a quick response for the visitors, but his curling effort from the edge of the box just cleared the crossbar.
Leicester extended their lead after 21 minutes. They showed patience in and around the penalty area before a challenge from a Burton defender saw the ball squirt out to the right-hand side, where De Laet fired the ball home from 10 yards out.
Sloppy play from the hosts almost allowed Albion a route back into the game after half an hour. Drury seized on the loose ball and teed up Robbie Weir, who was denied by an excellent save by Kasper Schmeichel, diving to his right.
Futacs had chances, either side of half-time, to put the game beyond Burton, first steering a shot from Matty James's cross against the crossbar and then blasting over after neatly bringing down King's centre.
Calvin Zola showed lovely technique to control Jacques Maghoma's cross with his back to goal, but his acrobatic volley was straight at Schmeichel.
McGrath cleared Michael Keane's header off the line after an hour and Leicester threatened a third goal again midway through the second half, when King's effort from 20 yards out skidded narrowly wide.
Substitute Nugent headed over shortly afterwards, but, in truth, Leicester played much of the second 45 minutes in second gear. Reported by guardian.co.uk 1 day ago.
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Toby Flood faces Euro ban after Leicester fly-half cited for 'tip tackle'
Leicester and England fly-half Toby Flood has been cited for an alleged 'tip tackle' in Friday night's Aviva Premiership clash against Worcester.
Reported by MailOnline 1 day ago.
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Leicester City 2 Burton Albion 0: match report
Leicester exact revenge on Burton Albion for their humbling home defeat in the Capital One Cup back in August.
Reported by Telegraph.co.uk 1 day ago.
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George Ford to leave Leicester and join Bath
George Ford, a candidate to be England's fly-half at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, will leave Leicester at the end of the season to join Bath.
Reported by MailOnline 4 hours ago.
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Leicester 2 - Burton Albion 0: Chris Wood & Richie De Laet too good
CHRIS WOOD and Ritchie De Laet made sure Leicester did not droop against the Brewers.
Reported by Daily Star 17 hours ago.
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Ospreys must improve if they are to beat Leicester, says Adam Jones
This is South Wales --
ADAM Jones has warned the Ospreys they must drastically improve after their uninspiring win over Zebre — or risk being "stuffed" by Leicester next weekend.
The Ospreys limped to a 16-15 home victory over the Italian strugglers on Friday, a fourth successive RaboDirect Pro12 triumph which took them into the play-off places.
But with two-time European champions Leicester visiting the Liberty Stadium for a crucial Heineken Cup contest on Sunday, Wales prop Jones has told his team-mates they cannot afford a repeat of their performance against Zebre.
"It's obviously a big step up against Leicester. As a pack, we've got to raise our game," he said.
"We've been pretty good recently. We were good against Toulouse and we know when we're up there we can match anyone.
"We're going to get stuffed if we turn up like we did on Friday."
The Ospreys and Leicester have developed a tempestuous rivalry over the past decade, with a number of fiery encounters in European and Anglo-Welsh competitions.
Sunday's meeting in Swansea will be pivotal to both sides' hopes of progressing to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, with Pool 2 leaders Leicester currently five points ahead of the third-placed Ospreys with two games to play.
The high stakes will add fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry, and Jones is looking forward to renewing hostilities.
"I don't really know how it came about. We haven't been a region that long but I think it was when we played them in 2005 — it was one hell of a game (Leicester won 17-15 at the Liberty)," he said.
"I think (Dan) Hipkiss scored in the last minute.
"There's no love lost. We know what a good side they are. We were disappointed with our last ten minutes when we lost up at Welford Road this season.
"You've got to raise your game. It's one hell of a side, with a hell of a forward pack.
"Anyone who can bring on (Argentina prop Marcos) Ayerza and Castro (Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni) is going to be a challenge."
The win over Zebre was Jones's first ever match as Ospreys captain and, although the performance detracted slightly from the occasion, the 31-year-old was still delighted to lead his side.
"I think it's been a long time coming — I should have been captain a long time ago," he joked.
"It's a big honour for me to be captain and I was chuffed to bits the coaches asked me to do it.
"At least I got a win. We were rubbish to be honest with you. I think when we've been good recently we've been doing everything simply, but we got caught trying to play in the wrong areas.
"It was frustrating because we know it's going to be ten times harder next week." Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
ADAM Jones has warned the Ospreys they must drastically improve after their uninspiring win over Zebre — or risk being "stuffed" by Leicester next weekend.
The Ospreys limped to a 16-15 home victory over the Italian strugglers on Friday, a fourth successive RaboDirect Pro12 triumph which took them into the play-off places.
But with two-time European champions Leicester visiting the Liberty Stadium for a crucial Heineken Cup contest on Sunday, Wales prop Jones has told his team-mates they cannot afford a repeat of their performance against Zebre.
"It's obviously a big step up against Leicester. As a pack, we've got to raise our game," he said.
"We've been pretty good recently. We were good against Toulouse and we know when we're up there we can match anyone.
"We're going to get stuffed if we turn up like we did on Friday."
The Ospreys and Leicester have developed a tempestuous rivalry over the past decade, with a number of fiery encounters in European and Anglo-Welsh competitions.
Sunday's meeting in Swansea will be pivotal to both sides' hopes of progressing to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, with Pool 2 leaders Leicester currently five points ahead of the third-placed Ospreys with two games to play.
The high stakes will add fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry, and Jones is looking forward to renewing hostilities.
"I don't really know how it came about. We haven't been a region that long but I think it was when we played them in 2005 — it was one hell of a game (Leicester won 17-15 at the Liberty)," he said.
"I think (Dan) Hipkiss scored in the last minute.
"There's no love lost. We know what a good side they are. We were disappointed with our last ten minutes when we lost up at Welford Road this season.
"You've got to raise your game. It's one hell of a side, with a hell of a forward pack.
"Anyone who can bring on (Argentina prop Marcos) Ayerza and Castro (Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni) is going to be a challenge."
The win over Zebre was Jones's first ever match as Ospreys captain and, although the performance detracted slightly from the occasion, the 31-year-old was still delighted to lead his side.
"I think it's been a long time coming — I should have been captain a long time ago," he joked.
"It's a big honour for me to be captain and I was chuffed to bits the coaches asked me to do it.
"At least I got a win. We were rubbish to be honest with you. I think when we've been good recently we've been doing everything simply, but we got caught trying to play in the wrong areas.
"It was frustrating because we know it's going to be ten times harder next week." Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
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Dispute over 'enclosed' shisha bar Al Feena, in St George's Way, Leicester, set for court
This is Leicestershire --
One of Leicester's most prominent shisha cafes is facing prosecution under the smoking ban laws.
Leicester City Council is taking Al Feena, in St George's Way to court later this month.
Officials said the popular venue, which has been running for two years, falls foul of the legislation which said it had to be at least 50 per cent open to the fresh air.
The council said the premises, on the ground floor of the St George's tower complex, next to the inner ring road, is too enclosed to comply with the legislation.
Health and safety team manager Gov Mandora said: "It is effectively an underground car park with a shuttered front. It needs to be at least 50 per cent open."
Mr Mandora said he expected the case to go to Leicester Magistrates' Court on January 15.
He said the council had been in discussions with the business about changes it could make to fit in with the smoking laws but nothing had happened.
He said: "The prosecution is the very last resort.
"Our aim is not to shut the place down, but to get them to comply with the law, which is now more than five years old.
"The ultimate aim is to protect the health of the customers, as well as the staff who work in there and could be exposed to shish smoke for many hours at a time.
"We have had a discussion with them and suggested they could have smoking on the court yard at the front of the premises. Unfortunately, they have chosen not to listen so we have had to take them to task."
Mr Mandora said the council had commissioned an independent architect to demonstrate the premises did not comply with the 50 per cent rule.
He said the venue could face a £2,500 fine if found guilty at court.
Mr Mandora said the council had succeeded in every prosecution it had made of shisha establishments.
He said: "We are getting up towards double figures in cases and we haven't lost one.
"We also have another half dozen or so investigations going on which are at various stages."
A spokesman for Al Feena said: "We shall be contesting the court hearing."
He said: "We have invested £150,000 in the business and we would not have done that without securing all the relevant permissions." Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
One of Leicester's most prominent shisha cafes is facing prosecution under the smoking ban laws.
Leicester City Council is taking Al Feena, in St George's Way to court later this month.
Officials said the popular venue, which has been running for two years, falls foul of the legislation which said it had to be at least 50 per cent open to the fresh air.
The council said the premises, on the ground floor of the St George's tower complex, next to the inner ring road, is too enclosed to comply with the legislation.
Health and safety team manager Gov Mandora said: "It is effectively an underground car park with a shuttered front. It needs to be at least 50 per cent open."
Mr Mandora said he expected the case to go to Leicester Magistrates' Court on January 15.
He said the council had been in discussions with the business about changes it could make to fit in with the smoking laws but nothing had happened.
He said: "The prosecution is the very last resort.
"Our aim is not to shut the place down, but to get them to comply with the law, which is now more than five years old.
"The ultimate aim is to protect the health of the customers, as well as the staff who work in there and could be exposed to shish smoke for many hours at a time.
"We have had a discussion with them and suggested they could have smoking on the court yard at the front of the premises. Unfortunately, they have chosen not to listen so we have had to take them to task."
Mr Mandora said the council had commissioned an independent architect to demonstrate the premises did not comply with the 50 per cent rule.
He said the venue could face a £2,500 fine if found guilty at court.
Mr Mandora said the council had succeeded in every prosecution it had made of shisha establishments.
He said: "We are getting up towards double figures in cases and we haven't lost one.
"We also have another half dozen or so investigations going on which are at various stages."
A spokesman for Al Feena said: "We shall be contesting the court hearing."
He said: "We have invested £150,000 in the business and we would not have done that without securing all the relevant permissions." Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
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Newarke Street traffic experiment causes tailbacks in Leicester
This is Leicestershire -- Motorists have been complaining about traffic congestion today after one lane of Newarke Street, Leicester, was closed.The city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, wants to shut one lane of Newarke Street permanently to extend New Walk as far as the Magazine Gateway. A trial closure of the far left lane began yesterday and following this morning's rush hour motorists complained the change was adding up to 10 minutes onto journey times. Martin Tolley, who owns the Spar shop near the west end of Newarke Street, said: "It's a disaster. It's been gridlocked for a lot of the time and two of my delivery drivers didn't get through so customers are complaining there's no sandwiches or fresh bread. "Closing a lane of Newarke Street is a crazy idea."Leicester City Council said it was closely monitoring the situation. No announcement has been made about how long the trial closure will continue for.
Reported by This is 16 hours ago.
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Bath Rugby coach Toby Booth dismisses link with Leicester fly-half George Ford
This is Bath -- Coach Toby Booth has scotched talk that Bath Rugby have secured a deal to bring hot prospect George Ford to The Rec for next season. The Leicester Tigers fly-half – son of another Bath coach, Mike Ford – but has found his first-team chances limited by the form of England's Toby Flood this term. Speaking after yesterday's 29-15 defeat at Wasps, Booth told the Daily Telegraph: "His father, Mike, should know and he hasn't signed with us, he wants to stay at Leicester. And George is categoric about that. And that is direct from Mike. "George wants to fight it out with Toby Flood because this was a very important period for him in December and January, because he wanted to go head to head with Flood and try to prove himself at Leicester. "That's as far as we know, and I think it is well-documented that there are talks with him to try and renew his contract and, as far as we know, he'll be a Leicester player. What he does and the decisions around that are purely based on what he does in January-February when Flood is available."
Reported by This is 15 hours ago.
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Leicester boss set for talks with Bristol City target Neil Danns
This is Bristol --
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is unlikely to stand in Neil Danns' way if the midfielder decides he wants to return to Bristol City.
Back at the King Power Stadium following a successful two-month loan spell with the Robins, Danns does not appear to figure in Pearson's plans.
The experienced Championship campaigner is behind Danny Drinkwater, Ben Marshall, Anthony Knockeart and Matty James in the Leicester pecking order and his prospects will be further diminished should Pearson's reported interest in Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter prove to have any foundation.
Robins boss Derek McInnes has made no secret of his desire to bring Danns back to Ashton Gate and the Scot has already been in touch with Leicester.
But the final decision will almost certainly lie with Pearson, who is set to meet with Danns for talks any day now.
Pearson was guarded when asked about Danns' future, but did not rule out a return to Bristol City later this month.
Pearson said: "He is back and we will probably discuss at some point where we go from here.
"Whether Bristol City want to take him or not is one element of it, but then it has to be decided whether we think it is appropriate and whether the player wants to go back there.
"There are a number of variables that we have to consider before any further action is taken."
Ideally, McInnes would like to bring back Danns on loan until the end of the season. But City may be prepared to pay a modest fee if Leicester decide they want the former Crystal Palace man off the books. Reported by This is 14 hours ago.
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is unlikely to stand in Neil Danns' way if the midfielder decides he wants to return to Bristol City.
Back at the King Power Stadium following a successful two-month loan spell with the Robins, Danns does not appear to figure in Pearson's plans.
The experienced Championship campaigner is behind Danny Drinkwater, Ben Marshall, Anthony Knockeart and Matty James in the Leicester pecking order and his prospects will be further diminished should Pearson's reported interest in Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter prove to have any foundation.
Robins boss Derek McInnes has made no secret of his desire to bring Danns back to Ashton Gate and the Scot has already been in touch with Leicester.
But the final decision will almost certainly lie with Pearson, who is set to meet with Danns for talks any day now.
Pearson was guarded when asked about Danns' future, but did not rule out a return to Bristol City later this month.
Pearson said: "He is back and we will probably discuss at some point where we go from here.
"Whether Bristol City want to take him or not is one element of it, but then it has to be decided whether we think it is appropriate and whether the player wants to go back there.
"There are a number of variables that we have to consider before any further action is taken."
Ideally, McInnes would like to bring back Danns on loan until the end of the season. But City may be prepared to pay a modest fee if Leicester decide they want the former Crystal Palace man off the books. Reported by This is 14 hours ago.
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Locations for gypsy and traveller camps in Leicester are announced
This is Leicestershire -- Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby today announced his decision to build permanent camps for travellers and gypsies at sites in Redhill Way, Mowmacre Hill and Greengate Lane, in Beaumont Leys. Redhill Way will have 10 pitches and Greengate Lane six pitches. A site in Beaumont Way, in Beaumont Leys, was ruled out. Anger as cricket pitch off Braunstone Lane East in Aylestone joins list of possible traveller camps![ext]()
Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sites![ext]()
Thousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in Leicester![ext]()
Leicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends today![ext]()
Aylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller site![ext]()
Councillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sites![ext]()
We don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residents![ext]()
Eight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsies![ext]()
Hundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans![ext]()
Reported by This is 13 hours ago.
Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sitesThousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in LeicesterLeicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends todayAylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller siteCouncillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sitesWe don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residentsEight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsiesHundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans
Reported by This is 13 hours ago.
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New gypsy sites for Leicester are criticised by residents campaigner
This is Leicestershire --
Two new sites for gypsies are to be set up in Leicester, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced today.
They will be created at Redhill Way and Greengate Lane near the north east boundary with Charnwood borough.
A third site, at Beaumont Way, has been ruled out as unsuitable.
The city council will also explore the possibility of creating two additional sites at Hoods Close, near Beaumont Leys, and Ratby Lane.
Sir Peter said: "This has been a very hard decision which was never going to be popular but the council has for years put off tackling the issue of unauthorised encampments across the city, which have numbered more than 115 between January 2009 and September 2012.
"We've looked long and hard at the issues people have raised - for example we've agreed to limit the size of the Greengate Lane site to minimise the impact on nearby residents. We're also not planning to allow these sites to expand beyond the planned number of pitches.
"It is no longer enough for us to do nothing, and the extra pitches offered by these sites should be a step towards us getting on top of the problem of unauthorised encampments."
But the chairman of the LE4 Action Group Roy Rollings said: "This is a bad day for democracy. It ignores the thousands of people who voiced reasonable objections to the sites.
"Both are developing greenfield sites and pose road safety risks. We shall oppose them when they come forward for planning approval."
Related articles: Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sites![ext]()
Thousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in Leicester![ext]()
Leicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends today![ext]()
Aylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller site![ext]()
Councillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sites![ext]()
We don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residents![ext]()
Eight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsies![ext]()
Hundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans![ext]()
Reported by This is 12 hours ago.
Two new sites for gypsies are to be set up in Leicester, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced today.
They will be created at Redhill Way and Greengate Lane near the north east boundary with Charnwood borough.
A third site, at Beaumont Way, has been ruled out as unsuitable.
The city council will also explore the possibility of creating two additional sites at Hoods Close, near Beaumont Leys, and Ratby Lane.
Sir Peter said: "This has been a very hard decision which was never going to be popular but the council has for years put off tackling the issue of unauthorised encampments across the city, which have numbered more than 115 between January 2009 and September 2012.
"We've looked long and hard at the issues people have raised - for example we've agreed to limit the size of the Greengate Lane site to minimise the impact on nearby residents. We're also not planning to allow these sites to expand beyond the planned number of pitches.
"It is no longer enough for us to do nothing, and the extra pitches offered by these sites should be a step towards us getting on top of the problem of unauthorised encampments."
But the chairman of the LE4 Action Group Roy Rollings said: "This is a bad day for democracy. It ignores the thousands of people who voiced reasonable objections to the sites.
"Both are developing greenfield sites and pose road safety risks. We shall oppose them when they come forward for planning approval."
Related articles: Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sites
Thousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in LeicesterLeicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends todayAylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller siteCouncillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sitesWe don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residentsEight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsiesHundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans
Reported by This is 12 hours ago.
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Updated: New gypsy sites for Leicester are criticised by residents campaigner
This is Leicestershire --
Two new sites for gypsies are to be set up in Leicester, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced today.
They will be created at Redhill Way and Greengate Lane near the north east boundary with Charnwood borough.
A third site, at Beaumont Way, has been ruled out as unsuitable.
The city council will also explore the possibility of creating two additional sites at Hoods Close, near Beaumont Leys, and Ratby Lane.
Sir Peter said: "This has been a very hard decision which was never going to be popular but the council has for years put off tackling the issue of unauthorised encampments across the city, which have numbered more than 115 between January 2009 and September 2012.
"We've looked long and hard at the issues people have raised - for example we've agreed to limit the size of the Greengate Lane site to minimise the impact on nearby residents. We're also not planning to allow these sites to expand beyond the planned number of pitches.
"It is no longer enough for us to do nothing, and the extra pitches offered by these sites should be a step towards us getting on top of the problem of unauthorised encampments."
But the chairman of the LE4 Action Group Roy Rollings said: "This is a bad day for democracy. It ignores the thousands of people who voiced reasonable objections to the sites.
"Both are developing greenfield sites and pose road safety risks. We shall oppose them when they come forward for planning approval."
Breaking article with reader comments: Locations for gypsy and traveller camps in Leicester are announced![ext]()
Related articles: Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sites![ext]()
Thousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in Leicester![ext]()
Leicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends today![ext]()
Aylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller site![ext]()
Councillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sites![ext]()
We don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residents![ext]()
Eight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsies![ext]()
Hundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans![ext]()
Reported by This is 11 hours ago.
Two new sites for gypsies are to be set up in Leicester, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced today.
They will be created at Redhill Way and Greengate Lane near the north east boundary with Charnwood borough.
A third site, at Beaumont Way, has been ruled out as unsuitable.
The city council will also explore the possibility of creating two additional sites at Hoods Close, near Beaumont Leys, and Ratby Lane.
Sir Peter said: "This has been a very hard decision which was never going to be popular but the council has for years put off tackling the issue of unauthorised encampments across the city, which have numbered more than 115 between January 2009 and September 2012.
"We've looked long and hard at the issues people have raised - for example we've agreed to limit the size of the Greengate Lane site to minimise the impact on nearby residents. We're also not planning to allow these sites to expand beyond the planned number of pitches.
"It is no longer enough for us to do nothing, and the extra pitches offered by these sites should be a step towards us getting on top of the problem of unauthorised encampments."
But the chairman of the LE4 Action Group Roy Rollings said: "This is a bad day for democracy. It ignores the thousands of people who voiced reasonable objections to the sites.
"Both are developing greenfield sites and pose road safety risks. We shall oppose them when they come forward for planning approval."
Breaking article with reader comments: Locations for gypsy and traveller camps in Leicester are announced
Related articles: Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby signals rethink over travellers' sitesThousands object to gypsy and traveller site proposals in LeicesterLeicester City Council gypsy and travellers sites consultation ends todayAylestone ruled out as potential area for new traveller siteCouncillors visit some of Leicester's proposed gypsy sitesWe don't want traveller camps near our homes, say Leicester residentsEight sites across Leicester shortlisted for gypsiesHundreds turn up to traveller camp meetings over Leicester City Council plans
Reported by This is 11 hours ago.
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Leicester teenager jailed for killing dad-of-two Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja
This is Leicestershire -- A teenager has been jailed for three years for killing 41-year-old father-of-two, Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja. The 15-year-old, from Leicester, was found guilty of manslaughter in November and was today sentenced to three years in prison at Derby Crown Court. The youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, had denied manslaughter, claiming he punched Mr Nimalaraja in self-defence. A 14-year-old boy, who pleaded guilty to affray at an earlier hearing, will be sentenced on Friday January 25. In June last year, detectives launched an investigation into Mr Nimalaraja's death, known by his family and friends as Nimal, following an incident where he was assaulted and subsequently died. On the night of the assault, Saturday, June 9, Nimal had been helping a friend at Leicester Stores in Gipsy Lane. At 11pm, when Nimal and his friend were closing the shop, Nimal was punched in the face by the 15-year-old convicted of manslaughter. Nimal then fell to the ground, hitting his head on the kerb. Nimal was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham shortly after, where he died a week later on Saturday June 16. In the days that followed the incident the two youths were arrested and were charged in July. Nimal's wife, Mrs Nimalaraja, spoke following sentencing. She said: "We have been left devastated by the events that happened that night and would like to thank the Sri Lankan community and the police for their support. That support has helped us to piece together our lives and we are now beginning to look forward to the future." Detective Superintendant Matt Hewson, who led the investigation, said: "This was a totally avoidable criminal act that has left a family without a loving husband and father. These circumstances are a reminder to everyone that events can escalate and have tragic consequences. I hope that Nimal's family can now begin to rebuild their life."
Reported by This is 11 hours ago.
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Leicester-based camera chain Jessops to close 15 stores
This is Leicestershire -- Camera chain Jessops announced today it is to close 15 stores.
The Leicester-based group would not reveal the location of the shops which will shut.
The company said affected staff would be offered roles elsewhere in the business, which has around 180 branches.
A statement said: "There are 15 stores which do not meet the required level of profitability and so unfortunately these stores will close.
"Jessops will be contacting customers by e-mail to explain where their nearest Jessops store is now located."
Last year, Jessops relocated its store in Granby Street, Leicester to the former Clinton Cards shop in the city's Gallowtree Gate. The group also has a store in Loughborough. Reported by This is 11 hours ago.
The Leicester-based group would not reveal the location of the shops which will shut.
The company said affected staff would be offered roles elsewhere in the business, which has around 180 branches.
A statement said: "There are 15 stores which do not meet the required level of profitability and so unfortunately these stores will close.
"Jessops will be contacting customers by e-mail to explain where their nearest Jessops store is now located."
Last year, Jessops relocated its store in Granby Street, Leicester to the former Clinton Cards shop in the city's Gallowtree Gate. The group also has a store in Loughborough. Reported by This is 11 hours ago.
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Gas leaked as burglar made off with boiler at hostel for homeless men, in Leicester
This is Leicestershire --
Six frightened residents awoke to a strong smell of gas in their hostel after a burglar made off with a combi-boiler, a court heard.
Sukhwinder Singh – who was jailed for two years yesterday – was involved in ripping out the boiler, which damaged the gas pipes and risked lives.
Leicester Crown Court heard he wanted to sell the boiler to get money for drugs.
Police and firefighters were alerted as The Haven hostel for homeless men, in Evington Street, Leicester, was evacuated at 6.30am on April 18.
Singh (40) had also committed a second break-in at an unoccupied premises in Coral Street, Belgrave, stealing another boiler, the previous night.
On that occasion, the gas was turned off.
Singh admitted committing both burglaries.
He also admitted damaging the pipework, being reckless as to whether lives would be endangered at the hostel, which is run by Action Homeless.
Singh, of Wharf Street South, in the city centre, accepted he was present when the offence was carried out, but claimed he did not cut the gas pipes.
However, his blood was found on the pipework at the hostel, and his DNA was also detected at the property in Coral Street.
In mitigation, the court heard that Singh's offending was linked to a heroin addiction at the time.
He has been on remand in custody since his arrest in May.
Sentencing, Recorder Robert Egbuna said: "The burglary at Evington Street was particularly serious because there were six occupants in the house who woke up to the smell of gas. I don't need to spell out to you the fear they must have felt at the time.
"These offences are too serious for anything other than a prison sentence." Reported by This is 2 days ago.
Six frightened residents awoke to a strong smell of gas in their hostel after a burglar made off with a combi-boiler, a court heard.
Sukhwinder Singh – who was jailed for two years yesterday – was involved in ripping out the boiler, which damaged the gas pipes and risked lives.
Leicester Crown Court heard he wanted to sell the boiler to get money for drugs.
Police and firefighters were alerted as The Haven hostel for homeless men, in Evington Street, Leicester, was evacuated at 6.30am on April 18.
Singh (40) had also committed a second break-in at an unoccupied premises in Coral Street, Belgrave, stealing another boiler, the previous night.
On that occasion, the gas was turned off.
Singh admitted committing both burglaries.
He also admitted damaging the pipework, being reckless as to whether lives would be endangered at the hostel, which is run by Action Homeless.
Singh, of Wharf Street South, in the city centre, accepted he was present when the offence was carried out, but claimed he did not cut the gas pipes.
However, his blood was found on the pipework at the hostel, and his DNA was also detected at the property in Coral Street.
In mitigation, the court heard that Singh's offending was linked to a heroin addiction at the time.
He has been on remand in custody since his arrest in May.
Sentencing, Recorder Robert Egbuna said: "The burglary at Evington Street was particularly serious because there were six occupants in the house who woke up to the smell of gas. I don't need to spell out to you the fear they must have felt at the time.
"These offences are too serious for anything other than a prison sentence." Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Teenager jailed after punch caused death of Leicester dad-of-two Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja
This is Leicestershire --
A teenager who punched a man in the street, causing him to fall and hit his head, has been jailed for manslaughter.
Father-of-two Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja died in hospital a week after he was found seriously injured at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Northfield Road, in Northfields, Leicester.
At a hearing at Derby Crown Court yesterday, a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' centre.
The boy denied killing the 41-year-old shop worker, but a jury at the same court had found him guilty of manslaughter following a five-day trial in November.
Speaking after the sentencing yesterday, Mr Nimalaraja's wife Mathanika said: "We have been left devastated by the events that happened that night and would like to thank the Sri Lankan community and the police for their support.
"That support has helped us to piece together our lives and we are now beginning to look forward to the future."
Mr Nimalaraja, who was known as Nimal, was helping a friend close Leicester Stores, in Gipsy Lane, Northfields, at about 11pm on Saturday, June 9, when he was involved in a confrontation with a gang of youths.
He was punched in the face by the 15-year-old and fell backwards, hitting his head on a kerb.
During the trial, the court heard that before losing consciousness, Mr Nimalaraja, opened his eyes and called "amma, amma"– the Tamil word for mother.
He died at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham a week later.
Mr and Mrs Nimalaraja lived nearby in Essex Road with their children Diluxshan, 13, and Leyana, nine.
Speaking after the sentencing, officers who worked on the case said the "totally avoidable" incident had devastating effects.
Detective Superintendent Matt Hewson, who led the investigation, said: "This was a totally avoidable criminal act that has left a family without a loving husband and father.
"These circumstances are a reminder to everyone that events can escalate and have tragic consequences. I hope Nimal's family can now begin to rebuild their lives."
Mr Nimalaraja was a kitchen assistant at Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Rutland, as well as a worker at the shop.
A 14-year-old boy, who pleaded guilty to affray related to the incident at an earlier hearing, will be sentenced on Friday, January 25. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
A teenager who punched a man in the street, causing him to fall and hit his head, has been jailed for manslaughter.
Father-of-two Ponnuthurai Nimalaraja died in hospital a week after he was found seriously injured at the junction of Gipsy Lane and Northfield Road, in Northfields, Leicester.
At a hearing at Derby Crown Court yesterday, a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' centre.
The boy denied killing the 41-year-old shop worker, but a jury at the same court had found him guilty of manslaughter following a five-day trial in November.
Speaking after the sentencing yesterday, Mr Nimalaraja's wife Mathanika said: "We have been left devastated by the events that happened that night and would like to thank the Sri Lankan community and the police for their support.
"That support has helped us to piece together our lives and we are now beginning to look forward to the future."
Mr Nimalaraja, who was known as Nimal, was helping a friend close Leicester Stores, in Gipsy Lane, Northfields, at about 11pm on Saturday, June 9, when he was involved in a confrontation with a gang of youths.
He was punched in the face by the 15-year-old and fell backwards, hitting his head on a kerb.
During the trial, the court heard that before losing consciousness, Mr Nimalaraja, opened his eyes and called "amma, amma"– the Tamil word for mother.
He died at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham a week later.
Mr and Mrs Nimalaraja lived nearby in Essex Road with their children Diluxshan, 13, and Leyana, nine.
Speaking after the sentencing, officers who worked on the case said the "totally avoidable" incident had devastating effects.
Detective Superintendent Matt Hewson, who led the investigation, said: "This was a totally avoidable criminal act that has left a family without a loving husband and father.
"These circumstances are a reminder to everyone that events can escalate and have tragic consequences. I hope Nimal's family can now begin to rebuild their lives."
Mr Nimalaraja was a kitchen assistant at Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Rutland, as well as a worker at the shop.
A 14-year-old boy, who pleaded guilty to affray related to the incident at an earlier hearing, will be sentenced on Friday, January 25. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Crunch time in contract talks for Leicester Tigers pair George Ford and Geoff Parling
This is Leicestershire --
Negotiations over the futures of Leicester Tigers duo George Ford and Geoff Parling are reaching crunch time.
Both are out of contract this summer and have been in talks with the club for the past few weeks about the possibility of extending their stay.
With other clubs understood to be lining up to sign the pair if they decide to leave Leicester, talks are now at a crucial stage.
Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen said he hoped both will stay at Welford Road, but admitted the club need to plan for the future, if the lock and fly-half decide to leave.
"George Ford is a player who has been at this club for all of his short professional career to date and we think he is a player with lots of potential," said Cohen. "We would like him to stay. We have met regularly with him and his agent but we are getting closer to a time where a decision needs to be made in order that we can plan for next season."
On Parling, Cohen added: "We would like Geoff to stay. We have made what we think is a very good offer and he knows that he will be very well looked after here if he has any further injury problems.
"This is also the best place for him to be to continue his England career.
"He will need to weigh that up against any offer that is financially better.
"Although we don't want to put any pressure on him to make a decision just yet, there will be a point at which we need to know in order to plan."
Ford signed a one-year contract extension last summer to see how much game time he would get this year as understudy to Toby Flood.
While Flood has started 10 games, Ford has begun nine.
Northampton are expected to bid for Ford's services and Bath are also reported to have waved their healthy cheque book in his direction. Ford's dad, Mike, is on the Bath coaching staff.
Gloucester are the club who seem to be at the top of the list competing for Parling. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
Negotiations over the futures of Leicester Tigers duo George Ford and Geoff Parling are reaching crunch time.
Both are out of contract this summer and have been in talks with the club for the past few weeks about the possibility of extending their stay.
With other clubs understood to be lining up to sign the pair if they decide to leave Leicester, talks are now at a crucial stage.
Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen said he hoped both will stay at Welford Road, but admitted the club need to plan for the future, if the lock and fly-half decide to leave.
"George Ford is a player who has been at this club for all of his short professional career to date and we think he is a player with lots of potential," said Cohen. "We would like him to stay. We have met regularly with him and his agent but we are getting closer to a time where a decision needs to be made in order that we can plan for next season."
On Parling, Cohen added: "We would like Geoff to stay. We have made what we think is a very good offer and he knows that he will be very well looked after here if he has any further injury problems.
"This is also the best place for him to be to continue his England career.
"He will need to weigh that up against any offer that is financially better.
"Although we don't want to put any pressure on him to make a decision just yet, there will be a point at which we need to know in order to plan."
Ford signed a one-year contract extension last summer to see how much game time he would get this year as understudy to Toby Flood.
While Flood has started 10 games, Ford has begun nine.
Northampton are expected to bid for Ford's services and Bath are also reported to have waved their healthy cheque book in his direction. Ford's dad, Mike, is on the Bath coaching staff.
Gloucester are the club who seem to be at the top of the list competing for Parling. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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Gran 'disgusted' by hospital cockroach spotted at Leicester Royal Infirmary
This is Leicestershire --
A grandmother has criticised the standard of cleaning on a children's hospital ward after seeing a cockroach run across a corridor.
Nicola Clark, of Syston, said she was "disgusted" at the lack of thorough cleaning during the four days her grandson, Riley Lightbown, was a patient at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Ms Clark was visiting Riley, 19 months – who was admitted to the infirmary after breaking his leg on December 23 – when she spotted the insect.
The 40-year-old said: "I was walking along to see Riley on the Wednesday evening after Christmas, when I saw something start to scuttle across the corridor from the nurses' rest room towards the room where they prepare medication.
"At first I thought it was a spider but then I realised it was a cockroach.
"I told a staff member on the ward, whose reaction was 'are you sure?'.
"She wrapped it in a piece of tissue and flushed it down the toilet.
"She mentioned that carpets were being refitted in a treatment room and it had probably come from there."
Ms Clark said neither she, nor her daughter, Yasmin McCorkindale, who stayed with Riley, saw the ward mopped or cleaned during his stay.
She said: "It was only after I complained they seemed to get a cleaner.
"I know it was Christmas, but when I worked as a cleaner at the infirmary the wards were a lot cleaner.
"The playroom and the toys didn't seem to have been cleaned for days and you couldn't see yourself in the mirror on the wall because it was so smeared.
"I was disgusted at the standards of cleanliness."
Nigel Bond, head of facilities at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "As unpleasant as a sighting like this must be, it seems to be an isolated incident.
"It is incredibly rare for a ward to have an issue with pests and thorough cleanliness inspections are carried out frequently.
"However, we do take this seriously and we have checked the area again to make sure there is absolutely no cause for concern."
Mr Bond said the play room and toys on the children's ward were cleaned daily.
He said mirrors were cleaned with a substance which could leave smears when it dried.
Figures supplied by the trust showed pest controllers had to be called to the city's three hospitals nearly 200 times last year.
There were only two incidents at the infirmary, one involving the possible sighting of a mouse and one of "biting insects" in the emergency decisions unit, next to accident and emergency. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
A grandmother has criticised the standard of cleaning on a children's hospital ward after seeing a cockroach run across a corridor.
Nicola Clark, of Syston, said she was "disgusted" at the lack of thorough cleaning during the four days her grandson, Riley Lightbown, was a patient at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Ms Clark was visiting Riley, 19 months – who was admitted to the infirmary after breaking his leg on December 23 – when she spotted the insect.
The 40-year-old said: "I was walking along to see Riley on the Wednesday evening after Christmas, when I saw something start to scuttle across the corridor from the nurses' rest room towards the room where they prepare medication.
"At first I thought it was a spider but then I realised it was a cockroach.
"I told a staff member on the ward, whose reaction was 'are you sure?'.
"She wrapped it in a piece of tissue and flushed it down the toilet.
"She mentioned that carpets were being refitted in a treatment room and it had probably come from there."
Ms Clark said neither she, nor her daughter, Yasmin McCorkindale, who stayed with Riley, saw the ward mopped or cleaned during his stay.
She said: "It was only after I complained they seemed to get a cleaner.
"I know it was Christmas, but when I worked as a cleaner at the infirmary the wards were a lot cleaner.
"The playroom and the toys didn't seem to have been cleaned for days and you couldn't see yourself in the mirror on the wall because it was so smeared.
"I was disgusted at the standards of cleanliness."
Nigel Bond, head of facilities at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "As unpleasant as a sighting like this must be, it seems to be an isolated incident.
"It is incredibly rare for a ward to have an issue with pests and thorough cleanliness inspections are carried out frequently.
"However, we do take this seriously and we have checked the area again to make sure there is absolutely no cause for concern."
Mr Bond said the play room and toys on the children's ward were cleaned daily.
He said mirrors were cleaned with a substance which could leave smears when it dried.
Figures supplied by the trust showed pest controllers had to be called to the city's three hospitals nearly 200 times last year.
There were only two incidents at the infirmary, one involving the possible sighting of a mouse and one of "biting insects" in the emergency decisions unit, next to accident and emergency. Reported by This is 2 days ago.
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