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Plus: Covid-19 Public Inquiry finds that UK was 'failed' by government’s Covid response that saw Leicester locked down the longest.
by Molly Lee
Leicester City Council are looking to hear residents’ opinions on the proposed camera enforcement on Northfold and Eastcourt Road in Knighton, Leicester.
The two roads which border Overdale Infant and Junior School have caused a significant amount of traffic congestion in the area, due to an increase in the number of cars on the roads. In 2021, the council's previous consultation highlighed that Knighton had seen a steady increase in traffic levels over the past ten years.
“Residential streets, in particular, have been badly affected, with up to 75 per cent of traffic being ‘through traffic’ and part of the school run in some areas such as Northfold Road,” it said.
In an attempt to reduce the problem, Leicester City Council introduced restrictions without camera enforcement in an initial trial in February 2022. It consisted of signposting to prohibit access to most vehicles during school run times – from 8 am until 9am and then from 2.30pm until 4pm on weekdays. However, the attempt’s success is limited as drivers continue to violate the restrictions regularly.
One Northfold Road resident said: “Parking round here is horrendous. The signposting on planters was just ignored.”
The council's proposal for the two Knighton roads forms part of its new powers to use camera enforcement to deal with moving traffic offences. The new powers were first used by the council in May 2024, at two yellow box junctions close to St Margaret's bus station. For the initial period of six months, first offences caught by the cameras on the two junctions result in a warning notice. Subsequent offences result in a penalty charge notice.
If plans go ahead and cameras are installed on Northfold and Eastcourt Road, the council believes air quality, traffic congestion and road safety will be improved for the local community.
An Eastcourt Road resident said: “I’m all for it. It’s unreasonable to expect people [wardens] to stop cars coming through, as they get abuse and are ignored. The only concern is whether the camera enforcement will push the traffic further out.”
A common problem we found among residents is cars blocking their driveways. Another Eastcourt Road resident said: “It’s a shame, but it is a good idea. It’s a shame that a minority of parents does not respect the neighbourhood. There are constant issues with blocking the driveway."
“Personally, I think it’s a good idea as there is constant traffic during school times. For me, it’s a health and safety concern with kids running to school,” said a Northfold Road resident whose house overlooks both streets.
Another resident who is currently trying to sell his house is repeatedly asked by potential buyers about the traffic during school times. He believes the camera enforcement is a good idea, but “there are some plot holes to it as they are going to have to be flexible when parents are dropping kids off when it’s raining, etc.”
One resident said Leicester City Council had visited to ask her opinion. She told us what she told them: “I think the cameras will be very restrictive, especially when residents have family, friends, or workmen visiting. But something does need to be done, but I just do not know what.”
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment, said: “Camera enforcement can be a very effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences that are dangerous or obstructive for other road users.
“That’s why we’re considering introducing these measures to help enforce restrictions on two school streets close to Overdale infant and junior schools. The restrictions here were introduced following feedback from residents and families at the schools, and we must do whatever we can to discourage people from ignoring them.”
“We’re keen to hear people’s feedback on plans to introduce camera enforcement on these two streets during busy school run times, and I would encourage people to take part in the consultation.”
The public consultation will run until Sunday, 15 September. For more information, or to take part, you can do so here.
by Phil Morrish
🌦️ Monday: A cloudy start at 12C with a few showers. The morning will brighten up with some afternoon sunny spells. Temperatures rising to 22C in a light W breeze.
🌤️🌧️ Tuesday-Friday: A good deal of dry and fine weather is to come! This week there will be just the odd passing shower. Temperatures will peak on Wednesday at 24C with sunny spells to follow. Temperatures at night are expected to drop to 12C.
☀️ Weekend: Good news! The good weather will continue into the weekend, with temperatures rising to 24C on Sunday afternoon. Plenty of sunshine is to be expected, with temperatures at night, becoming warm at 14C.
by Emma Guy
😷 UK was 'failed' by government’s Covid-19 response that saw Leicester locked down longest: This week, Baroness Heather Hallett declared that there were “serious errors” from the then Conservative government in the extended Covid-19 lockdown, as part of the ongoing public inquiry. Hallett added that the failures led to “human and financial cost and sacrifice,” the Press Association reported - Leicester Mercury
🇵🇸 New MP skips Commons over 'potential death threat': Shockat Adam, independent MP for Leicester South, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he could not attend parliament to hear the government's decision on funding for Palestinian refugees. The new MP for Leicester South stated: “Regrettably, I could not be in the chamber today as I was dealing with a potential death threat. I want to thank the Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire police for their professional, prompt and courteous assistance in dealing with this incident.” - BBC East Midlands
🕌 Police investigate fears ‘undue’ spiritual influence was used in general election: In June, The Sunday Telegraph revealed concerns about imams in Leicester East exerting spiritual pressure over Muslim voters. Specialist officers at Leicestershire Police are assessing evidence to establish whether any crimes have been committed - The Telegraph
🦊 Foxes chairperson awarded honorary doctorate: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Leicester. The honorary degree has been granted to recognise his successful stewardship of the club, which he began running in 2018, following the death of his late father, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. He follows in his father's footsteps, who was granted an honorary degree by the university in 2016 - BBC East Midlands
🇬🇷 New Greek restaurant set for Leicester city centre: Is Charles Street due a new restaurant? It seems so! A new Greek restaurant, Sparta, is set to open on the ground floor of the Hannam Court flats block on Charles Street. According to a licencing, the new restaurant will be open seven days a week - Leicester Mercury
🚴 Barriers to clamp down on illegal cycling on path: New railings are being built by Leicester City Council at the Granville Road end of New Walk in an arrangement that aims to make it harder for cyclists to enter. Installation of the new barriers is expected to be substantially complete by late-July and will cost about £50,000 - BBC News
🏥 Leicester hospital waiting lists three times higher than 2011: The number of people waiting for non-emergency care at Leicester hospitals is around three times higher than in 2011. There were 111,037 people on the city’s elective care waiting lists in May, the latest figures available from the NHS show. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), which oversees the city’s three hospitals, said the longer lists were a result of a series of factors - Leicester Mercury
🚕 Taxi age restrictions to be eased after pressure: Leicester City Council has decided to ease the restrictions on taxi ages after pressure from local drivers. Previous rules meant cabs could not be more than five-years-old when they are first registered with the council, and must be less than 11 years when relicensed. The new rules will mean that vehicles can now be nine-years-old when registered and 15 years when licences are renewed - BBC Leicester
🏘️ Decision due on 170 Leicestershire homes off ‘dangerous’ road: A bid to build 170 homes at the edge of a Leicestershire village is set to be decided next week. Catesby Strategic Land resubmitted its plan for the new homes, which it wants to build in fields off Leicester Road, in Countesthorpe, in February - Leicester Mercury
🛑 City roads to close during school holiday: Melton Road and Narborough Road will close across July and August for repairs and resurfacing, the city council said. Melton Road will close in phases, between 22 July and 6 August, while work on Narborough Road is due to start on 3 August. All side streets affected by the road closures will have their one-way restrictions suspended to allow vehicles to enter and exit - BBC Leicester
In need of some serenity before a busy week? This photo captures just that at Bradgate Park. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, or just looking to reconnect with nature, this is the place to be!
Got a photo? Send it to news@greatcentralgazette.org to feature in this newsletter.
Key:
🚨 – Last chance
💷 – Entry fee
🆓 – Free of charge
🚨 💷 The HandleBards: The Comedy of Errors – 24 July 2024
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, head to Belgrave Hall for a fantastic performance of the bard’s classic comedy play, performed by The HandleBards. Tickets from £3.50. Performance starts 7pm.
🚨 💷 101 Dalmatians: The Musical – 23 to 27 July 2024
Wag your tails because 101 Dalmatians: The Musical is headed to Curve Theatre! Matinee and evening performances available. Tickets from £10. Woof!
🚨 🆓 Community Event from The Eden Project – 27 July 2024
Head over to Highfields Adventure Playground Association for a day of community, creativity, and nature. Runs from 10am to 3pm. Over 18s only.
💷 Summer Holiday Railway Days – Now until 20 August 2024
Pop down to Abbey Pumping Station for a fun train ride! Train rides cost 50p, entry to the museum and grounds is free. Runs from 11:30am to 4pm.
🆓 National Treasures: Renoir in Leicester – Now until 1 September 2024
Visit Leicester Museum and Art Gallery for a glimpse of the famous painting ‘The Umbrellas’ by renowned impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
🚨 💷 Talking Pictures Summer – Now to 30 September 2024
Are you a fan of cinema? Visit the Phoenix for a 10-week course all about film. Runs from 10:30am-12pm on Mondays. Price from £80. Over 18s only.
by Mark Pearson
Just over the city border in Leicester Forest East, a unique two bedroom detached house is available with no chain. It has two reception rooms, two bedrooms as well as pleasant gardens.
Price: £275,000
We briefly mentioned it last week, but just to remind you: on 10-11 August, Leicester will be throwing its annual food festival. You can expect over 50 food stalls, live bands, a food eating contest, a circus wagon and loads more. Make sure you get your tickets as they will be going quickly.
Women’s football: LCFC women’s secure title/main sponsorship with King Power, further uniting the LCFC teams. Read more
Men’s cricket: Leicester City Cricket Club succumb to the Birmingham Bears after a hard-fought match. Read more
Men’s football: In a friendly against Villarreal on the 19 July, LCFC took a commanding victory at 2-1 at the whistle. Read more
by Megan Lupton
The Leicestershire coat of arms, granted in 1930, depicts the arms of multiple Earls and the motto, 'FOR'ARD FOR'ARD.' Read more about it here.
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