Citizenseye » Highfields Inquirer (news)

Police get on their bikes to raise funds

Contributor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:12:18 +0000

By Patrick Keane

Loyal Leicester police officers have set up a beneficiary sport fundraiser in aid of a sick colleague.

After beating cancer when he was 17, PC Dave Robinson last year learnt that the tragic disease had returned in the form of three tumors.

It is this heartbreaking news that has driven the local Leicester police force into action, as they plan to rally and support PC Robinson by organising numerous fundraisers to aid his cause.

Police Community Support Officer Simon Johnson, said: “Dave was a PCSO in the city centre before becoming a Police officer. The police are like a ‘family’ and he is one of our own so if there’s anything any of us can do, we will.”

A grueling 200 mile cycle ride from Leicester to Exeter is being planned by the Leicester Constabulary to raise funds for PC Robinson, with a target of £100,000 being the total aim.

The officers who are participating in this sponsored event are riding under the team name of ‘Team Robinson’ in honor of there exceptional colleague.

The money that these events will raise will go towards a clinical trial in America, which will improve the quality of life for Dave and his wife Almina, who are expecting their first child in May.

PCSO Johnson added: “I think it’s great that everyone is rallying around PC Dave Robinson. Everyone has been touched by his tragic news and we all intend to help him in anyway.”

Along with the support of his fellow colleagues, the Leicester football team have also supported Mr Robinson’s course by letting him visit a training session and giving him a signed football shirt by all the players and the manager.

More information about Dave, the fundraising efforts and how to donate money to his cause can be found at www.davidleerobinson.co.uk.

Council campaigns for more exercise

Contributor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:11:04 +0000

By Luke Dixon

An ambitious council officer is determined to help a Leicester City Council campaign encouraging adults to exercise three times a week surpass expectations.

The council launched the 3 x 30 pledge last July, in response to a study in 2008 by Sport England showing that only 15% of people over 16 in Leicester did half an hour of physical activity three times a week.

This had risen to 17.9% in the 2009 Sport England report but Carla Lane, Physical Activity Officer, is aiming higher. She said: “Our original goal was to bring the number of people exercising three times a week in line with the national average (16.6%) within three years, but personally I want to go beyond that.

“We are going in the right direction but I am hoping we can get in the top 25% of places in the country.”

More than 1500 people have made a 3 x 30 ‘pledge’ on the council website, receiving a free exercise DVD , a discount card giving them 10% off entry to council leisure facilities in Leicester , and various other incentives in return.

The site also contains fitness videos with instructors in facilities across the city such as Braunstone Leisure Centre giving lessons on exercise ranging from combat skills to chair-based aerobics.

Other schemes like guided park walks, such as that in Spinney Hill Park, have generated much interest and are being extended to other areas like Braunstone Park.

Carla believes that the key to building on the overall success of the campaign and get into the top quarter of cities in England is to target the areas of the city which aren’t performing as well. She said: “My plan over the next 12 months is to get into the wards of the city in which the scheme hasn’t been so successful and raise awareness.”

She is waiting on a more detailed breakdown of results of last year’s Sport England survey to identify which areas she will target, but she believes the main step to improving the health of the city is to educate people on how to make adjustments to their lifestyle.

She said: “People don’t realise how to incorporate exercise into their daily routine; just walking the kids to school a bit more briskly, taking them for a kick-about at the park regularly or parking further away from work and walking can make a big difference.”

“People also don’t know what facilities they have on their doorstep, so I’m hoping to show more people how they can exercise three times a week without having to travel all the way into the city centre.”

To sign up, or for more information, visit http://www.leicester.gov.uk/3×30pledge/

Funds needed for library aerobics class

Contributor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:09:20 +0000

By Zeenat Sabur

Eager aerobics going women are hopeful that Leicester City Council will allocate adequate funding to the Highfields Library to continue the popular aerobics sessions that have recently ended.

The sessions, which were held weekly at the library from January 26 to February 23, proved to be ‘very popular’ and now the library is hoping the council will fund another set of sessions.

Jane Sharman, senior worker at the Highfields Library, said: “These sessions are very important to the ladies who have come regularly, it was great for them to come along, exercise and socialise.”

“There was one lady at the sessions who looks after her husband and she said the aerobics classes were one of the best things she had done in a long while.”

The sessions were part of a health-drive by the library which is also holding a ‘look good, feel good’ day on April 17 to help inform community members about the benefits of diet and exercise.

Jane also emphasised the importance of the aerobics classes in terms of health, she said: “The sessions are very informal and so help the women feel at ease, they do not have to be dressed in the latest gym clothes, they can just come down and feel good about themselves.

“We had a very positive response the first time around from those who came along and we are very hopeful the council will allocate us the funding so that we can start the sessions up again.”

Music studio kicks off centre initiative

Contributor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:07:26 +0000

By Shelley DeBere

A STRING of exciting new ventures is being undertaken for young children and young adults by the Highfields Centre over the next few months.

Next month will see the opening of their state of the art recording studio called the “The Mango Rooms” after it’s brightly painted walls and a name that will resonate in key communities that the Centre works in.

The centre is hoping that the opening of the studio will lead to further interest in the other programmes and courses they are offering – like photography and design.

Saqib Deshmukh, the Audio Visual & Performing Arts Co-ordinator said: “We are hoping that local groups and individuals who are in crews and bands will come in, create some tracks in the studio and then go on to have their photos taken and design a CD cover – and we can offer these services all in house ”

The Highfields Centre, which opened in 1974 as a community centre, sees itself as a ‘community anchor’ organisation and has recently developed both sports and arts services to a higher standard, but it has taken time to build up interest in the arts.

Saqib said: “It is difficult for children to balance homework and revision, it’s still getting dark quite early which makes a difference and we’re still building up an audience and interest in the range of arts we offer but on the whole we have had a great deal of support and I think the new recording studio will be a great asset.”

Over the years, the Centre’s work has developed and progressed to offer a full range of lifelong and community development services delivered seven days a week – including evenings.

The main motive for the Highfields Centre is to develop the Highfields area into a vibrant, healthy, confident and socio-economically prosperous community.

Saqib added: “We are hoping to become industry accredited by Apple, which will give the courses more value and encourage more people to come along and get involved.”

Children and young people are at the heart of the programs and courses that are run by the Highfields Centre – demonstrated by the many clubs they provide.

In addition, they have been working alongside and supporting ‘StreetDreamz’ a predominately Somali project which teaches and helps young people from that community about film projects and the relevant skills needed to make them.

Saqib added: “We have also been holding an ethnical fashion and photo course called ‘Threadz’ throughout February, which has been attended mostly by women and had great success!

“We want to ensure that people within our communities have access to arts facilities and can learn and grow – we want young people from Highfields to aspire and get to work at the Curve or produce artwork for the Tate gallery in London.

“Big question is how they do that and hopefully with what we are providing we can help them make the jump.

“With all this talk about cultural regeneration in Leicester there has to be buy in from local communities. At this moment I don’t really see this being enabled by the powers that be so it’s up to organisations like us on the ground to force the issue”

For more information contact the Highfields Centre on 0116 253 1053 or e-mail Saqib on saqib.deshmukh@highfields-centre.ac.uk.

Help for businesswomen

Contributor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:21:23 +0000

Shelley DeBere

A PIONEERING scheme to help and motivate new businesswomen is taking place in Highfields.

The ‘Leicester Business Women’ programme aims to inspire women who are starting up their own businesses and need help with several of the skills involved.

It was launched in April of last year and has been running ever since, holding workshops across Leicester.

Heena Mistry, who helps with the training and development, said: “Highfields has been one of our better areas; the women are really motivated and eager to learn.”

The programme, held at 96 Melbourne Road, Leicester, consists of several free workshops to help women build up their confidence when starting their new ventures.

The first of which, entitled ‘Motivate Yourself’ was held on March 5 and had a great turn out.

Heena added: “We deal with women who are looking to set up a business but need help with the softer skills, like confidence, time management and generally moving forwards.”

The second workshop, called ‘Your style, Your Brand, Your Selling’, will be held on March 10 at 9.15am – 2.30pm, with the same group of women attending.

This session concentrates on sales marketing and helps the women participating with pitches and accessing the real benefits of their products.

Heena said: “We have had some really good feed back so far from the women who have come to the workshops.”

All the events, which are for women who work from home or have their offices, are free of charge and open to women of all ages.

For more information about the workshops held by the ‘Leicester Business Women’ contact Heena Mistry on 0116 2518730 or visit their website at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk.

A PIONEERING scheme to help and motivate new businesswomen is taking place in Highfields.The ‘Leicester Business Women’ programme aims to inspire women who are starting up their own businesses and need help with several of the skills involved.It was launched in April of last year and has been running ever since, holding workshops across Leicester.Heena Mistry, who helps with the training and development, said: “Highfields has been one of our better areas; the women are really motivated and eager to learn.”The programme, held at 96 Melbourne Road, Leicester, consists of several free workshops to help women build up their confidence when starting their new ventures.The first of which, entitled ‘Motivate Yourself’ was held on March 5 and had a great turn out.Heena added: “We deal with women who are looking to set up a business but need help with the softer skills, like confidence, time management and generally moving forwards.”The second workshop, called ‘Your style, Your Brand, Your Selling’, will be held on March 10 at 9.15am – 2.30pm, with the same group of women attending.This session concentrates on sales marketing and helps the women participating with pitches and accessing the real benefits of their products.Heena said: “We have had some really good feed back so far from the women who have come to the workshops.”All the events, which are for women who work from home or have their offices, are free of charge and open to women of all ages. For more information about the workshops held by the ‘Leicester Business Women’ contact Heena Mistry on 0116 2518730 or visit their website at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk.

Outrage at council’s ongoing delay tactics

Contributor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:19:54 +0000

Zeenat Sabur

OUTRAGED community members expressed their disgust that the Highfields Centre’s 13-year campaign for independence from Leicester City Council is yet to succeed and vowed to ‘fight tooth and nail’ until it is.

Workers and users of the Highfields Centre, as well as councillors representing the area, gathered at the centre on Thursday to discuss the long-standing issue of ‘community governance’- giving the centre freedom to control it’s own finances and activities.

Abdul Osman, head of the Highfields Community Association, said: “It is annoying to see this centre has still not been transferred over to the people.

“It has been 13 years since the bid was launched and we are still waiting. Now we have to stand up and say, enough is enough.”

Even though the centre first applied for independence in 1997, the council still has the final say over use of rooms and activities held at the centre, and unimpressed senior members feel they have seen too many false dawns.

Priya Thamotheram, head of the centre, said: “Repeatedly we have been assured that this matter will be resolved and we will get community governance.

“We have been discussing this with the council for a long time, but every time we agree on something they go away make changes.”

Community governance would enable the centre’s workers to make full use of the site facilities, which they are currently blocked from doing by the council, who prevent them from holding extra sessions by locking up rooms outside of the time they are used for of council-approved classes.

Members also felt their centre was being put on the back-burner while money and attention is lavished on other city landmarks.

Esmail Mohamed Joosab Esmail, member of Highfields Community Association and the man heading the bid for self-control, said: “The council has decreased our funds and refused us community governance while they have given plenty of funds to projects like the Curve and the Highcross.

“Others seem to get what they want so why not us? I want to build a future for my kids and will do everything possible to make sure the centre gets independence.”

Councillor Patrick Kitterick, who represents Castle ward, assured the people of Highfields he would do everything in his power and ‘find the least onerous way possible’ to hand over control, and users of the centre are hoping this happens sooner rather than later.

Saqib Dshmukh, who used the centre as a child, said: “I don’t want to wait another 13 years – I was a kid when the wheels for this were set in motion and the kids of today may be adults before it becomes a reality and this shouldn’t be the case.”

There will be another private meeting between council leaders and associates of the Highfields Centre on Thursday March 11in a bid to solve the burning issue of the centre’s future.

Jury still out on new Tesco store

Contributor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:13:54 +0000

Luke Dixon

SEVERAL weeks after the controversial opening of a Tesco store, people are unsure whether it will kill off smaller traders and add to street drinking as initially feared.

The Tesco Express store, which opened on February 3 opposite Leicester train station, had encountered much opposition throughout the planning application, but it is proving difficult to assess its impact on the community.

Harry Amlani, who owns the shop next door but one, was so fearful that he joined franchiser Mace in order to try and compete with the store.

He said: “Things were very quiet for the first couple of weeks but we’ve been able to put a lot more promotional offers on products and things have improved slightly.

“There’s no way of telling how bad it will be in the long term – we have to see what position we are in after three months.”

Mr Amlani was one of 15 people who objected the licensing application, one of five submitted to Leicester City Council by the supermarket last year.

Helen Tozer, who lives in the area, was against the idea at first but is now unsure sure whether she would prefer not to have the store there.

She said: “I try to buy from smaller shops as much as possible because they are much more friendly, but some of the special offers in Tesco are so cheap I can’t really afford to go elsewhere.

“I do feel guilty though – when I’ve been there and I walk past one of the smaller shops I feel guilty and try to hide the Tesco bag!”

Councillor Patrick Kitterick, who represents the Castle ward and lives in the area, expressed reservations over the store wiping out smaller retailers, as well as adding to the problem of street drinking by supplying cheap alcohol.

Those fears increased when the Leicester Mercury reported last month that the store had broken its pledge to not sell cider or lager over 5.5% proof, but Cllr Kitterick believes it hasn’t added to the problem.

He said: “It’s too early to see whether the store will wipe out all the smaller competition, but I have to say the street drinking problem hasn’t got any worse.

“However, this may be more to do with police upping their activity in the area and due to the general refurbishment of Lillie House is disturbing the usual haunt of the street drinkers.”

Tesco were unavailable to comment on street drinking yesterday, but a spokesperson said the store had created 20 jobs in the area and made a £500 donation to charity Action Homeless to show its desire integrate into the community.

Hawk hired in Highfields

Contributor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:12:06 +0000

Patrick Keane

SCARE-TACTICS have been brought in to combat the pigeon nesting problems on the rooftops of Saint Matthew’s estate – in the form of a hawk.

The local housing office has been forced to take action against the growing problem of a pigeon infestation in the Highfields area.

Officials insist the bird of prey will not cause any harm to the pigeons, but instead is used to scatter and scare them off.

Sally Franklin, a local housing officer for the area, said: “I recently read an article about Stephen Sanders and the work he was doing at Leicester General Hospital.

“He was flying a Harris Hawk on a regular basis in the hospital grounds and this was a deterrent to the pigeons. He has only been here for a few days but already we are noticing a difference in the area.”

Stephen Saunders, an expert Falconer, has been brought in to scare the pigeons away. He is now working on the estate with the hawk after other successful work he has previously carried out.

The housing office hopes that this new scheme will prove to be effective, as the pigeon problem was becoming a growing concern within the local community.

Sally Franklin added: “The pigeons were an increasing problem on the estate. They have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the properties. The damage that pigeons can cause is when they attract vermin into the roof space of the houses.

“Even though we encourage residents not to feed them it often falls on deaf ears.”

It is the hope of the local housing office that the Harris Hawk can continue to reduce the number of pigeons in the area, so that the roof tops of saint Matthew’s can improve hygienically.

For more information on the Hawk strategy in Saint Matthew’s contact 0116 295 5275.

Quiz night boosts community spirit

Contributor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:08:44 +0000

A boost was given to the Highfields community spirit when a huge turn out of friends and families ensured a packed out quiz night.

The Haiti fund-raising event was held on Friday February 26 at the Highfields Rangers Ground, off Gleneagles Avenue, and extra tables had to be put out to accommodate the 100-plus people who came along.

Samira Admini, organiser of the evening and a youth worker at the Highfields Centre, said: “It is not often the community comes together and it is good to have the chance to build links with each other.

“At the end of the day there are a lot of things happening in our community and we need to tackle problems together as a community as it is a healthier way of doing things.

“We should stick together, work together and support each other.”

All attendees were given a free meal of rice, curry and chicken and people at the event expressed their delight at seeing friends from as far back as their school days.

Cheryl Farrell, who took part in the quiz, said: “I have bumped into a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time – that is why it is so good to come to nights like this.

“It is good to get people together. I have enjoyed all the banter, it has been lovely to come along and meet people.”

Everyone taking part in the quiz night paid a £5 fee, there was also a raffle and guess-the-money-in-the-jar.

The event raised more than £500 for the people of Haiti and Mendella Newton, who went to the event, said: “This was all about communities, our community here and also the community in Haiti as we are all part of a larger community and should do what we can to help each other.”

Samira also revealed she hoped there would be more similar events in the future, she said: “ We achieved something in that we bought the community together and I hope can do something like this again soon.”

Struggling ex-offenders helped by charity

Contributor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:05:34 +0000

By Shelley DeBere

STRUGGLING ex-offenders are being well provided for by a charity in Leicester, despite being in desperate need for more volunteers and resources.

The fundamental work offered by the charity has not gone unnoticed by several Highfields projects, which also are eagerly helping the cause.

The small but radical scheme ‘Futures Unlocked’ is a community chaplaincy project which provides practical and emotional support for offenders whilst in prison and when they are released.

Ellen Solla, the volunteer and pathways co-ordinator for the charity said: “We believe that everybody deserves a second chance.”

The ‘Open Hands’ project run by Trinity Life Church in Highfields constantly supplies much needed amenities to those sent to them by ‘Futures Unlocked’.

The Pastor David Hind said: “The charity is open to all those in need of help, from homeless people to prostitutes and the vulnerable; anyone can come and have some tea, toast and someone to talk to.

In addition to this innovative The Dawn Centre, also in Highfields, tries to accommodate those ex-offenders who need a temporary place to stay.

Ellen said: “We need more services like those provided in Highfields by the Dawn Centre and the Trinity Life Church – people who are truly compassionate.”

‘Futures Unlocked’, which has 25 volunteers at the moment, provides offenders, who are over 18, with a mentor to help them re-enter life after leaving prison.

They assist and provide advice about gaining employment, finding accommodation and other personal matters.

Ellen added: “We try to be the glue that holds life together after they leave prison; it is a very chaotic time.”

The charity, which often relies on word of mouth to create awareness, is coming to the end of its three year pilot and is in desperate need for more resources and always requires volunteers to keep it going.

It has had many success stories, the most recent, a Leicestershire man, who was addicted to heroin and crack cocaine with a prolific priority offender order.

He has been mentored for a year and during that time has not taken drugs or committed any more offences; next week he will be going to court to get an appeal for his order to be revoked.

They hope to continue increasing individuals’ life chances and contribute towards reducing crime, thereby making communities safer, something we should all be concerned about.