Leicestershire Trading Standards website is getting a brand new look and you are invited to make suggestions for what you want to see on it. To take part in the consultation, please complete the online form by following the link from this page.
The consultation will run until Friday 25th July and the new website will be launched in the autumn.

Police are issuing a warning to the public after a suspicious incident.

The number of people in Leicestershire who feel that their police do an excellent or good job is good compared to the national average.
The results of the British Crime Survey (BCS), which were issued today (Thursday 17 July, 2008), revealed that Leicestershire has the highest number of people rating their local policing performance as excellent or good compared with other forces in the East Midlands region.
The BCS is considered to be the most accurate barometer of crime and public perceptions of crime... More » « Less

This short quiz tests your knowledge of security in your home and community.
You can take the quiz as often as you like - you may want to make sure you get all the questions right!
This interactive program is very easy to use. .

BBC 3’s ‘Freaky Eaters’ are looking for people to take part in a new series of programmes
Do you have an unusual eating problem which controls your life?
Do you find many foods difficult to eat?
Do your friends and family think your eating habits are weird?
Are you at the end of your tether and desperate to sort out your diet?
Freaky Eaters is a series about people who live with unusual eating habits. Each week our resident nutritionist and psychologist offer advice and support to help individuals tackle their eating problems.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, please call: 020 7907 0899 or email: freaky.eaters@betty.co.uk.. More » « Less

Further to the proposal to expand Neighbourhood Watch duties to include Community Flood Warden activities, North West Leicestershire District Council are to commence a pilot scheme in August/September.
There will be a presentation at North West Leicestershire District Council offices in Coalville, on 28th/29th July 2008 (tbc), to introduce the scheme and recruit volunteers for the pilot project.
If you would like to get involved, please contact one of the following: -
Neil Tunnicliffe (North West Leicestershire DC) - phone 01530 454 680
- email NEIL.TUNNICLIFFE@nwleicestershire.gov.uk
Ian Smith (Leicestershire CC / LRF) - phone 0116 3056733
- email ismith@leics.gov.uk
Neil or Ian may contact you directly before the meeting
Thank you for your support... More » « Less

The Grapevine is a brand new online message forum aimed at older and disabled adults, their family, friends and carers, but it can be used by anyone - from anywhere in the world!
Users can log-on to discuss topics including news, sport, the arts or share jokes, poetry and recipes.
Visitors to the site can also talk about what it's like to be getting older, to live with a disability and to care for others.
You can also send a message to David Sprason, our Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care You could give feedback about your care or make suggestions to help us continue to improve our service. Don't miss your chance to have your say!
Jackie Harman, who is disabled and deafened, is a regular user of The Grapevine. She said: "I found it hugely difficult to communicate and interact with people. The Grapevine has opened up a whole new world for me as I can now communicate with others safely through the internet."
The Grapevine is run by Leicestershire CareOnLine, which uses the internet to help reduce isolation and improve the quality of life for older and disabled people and carers.
CareOnLine recently won the Innovative Information and Communications Technology Award at East Midlands Health and Social Care Awards 2008.
For questions or help using the site, please e-mail: grapevine@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 7538... More » « Less

Substations
Substations are secure and protected structures where high voltage electricity is distributed from the National Grid, or local supply networks, and transformed down into more manageable voltage levels for homes and businesses. The equipment contained inside the substation is regularly inspected and maintained. They can be found in both local and rural areas displaying yellow warning signs, and are locked and protected for everyone's safety. Only authorised employees and supervised emergency workers are allowed to enter substations. Please stay out of these substations.
Substations are 'Danger Zones' and every year, despite warnings, people are still killed, or seriously injured, after illegally accessing them.
If you see this or anything like it you need to call us on: 0800 587 3243.. More » « Less

Taking place on Saturday 13th (to coincide with Ride and Stride - the annual cycle rally), Sunday 14th (our Harvest Festival) and Monday 15th September in St Peter's Church and Church Hall. The theme of the Flower Festival will be "Hymns". If you would like to take part in the flower arranging or sponsor an arrangement, perhaps in memory of someone, please contact Brenda or Tricia. There will also be an Art and Handicraft exhibition, stalls, tombola and refreshments. We are hoping to make this a special event and we hope that we will be able to welcome as many people as possible. Looking forward to seeing you!.. More » « Less

Leicestershire Constabulary are urging people to be on their guard after a spate of copper wire thefts in June from ten electricity substations across the county.
Officers are checking the identification of any person that they reasonably consider it necessary to challenge in the vicinity of electricity cables, substations and metal dealers in the county.

Welcome to the Neighbourhood Watch Toolkit
This package has been produced by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in consultation with Neighbourhood Watch volunteers.
This toolkit can be used by individuals to find out about all aspects of Neighbourhood Watch.

Come to join us in Swepstone Church Hall between 10.30 am and 12.00 noon on Wednesday 16th July 2008. We are having a coffee morning to raise funds for St Peter's Church. Admission £1.00 to include coffee and biscuits. There will also be a Bring and Buy table. This is your chance to take time out from an over busy life, meet friends or neighbours and catch up on all the news. We look forward to welcoming you.

This is an annual event for the under 5's and their mums or carers. This year it will take place on Wednesday 2 July 2008 at 2.00 pm. It will take place at Swepstone Church Hall (outside if fine, indoors if wet). All are welcome. Please bring your own food - drinks will be provided. For any further information, please contact Stella on 27 27 07.

The annual Newton Burgoland and Swepstone Vegetable Society Show will take place on Sunday 7th September 2008. It will be held at the Primary School and Wraggs Yard, Newton Burgoland by kind permission of The Head Teacher and Governors. All exhibits must be entered by 11.45 am and staged by 12.00 noon. Hog roast and games will be available from 1.00 pm and the Fancy Dress competition will be at 2.00 pm. Schedules for entries have been printed and taken to every house in both villages. If you have any queries or comments, please contact chairman Sean Baker, The Croft, Newton Burgoland or telephone 01530 273 647.
We look forward to seeing you at the show... More » « Less

Sunday 29 June 2008 marks the Feast Day of St Peter, Patron Saint of our Village Church. A joint service of Holy Communion will take place at 10.30 am, where special prayers and readings will be offered. In addition Mandy McIntosh will speak about Fair Trade. There will be a stall with appropriate products available for browsing or buying. You will be most welcome to come to celebrate this joyful occasion.

Up-to-date news for consumers

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!
This week marks the dawn of a new age of Neighbourhood Watch communication.
The Neighbourhood and Home Watch network is launched across the nation with a brief to keep an eye on crime and crime fighting on our home front.
With the backing of the police and Home Office we will keep you up to speed on developments both locally and nationally via a constantly-updated website and regular newletters. Use this link to download your copy and to register to receive future editions .. More » « Less

Chair of NHWN Marion Lewis was at Downing Street yesterday, 17th June and met the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss the views of Neighbourhood Watch members from across the country who were invited to ‘have their say’ and to give their opinions on the criminal justice system and contribute towards a Cabinet Office review written by the government's crime and communities adviser Louise Casey.

Business Advice
Confidential, free advice on all trading standards matters including help for you to solve your consumer complaints.
We can also help you to access available Rural Business Grants
Contact Us: Telephone: (0116) 305 8000
Email: trading-standards@leics.gov.uk

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a Leicester man who was last seen on Thursday June 12, 2008.
Kevin Wilson, 54, who was last seen at his home address on Humberstone Road, Thurmaston, was reported missing on Sunday, June 15, 2008.