Temporary road closures near Leicester schools to cut pollution
Streets outside a number of schools in Leicester are to be temporarily closed to traffic in an effort to cut pollution.Leicester City Council said vehicles would be excluded from several roads on Thursday 19 June to mark National Clean Air Day. Schools will use the traffic-free space for sports, games and other activities.Closures will be in place from 08:00 BST to 16:00 in Magnus Road, Bessingham Close, Richard III Road, Eastfield Road, Hazeldene Road and Bramble Close.
The council said parking, waiting and loading will also be prohibited from 08:00 on Wednesday 18 June until 16:00 the following day on sections of Mundesley Road, Kestrel Lane, Richard III Road, Maidenwell Avenue, Foxglove Road and Laverton Road.
Active travel
On Thursday, pupils from Castle Mead Academy, in Richard III Road next to the River Soar, will also be ferried to school in a boat as park of a "park and paddle" initiative.The council's assistant mayor for air quality, Geoff Whittle, said: "Clean Air Day is a chance for schools to take part in some fun activities on traffic-free streets, while delivering an important message about improving air quality."It's also a great chance for local workplaces to get involved by promoting the benefits of active travel."Leicester's hospitals and the University of Leicester are also planning events on the day to encourage staff to take steps to cut air pollution by walking or cycling to work.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Before and after: How we modernised a Grade II-listed family home
When a blended family of five found themselves living somewhat unhappily in an open-plan barn conversion during lockdown, it became apparent that space alone doesn't necessarily create the perfect sanctuary. With three growing boys and competing demands for family life – quiet and privacy, workspaces and entertaining areas – they began the search for a home that could offer more than just square footage. That led them to a large historic house on the banks of the Thames in Berkshire, a property said to have been seized by Elizabeth I from the Bishop of Winchester and gifted to the courtier and politician Henry Neville, and which then belonged to the same family for centuries. 'It was a beautiful house from the outside,' recalls designer Nicky Mudie, founder of interiors studio Violet & George, who was brought in by the owners on the recommendation of a friend. 'The core of the house is medieval, with Arts and Crafts and Victorian additions, but inside it was completely unmodernised. It hadn't been touched in 40 or 50 years.' The Grade II-listed, six-bedroom house, situated on a floodplain, presented both opportunity and limitations. 'While there was a need to strip things back for refurbishment, we couldn't, or didn't, want to just rip things out,' says Mudie, who collaborated with architectural practice CSK Architects and specialist contractors Tenon on the project. 'Everything had to be done with care and respect for the history and structure of the building. We worked closely with English Heritage on aspects of the renovation.' The brief The owners wanted to preserve the soul of the building, but make it modern and usable. Along with necessary upgrades such as insulation, new wiring, repairs to the windows and flood protection, Mudie also took on the restoration of a set of Victorian tapestries in the entrance hall – a somewhat dominant feature the clients had initially loathed. 'The tapestries were quite moth-eaten, but they are listed, so they had to stay,' says Mudie. 'We cleaned them, reframed them more simply, and rebalanced the entire scheme of the room so that they could sing.' Additionally, some fireplaces were replaced with versions by Chesney's and Jamb, which were acceptable to the conservation officers, and the roof was repaired with handmade tiles. The flooring, too, required careful consideration – the engineered oak herringbone chosen for the entrance hall was tanked for underfloor heating and to protect against possible flooding. The layout The architects designed a large, contemporary, timber-framed extension to house a new, larger and lighter kitchen on the ground floor, and a large main bedroom directly above it. Elsewhere in the house, the family's brief defied the trend for knocking down walls. 'They definitely didn't want open plan,' says Mudie. 'They'd had that in their previous home, and it was a bit of a disaster with everyone on top of each other.' So, while the new extension introduced the large kitchen, dining and living room, the rest of the house was kept as separate rooms tailored to each family member's needs – although the functions of several rooms were changed to fit the way they wanted to live. The previous kitchen for example, a relatively dark room with low ceilings, has become a cosy cinema room; the former dining room became a study; and the former sitting room is now a serene drawing room, reading room and workspace. Upstairs, a new main bedroom suite was added on the first floor, above the kitchen extension. The look Another of Mudie's design challenges was reconciling the couple's differing aesthetic tastes. 'She would have gone far more traditional — antiques, vintage, colourful and layered,' says Mudie, 'while he loves very contemporary design: clean lines, sleek finishes, little colour, very John Pawson.' The compromise? A quiet, natural palette, a mix of hand-crafted pieces, and a luxurious feel throughout that nods to the home's Arts and Crafts heritage. Built-in storage, designed by Mudie and made by Tenon Construction, was also key to enable an uncluttered, streamlined look: 'The husband is precise and neat and was adamant everything should have its place,' she says. 'We even designed a designated place for storing parcel boxes.' The entrance hall Mudie's first hurdle here, after replacing the front door, was to convince the clients to trust her vision for the listed Victorian tapestries. After being restored, they were recontextualised in contemporary frames, which chime with the contemporary furniture in the room. Once the herringbone floor was down, Mudie played with textures, colours and just a few showstopping pieces. 'I think the juxtaposition of the mirror over the fireplace and that amazing table by Barber Osgerby for B&B Italia – that mix of contemporary furniture, the strength of the paint colours, the warmth of the floor – meant all of a sudden, the tapestries looked cool,' she says. 'I could picture how it would look straight away, but we did have to get the clients on board with it.' The upholstered bench is from Soho Home, the pendant plaster light is by Paolo Moschino and the black armchairs are by B&B Italia. The kitchen/dining room This was the major structural change of the two-year renovation: a full-width rear extension designed to create what Mudie calls 'a modern beast'. Mudie, along with the architects and the kitchen company Roundhouse, created a kitchen-dining space that feels open, airy and sociable. To work with the Benchmark dining table and chairs, which the clients already owned, Mudie added a large chandelier by Giopato & Coombes. The light, bright kitchen offers a lot of practical storage, while decoratively, the natural materials create a homely, cosy and liveable feel. In the sitting area of the room, microcement walls by Clayworks are the perfect backdrop to stoneware wall lights by Mariza Galani and a custom-made sofa by Violet & George, upholstered in a Marvic fabric, and the big fluffy armchairs from SCP contrast perfectly with the smooth surfaces of the walls and floors. The cinema room The former kitchen, a low-ceilinged room at the back of the house, has been transformed into a dark and quiet cocoon with a large modular sofa, moody walls, and a carpeted floor. It has become a favourite spot for family film nights. The study What was the dining room is now a serene study for the husband, who has a tech business that handles auction-house platforms. 'He'd bought a lot of the artworks that you see in the house, and particularly in his study,' says Mudie. He wanted a room geared towards work, with a decorative scheme that would complement the desk, which he already owned. Mudie set about adding plenty of built-in storage, along with sumptuous soft furnishings including a B&B Italia sofa and linen curtains in a fabric by Elitis. A pendant light from Pinch completes the look. The drawing room This room was designed specifically for the wife, who used to work in HR and gave up her job during the project to give the house her full attention. Her brief was for a soft, comfortable place to escape to with friends for a quiet glass of wine, but where she could also work, so Mudie added a foldaway desk from Another Country. The palette is light: sofas by DePadova and Paul Smith and a Tacchini marble coffee table are combined with a patterned wool and jute rug by Coral & Hive. Main bedroom and dressing room Upstairs, in the extension, the new main bedroom was kept modern, pared-back and light-filled, an effect that is enhanced by its vaulted ceilings, clad in tongue-and-groove panelling. To contrast with the raw look of the microcement walls by ClayWorks, Mudie added warmth with light oak floorboards and softness with simple soft furnishings. The bed and headboard were made in the Violet & George workshop and upholstered in a fabric by Yarn Creative, while the Benchmark bench, which already belonged to the clients, was reupholstered in a Kirkby Design fabric. The ash and stainless-steel floor-lamp is by Joe Armitage. The bedroom leads into an en-suite bathroom with a free-standing bath and walk-in shower, and on the other side of the bathroom, Mudie turned a former bedroom into a dressing room with built-in cabinetry and a leather-topped dressing table by Porro. The curtains here, as throughout the house, were made at the Violet & George workshop.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Astrologer reveals what the summer solstice means for your star sign - and there's a crucial message for Cancers
As the summer solstice dawns, the longest day of the year is set to give way to one of the most powerful spiritual opportunities, say astrologers. The summer solstice takes place in the UK on 21 June and carries the most daylight hours of any other in the year, making in the longest day and shortest night in the calendar. Spiritually speaking, this can mean big things for people's star signs, with the summer solstice holding immense energetic potential. Spiritual medium Tracy Higgs told MailOnline it is a 'powerful time of illumination, clarity, and renewal'. 'The solstice invites us to awaken to our purpose and realign with the light within. It's a sacred portal of growth,' she added. While Sagittarius signs will experience themes of rebirth and intimacy that awaken passion and power, Leos should pause to reflect, reconnect, and focus on resting over revival. Meanwhile, those born under the sign of cancer, due to celebrate their birthdays, are currently experiencing a cycle of personal growth, meaning they must shed old skin to renew. Aries on the other hand, are being 'nudged to focus inward' and should stick to clearing away stagnant energy to 'invite peace'. According to the medium, the solstice acts as a reminder from the universe that we are 'light'. 'We are part of the great turning wheel of life, always evolving, always growing. Wherever your sign sits in the sky, let this sacred shift bring you back to centre.' On the longest day of the year, she encouraged all signs to light a candle at sunrise or sunset and to ask spirit guide to follow them into the 'next season with clarity, courage, and compassion'. Aries (21 March – 19 April) Theme: Self-leadership and Home Awakening Higgs said: 'The solstice lights up your fourth house of home and emotional foundations. You're being nudged to focus inward—on your roots, your sanctuary, and your soul's safe space.' The astrologer said it is 'a powerful time to clear your home of stagnant energy and invite in peace.' Solstice Soul Prompt: What does emotional safety truly feel like to me? Taurus (20 April – 20 May) Theme: Voice, Vision & Vibrations 'Communication is your theme, dear Taurus,' Higgs said. 'This solstice highlights your third house—it's time to speak your truth, write from your heart, and be heard. Spirit may send signs through conversations and synchronicities.' Solstice Soul Prompt: Where am I holding back my voice—and why? Gemini (21 May – 20 June) Theme: Sacred Self-Worth For Gemini, the solstice will shift attention towards values of self-worth. 'It's not just about money—it's about knowing what you truly deserve,' the spiritualist said. She urged Geminis to align 'energy with abundance', adding that they 'may be called to review how to invest time, energy, and love.' Solstice Soul Prompt: What do I need to release to receive more? Cancer (21 June – 22 July) Theme: Rebirth and Radiance 'This solstice is your solar return, Cancer,' Higgs pointed out. 'You're stepping into a new cycle of personal growth. Shed the old skin of who you've been, and stand tall in the light of who you're becoming.' With it being Cancer's birthday, their 'intuitive power is especially strong now,' according to the medium. Solstice Soul Prompt: What new version of me is being born? Leo (23 July – 22 August) Theme: Surrender and Spiritual Insight 'Your twelfth house is lit up, Leo, asking you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your higher self,' Higgs said. 'This solstice isn't about action—it's about soul whispers, healing sleep, and deep reflection. The spirit world may be calling.' Solstice Soul Prompt: Where do I need to rest, not rush? Virgo (23 August – 22 September) Theme: Visionary Community and Purpose 'The solstice activates your eleventh house of dreams and soul tribes.' The spiritualist encouraged Virgos to ask questions this summer solstice. 'Who lifts you? Who drains you? Tune in,' she said, adding that it was a 'potent time to set intentions' for the future and align with kindred spirits. Solstice Soul Prompt: What vision am I ready to commit to? Libra (23 September – 22 October) Theme: Soulful Ambition and Recognition 'Your tenth house of career and soul mission is illuminated,' the spiritualist said. 'The solstice gives you a golden spotlight—don't shy away.' She implored Libras to 'step into' their power and that 'ecognition or leadership may be on the horizon.' Solstice Soul Prompt: Am I honouring the full scale of my potential? Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) Theme: Expansion and Soul Education The solstice for Scorpio is 'about wisdom, learning, and stepping into new territory', according to Higgs. 'Whether through travel, spiritual studies, or visionary thinking—you're being asked to expand your horizons. Solstice Soul Prompt: What truth am I being guided to explore? Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December) Theme: Depth, Desire & Transformation 'The solstice stirs your eighth house—death, rebirth, intimacy, and deep soul healing,' said Higgs. Sagittarius shouldn't be 'afraid to dive in', since the solstice offers a 'sacred time to release what's been buried and awaken passion and power.' Solstice Soul Prompt: What am I ready to transform—once and for all? Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) Theme: Soul Contracts and Sacred Mirrors It's all about relationships for Capricorn, with partnerships at the forefront of their future. The solstice will 'bring clarity' to partnerships of all kind, including 'romantic, business, or spiritual.' 'Are they nourishing your soul or draining your energy?' the medium encouraged Capricorn's to ask. 'You're being asked to find balance and integrity.' Solstice Soul Prompt: What relationships truly align with who I am becoming? Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) Theme: Sacred Routine and Embodied Energy For Aquarius, themes of 'healing' and spiritual service' are highlighted. 'What do your daily habits say about your self-love? The solstice invites you to honour your body as a temple and fine-tune your energy field.' Solstice Soul Prompt: What rhythms of life truly serve me now? Pisces (19 February – 20 March) Theme: Joy, Creativity & Inner Child Healing The solstice is about 'joy' for Pisces, with 'play and pleasure' both being illuminated. 'Creativity flows in, and your inner child calls for attention. Honour what makes your spirit sing,' Higgs said.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Extra school bus service launched in Surrey after parent petition
A cancelled school bus has been replaced by an extra trial service after parents put pressure on Surrey County Council (SCC). SCC advised children to "bring torches" to walk to school after announcing plans to axe a free school bus taking children from Molesey to Esher High School from September, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).But parents started a petition to put on an extra 814 service to accommodate the children with part of the £12bn transport funding granted to SCC by the council said it had worked with Falcon buses on the issues raised by parents, and had agreed on an extra trial service at no cost to the council. 'A win for children' The extra bus will run for the first half-term of the 2025/26 academic year, according to the council. After that, demand will be analysed to see if the service will continue, says SCC. Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey County Council, said: "We're very aware of the challenges raised by parents and carers and have worked with Falcon to address these."As with all bus services, we need to ensure they are used to make them viable, so I encourage parents and carers to take up this new provision. "This additional bus is being provided by Falcon at no cost to Surrey County Council." The LDRS has previously reported that it understood cutting the bus route from September would save about £180,000 per year. Esher and Walton MP Monica Harding previously wrote to SCC council leader Tim Oliver about concerns over the walking route and said it was a shame families had to wait so long for the council to make a decision. She said: "This is a win for school children in Esher who were facing walks of up to three miles across unlit heathland with concerns about safety, after Surrey County Council decided to withdraw the Esher High School bus service.""I'm glad that this time local families have been heard. We now need to know that this much-needed bus provision will be sustained over the longer term."
