East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has stood down the business continuity incident declared on Thursday 28 May.The incident was declared following sustained pressure on services across the region, including a significant increase in demand for emergency care.On Tuesday 26 May, EMAS handled more than 4,500 emergency 999 calls, one of the busiest days experienced outside of winter. A spokesperson for the Trust said:‘While the business continuity incident has been stood down, we know the pressures experienced over the past week remain.’- Advertisement -‘Our focus now is on recovery – improving response times and reducing the waits patients have experienced across our communities, while continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents.‘This will be supported by continued senior oversight and co-ordination over the coming weeks.‘We would like to thank our staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly during this period to continue supporting patients across the region, and our NHS partners for their continued support despite the significant pressures they are also facing.‘Members of the public are asked to continue supporting us during this period.‘999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.‘If your condition is not life-threatening, other NHS services may be able to help you more effectively, including:• NHS 111• Local pharmacies• Urgent Treatment Centres• Your GPChoosing the most appropriate service helps ensure ambulances are available for those who need them most.
Category: Leicester
EMAS stands down critical incident but asks for public to support recovery | West Bridgford Wire
Trial will ban vehicles entering streets near Leicester school
The Labour-run council said road closure points would be introduced at the junction of The Avenue and Knighton Park Road, and the junctions of East Avenue and Central Avenue with Clarendon Park Road, to prohibit access to motor vehicles, except for those holding exemptions.The no-entry points will be marked with traffic cones and managed by traffic marshals, it said.No waiting restrictions will also be introduced on parts of Clarendon Park Road, between its junction with London Road and the zebra crossing close to the school gates, the council added.The authority said residents in the affected streets could apply for an exemption if they wanted to enter the area during the times of operation.Whittle added: “School streets mean cleaner air, less congestion and a safer environment for children as they go to and from school.”We’ve also seen how school streets can help families adopt healthier habits, with a significant increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school.”This new trial scheme will be introduced under an experimental traffic order that allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.”
Leicester student flats extension plan gets green light
Plans to build an extension to a student accommodation unit in Leicester have been approved.The three-storey addition to the former Luke Turner and Co factory in Henshaw Street, which comprises 56 flats, would result in 32 additional flats.Planning documents submitted by the applicant stated the proposed development would help meet the “unmet need” for student accommodation within the city.Planning officers at Leicester City Council approved the proposal subject to conditions.
EMAS declares critical incident level after sustained pressure on ambulance services | West Bridgford Wire
East Midlands Ambulance Service has declared a business continuity incident after sustained pressure on ambulance crews across the region, with demand for emergency care rising during the hot weather and wider NHS services also under strain.The declaration, made at 7.15pm on Tuesday 26 May, means EMAS can put additional arrangements in place to maintain patient care, including working with hospitals to speed up patient handovers so crews can return to responding to 999 calls. The service has also escalated to REAP Level 4, the highest level in the ambulance service escalation system, which indicates the potential for service failures.EMAS said it is continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents while reviewing how crews are deployed across the East Midlands. Members of the public are being urged to use 999 only where someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, and to consider NHS 111, pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP services or out-of-hours care for non-life-threatening conditions.EMAS said:East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has declared a business continuity incident (as at 19.15 hours, Tuesday 26 May 2026) following sustained pressure on its services across the region.- Advertisement -In recent days, demand for emergency care has increased, including as a result of the hot weather, alongside wider pressures being experienced across the NHS.A business continuity incident is declared when services may be disrupted below expected levels and additional arrangements are required to maintain patient care.Declaring a business continuity incident allows EMAS to take additional steps, working closely with NHS partners, to help ensure ambulance crews are available to respond to patients in the community. This includes:Supporting the timely handover of patients at hospital emergency departments, so ambulance crews can return to responding to 999 calls.Working with healthcare providers to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. Continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents.This is to ensure emergency ambulances are available to respond to people in the community where life is at risk.We recognise this is challenging for our NHS partners, who are also working under significant pressure, and we are grateful for their continued support.Alongside this, EMAS is maximising available resources and reviewing how ambulance crews are deployed across the region.We will continue to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on maintaining safe patient care and returning to normal service levels as soon as possible.Members of the public are asked to support us during this period of high demand.999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.If your condition is not life-threatening, there are other NHS services available that may be able to help you.These include:– NHS 111 online or by phone.– Local pharmacies.– Urgent Treatment Centres.– Your GP (including out-of-hours services).Choosing the most appropriate service helps ensure our ambulance crews are available for those who may need them most.Additional information:1) Given the severity of the concern, senior leaders will continue to respond to the challenges faced and to ensure support for staff and volunteers at work. Therefore, media interviews will not be conducted tonight. Media requests should be sent via communications@emas.nhs.uk and will be responded to tomorrow.2) In response to pressures in the NHS system and on ambulance services, on Tuesday 26 May 2026, EMAS escalated to Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP) Level 4 – the highest level which indicates a potential for failures within the service.3) The Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response framework describes as business continuity incident as: ‘an event or occurrence that disrupts, or might disrupt, an organisation’s normal service delivery, below acceptable predefined levels, where special arrangements are required to be implemented until services can return to an acceptable level (this could be a surge in demand requiring resources to be temporarily redeployed).
‘Serious’ multi-vehicle crash closes M1 in Leicestershire
A “serious” multi-vehicle crash has closed the M1 in Leicestershire in both directions.Emergency services were called to the northbound carriageway of the motorway, between junctions 23 and 23A, at about 19:30 BST on Tuesday.National Highways East Midlands described the crash as serious and added it had resulted in a vehicle fire.The northbound carriageway and one lane on the southbound carriageway were initially shut, but the motorway has now been closed completely in both directions.
Oadby community pub reopens following transformational refurbishment
Popular community pub, the Fox on 21 London road in Oadby will officially reopened on Wednesday 20th May following a transformational combined investment of £250,000 from experienced licensees, Neil Fowkes and Paul Wenman and Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company.This refurbishment breathes a new lease of life into the Fox to elevate and modernise the overall look and feel of the pub — whilst still retaining it’s original, characterful features such as the open fireplace — ultimately enabling the licensees to further cement it as the go-to community hub for local residents.Internally, the pub has been completely transformed to include brand new fixtures, fittings and flooring throughout. This includes a brand new main bar, pool room, darts room and a cosy lounge area to elevate the Fox’s atmosphere and further expand its offering to ensure it welcomes everyone.Externally, the Fox has been completely revamped to include brand new lighting and signage to greet customers.Passionate licensees, Neil and Paul, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the pub with 40 combined years’ experience between them. Going forward the licensees are committed to creating a family-friendly hub that brings people together and supports all aspects of community life.Neil and Paul, licensees at the Fox, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted with the results of the refurbishment and we were excited for the customers to see the updates been made.We have loved every minute of our time at the Fox so far and we would like to thank everyone, from our family and friends to our customers and of course the team at Admiral Taverns, for all their ongoing support. We look forward to everything the future holds for this fantastic community pub!”Going forward, Neil and Paul will be hosting a busy schedule of regular entertainment for the community to enjoy including regular performers to mark special occasions. In the future they hope to run weekly quiz and bingo nights too.As part of their mission to giving back to the local community, they will also be hosting regular fundraising events/community initiatives.Following the refurbishment, the pub will host an impressive range of drinks including an extensive portfolio of premium drinks such as Amstel, Cruzcampo, Moretti, Orchard Thieves, John Smiths Extra Smooth and Murphys Stout. The pub also offers a range of wines and spirits for customers to enjoy.The pub also plans to introduce a food menu in the future, which would include dishes such as fish and chips and burgers.The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company with c. 1,365 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.Jenna Trudgill, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, added: “We are delighted to have Neil and Paul at the pub and we are confident they will continue to build a really strong, community-focused local that residents will enjoy.”On behalf of myself and everyone at Admiral Taverns, I wish Neil and Paul and the entire team at the Fox the best of luck in the future.”Admiral Taverns (“Admiral”) is the UK’s number one community pub group. Headquartered in Chester; the Group operates a national estate of c. 1,365 predominantly wet-led community pubs. Admiral’s unique operational approach has earnt industry recognition with the Group winning Best Community Pub Operator at the 2024 Publican Awards, whilst also being shortlisted for Best Partnership Pub Company (501+ Sites). In 2019, 2016 and 2013, Admiral Taverns won Best Leased and Tenanted Pub Company at the Publican Awards and ranked highly commended as Best Community Pub Operator in 2017. The Group has also been consistently highly rated by licensees in the industry’s independent annual Tenant Track survey, exceeding the scores of all its national peers.Polly Clarke/Amy Keane/Sarah PattonThird-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.
Plan for 135 homes near Markfield to be decided
According to planning documents, 40% of homes on the 6.39-hectare (15.8-acre) site would be classed as affordable. A report submitted to the council by the developer said the scheme would be a “highly sustainable residential development”.”By approving the development proposed, a development will be brought forward which contributes towards sustaining and increasing the vitality and viability of the local services and facilities,” it added.The application will be subject to a Section 106 legal agreement in which the developer will pay towards services in the area, including £659,340 to improve Field Head roundabout, according to planning documents.
Leicestershire council set to increase parking and wedding fees
The proposals include raising the price of a season parking ticket at council-run country parks from £85 to £95 as well as £10 increases for some register office ceremony fees.The report also suggests the council could increase meal prices at its staff restaurant at County Hall in Glenfield to generate £80,000.Kevin Crook, deputy council leader and cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: “Our efficiency review is about gripping our budget and making every pound we spend work harder. “It’s a major project, leaving no stone unturned, and includes increasing fees where it makes sense to do so, with all money collected going back into running and improving our services, including country parks.”Deborah Taylor, leader of the council’s Conservative opposition group, said: “This is Reform putting up the costs of services.”It’s a political choice.”They chose to increase council tax by 2.99% and made a big point of that. “Then they have hidden taxes like these increases to make up the difference.”
Tennis courts to open near ‘least active area’ of Leicestershire
The council said members will be able to use the facility by booking slots and paying a “small fee”, which will help maintain the courts. Locals will also be able to play for free during sessions run by the LTA. Haq said: “Parts of Oadby were recently found to be the least active area in Leicestershire, so I hope that this will help to change that and give people a chance to get moving and improve their physical and mental health.”I really encourage our residents to come along and give it a try, and to take advantage of these fantastic new courts. “Whether you’re a regular player or trying tennis for the first time, these new courts are here for the whole community to enjoy.”Scott Lloyd, LTA chief executive, added: “Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active.”
Fire service and police investigate blaze at Leicestershire house
A joint police and fire service investigation has started after a house fire in Leicestershire.Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) was initially called to the property in Kent Crescent, in Wigston, at 15:28 BST on Friday. A spokesperson said seven crews and an aerial ladder platform were deployed to the scene at the height of the blaze. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, LFRS added.
