Let's build first Asian mall
The frequent occurrence of often violent robberies in the Golden Mile and the impending improvements to reduce them will probably eventually result in the area becoming a pedestrian-only zone.
Is there another solution to this problem which, at the same time, gives the city a major tourist attraction?
Shortly, Sainsbury's is leaving its present position and moving to the site once occupied by Thorn Lighting, while the present site will probably be made into smaller units.
Could not – with a lot of thought, discussion, investigation and negotiation – traders turn the vacated property into the first Asian shopping mall in the UK and, possibly, Europe?
The mall would have an area for a restaurant that would supply all types of Asian cuisine and an area separated from the main hall to accommodate insurance brokers, solicitors, financial advisers, travel agents – probably including the visa office secured by Keith Vaz.
It could become a fully comprehensive area for the Asian community.
One of the biggest problems with the Golden Mile is the lack of parking.
This would be solved, as there is a large car park.
Another problem is security, which again could be an improvement on the present situation.
Obviously, the financial side would have to be considered, but even that could be helped by applying for various sources such as the Lottery Fund, the Portas Fund – even the council could help.
There are a lot of Asian entrepreneurs who might even be interested in entering negotiations with Sainsbury's.
Perhaps Ratilal Govins would consider discussing such a proposition, its feasibility and its potential as a tourist attraction, as, apart from Leicester, there are many other areas with large numbers of Asians who would welcome such a project and could become regular visitors to the centre.
Perhaps Mr Vaz would lend his support to such a project.
If it did cause any problems, perhaps the Gandhi statue could be re-sited in the hall or in the entrance to the mall.
If it did not offend, perhaps it could named the Gandhi Centre.
Mr G Wainwright, Oadby
This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:
Hare Krishna festival of chariots is highlight of oldest street festival
Thousands of devotees pulled a huge chariot through the city yesterday to celebrate the world's oldest street festival.
Dancers, drummers and flag wavers led the Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots from Cossington Street, in Belgrave, to a huge party at Leicester's Town Hall Square.
The 15th annual Ratha-yatra festival was staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Devotees, who usually start in Humberstone Gate and finish in Belgrave, were forced to reverse their procession, due to waterlogged ground at Cossington Street Park.
Pradyumna Dasa, president of the group's new temple in Granby Street, Leicester, said: "Though it was never our plan to move the festival, it seems to us that Krishna's plan is to go towards his new home in the centre of the city."
For the Jethwa family from Syston, it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate their Hindu faith together.
Dad Jit, 41, said: "It is important that our children learn about our festivals.
"We are all born and bred in Leicester, a multi-cultural city that allows us to celebrate our culture and beliefs. It's fantastic."
Daughter Devi, eight, said: "My favourite part is the singing and the food."
Sister Bhavani, 11, said: "We have had a really nice day. I like watching it all pass us."
The procession featured a 40-foot chariot, which carried representations of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna) and his siblings, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama.
Work colleagues Siva Narayanasamy, 27, and Vimal Srinivasan, 30, watched the procession gather in Gallowtree Gate.
Siva, who lives in the city, said: "I'm really impressed by the size of the chariot. It's like being in India."
Vimal, also from the city, said: "It really gives you a divine feeling when we share our religion across the city. It sends such a good message."
For Lalita Dasi, from Groby, it was also a chance to catch up with friends and family.
The 53-year-old said: "You end up bumping into people you haven't seen since last year."
The procession ended with a party at the town hall, with dance and yoga displays, singing and vegetarian food.
The photo above shows the Chariot on Belgrave Gate, heading into the city centre, with the lifesize statue in the foreground. Photo by Kiran Parmar, sourced with permission.
