Golden Mile gateways are a great idea
Belgrave traders have raised the idea of large Indian-style gateways to mark either end of Leicester's Golden Mile. It would create a landmark in a similar way to the Oriental arches in Manchester's Chinatown. Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is enthusiastic about the idea and would support it if the traders were to pay for it themselves. That last point touches on the issue of how this would be funded and that does not appear to be entirely clear yet.
Notwithstanding that potential stumbling block, it is an excellent idea. This area of Leicester is already scheduled for a major change with the demolition of the Belgrave flyover next year. This has caused some anxiety among motorists. However, there are many benefits to the area itself. The Belgrave flyover is an unattractive structure which separates the Golden Mile from the city centre. Its demolition will remove that barrier.
The creation of the landmarks being proposed by the traders would further add to the character and distinctiveness of this area and make it more of an attraction to visitors to the city. It has a fine array of shops and this would help to make them even more of an attraction. One would imagine, however, that landmarks of this nature would be expensive and the crucial issue is coming up with a funding plan. We would love to see this idea get off the ground.
Ignore this rabble and their march
The English Defence League are an organisation that we have no time for. They are an organisation that revels in causing divisions within our community. We frankly also have grave misgivings about those individuals that align themselves to this fringe group.
It is, therefore, with some trepidation that we report today that the EDL are apparently organising a march through Leicester city centre to the war memorial, in Victoria Park, to lay a wreath in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was brutally murdered on the streets of Woolwich last week.
As everyone will remember, one previous demonstration by this rabble ended in violence that effectively closed our city centre on a busy Saturday.
On a second occasion, an excellent police operation kept disruption down to a minimum.
The soldier's death was indeed truly shocking and horrific, but it has nothing to do with this neo-political outfit.
The EDL, as they did on the night of Drummer Rigby's death, are simply seeking to exploit his murder for their own questionable ends.
We understand that this weekend's event is part of a series of marches and wreath-layings across the country.
It is expected to be small-scale and involve only local members and will not be the national EDL events, as was the case on previous occasions.
We would ask that opponents of the EDL, which should frankly be us all, ignore this event and that no-one mounts rival demonstrations.
Let the police do their job, marshal the event and get this group off our streets as quickly as possible.
Rival protests, however well meaning, simply play into the hands of these extremists and help them spread their intolerant and ill-founded message.
If the EDL had any credibility, they would simply go about their wreath-laying in private and mark Drummer Rigby's death in a dignified and solemn manner.
Instead, they choose to publicise their demonstration in the hope of promoting divisions within our community. We have a message for them – it won't work.
This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:
Terrorism must never divide us
It is a sad reflection of the turbulent times in which we live that Muslim leaders have had to swiftly put out public statements condemning the utterly horrific and barbaric murder of a soldier in London on Wednesday afternoon. They should not need to do so any more than any other group.
The people who carried out this atrocious attack are hopelessly deluded and misguided individuals and do not remotely reflect the values of the Muslim community.
However, Muslims have been so demonised over the past few years that an incident such as this fuels unwarranted suspicion and reprisals, as we have seen in London with attacks on mosques.
It is in this febrile atmosphere that Muslim leaders have had to react quickly to make it clear that the actions of the killers are condemned by the Islamic community and do not represent its values and beliefs.
Apparently, the killers chanted the name of Allah during their vile attack. People who have committed atrocities throughout history have proclaimed religious faith, as though their appalling actions have some sort of divine sanction. In reality, they are simply using the name of a faith to try to justify their own crimes. Their behaviour bears no relation to the teachings of the religions they proclaim.
Defeating terrorism is not just the work of the police and security services but wider society, too. It is about being united and showing the terrorists that people in this country stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one another in the name of peace whatever their faith and background. Those who demonise Muslims or attack mosques are just continuing the division and discord that the terrorists seek.
The reality is that terrorists have nothing to do with any of us. They are people who exist on the margins of society wrapped up in their own hate-filled views. They are not part of any religion or group or community. They are isolated individuals in a hell of their own making.
Finally, let's not lose sight of what matters most here; the dreadful death of a young man in the most barbaric way imaginable. Our hearts go out to his loved ones. We cannot imagine the pain they are going through. Our sympathies seem inadequate in the face of this horror but they are all we have to give.
This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:
Meat tests should reassure
Leicester City Council is to undertake widespread testing of meat. The aim is to reassure residents.
It is easy to find criticism of the outrage provoked by revelations some food products have contained meat other than the type advertised. Some have argued eating horsemeat, for example, is not dangerous, and consumers should "get things in proportion".
However, it appears the scandal has concerned a sizeable proportion of meat eaters; both butchers and manufacturers of vegetarian food have reported a significant increase in trade.
Whatever your view, consumers have a right to know they are eating what they believe they are buying and eating. That is something that is particularly important for Muslims, for whom the consumption of pork is prohibited.
The tests being carried out by the city council will, we hope, reassure consumers that they can have absolute confidence in local businesses.
This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:
We wouldn't want to hog the limelight
The 2017 UK City of Culture contest has been debated in Parliament, with politicians from the 11 rival locations saying why their area should win. Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth listed many of our city's assets, but said our main strength was our people. His comments, and those of some of the other MPs in the debate, reminded us just how much we have to be proud of in Leicester.
Whether you want history, art or to experience a wealth of different cultures, you would be hard pressed to find a city in the competition that beats ours.
However, whether we will take up Southend West MP David Amess's suggestion for increasing our cultural appeal is unlikely.
Mr Amess said the city's "secret weapon", Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who entertained internet viewers with his rendition of a song from the film Grease, should represent the UK in the Eurovision song contest next year.
Leicestershire has already had a shot in the Eurovision spotlight, when our beloved Engelbert performed in the competition last year.
It would be greedy of us to hog the limelight.
This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:
Diversity Day is relevant to all our lives
We are pleased to be joining forces with Leicestershire Police today to produce a series of features to mark Diversity Day. The official title of this day is the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
If that sounds a little worthy and unwieldy, please do not be put off.The ideas and goals which underpin this event are very much grounded in reality and are relevant to all our lives.
It was sanctioned by the United Nations in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The declaration had been worked on for some time before that but the atrocity in New York emphasised the need to encourage and promote peaceful co-existence.
Diversity Day aims to put a worldwide focus on breaking down the barriers which sometimes separate us from one another and prevent the sort of division and misunderstanding which leads to disharmony and violence.
It is not just a day on the international calendar, but is also supported by some practical steps.
These include a Facebook page headlined Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion, which provides people from around the world with a forum to share their experiences and stories through posts and videos.
Leicester also has a great story to tell about diversity and peaceful co-existence.
This city has one of the most diverse populations in the UK and is rightly proud of its good record in community relations.
Indeed, other cities in Europe look at Leicester to learn lessons.However, we have to guard against complacency.
More needs to be done and it is vital to continue the process of promoting dialogue and understanding.
Many individuals and organisations in Leicester from many cultural backgrounds have worked incredibly hard and with great commitment over the past 30 or 40 years to build the community relations of which we are proud.
We now have to carry on their good work and ensure that we strive towards and live up to the goals of Diversity Day – every day.
