Is the City of Leicester a dump?

[Officer Doofy]

16 hours ago, Tommy G said:

Narb Rd between the Jag garage all the way to Braunstone Gate is an absolute tip, its like a 3rd world environment. 

 

14 hours ago, FoxesDeb said:

I drove down there a week or so ago and I really wouldn't go that far, I've seen much much worse in so called first world countries

 

12 hours ago, bovril said:

I've also seen much better in 3rd world countries...

 

Wow, it's almost like describing places as 3rd and 1st world is bang out of date. 

 

Perhaps the world is slowly reaching a kind of middle ground where everywhere is a bit shit. 

[lcfc278]

15 hours ago, FoxesDeb said:

I drove down there a week or so ago and I really wouldn't go that far, I've seen much much worse in so called first world countries

Try walking down there once a week, it's horrendous. Crap on the streets and uncivilised people. It's disgusting.

[Tommy G]

I think it's more noticeable on Narb Rd as its a thoroughfare into the city from Fosse Park and south Leicestershire villages, I am sure there are other places within the city worse, it's just depressing how dirty it is, mattresses outside peoples houses - litter and crap everywhere. Dread to think what it will look like 5 years from now. 

[Zear0]

Just took both kids into town. Happy to report one of them made it back alive. 

[Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot]

Moved in to town about 3 months ago now, compared to Nottingham it’s absolutely horrendous 

[kingfox]

On 12/02/2026 at 11:43, Tommy G said:

I think it's more noticeable on Narb Rd as its a thoroughfare into the city from Fosse Park and south Leicestershire villages, I am sure there are other places within the city worse, it's just depressing how dirty it is, mattresses outside peoples houses - litter and crap everywhere. Dread to think what it will look like 5 years from now. 

After living in the Narborough Road area all my life, I thoroughly agree, it’s got progressively worse over time.

 

From the West End bridge down to Braunstone Gate is the absolute pits. 

[Trav Le Bleu]

On 11/02/2026 at 17:20, FoxesDeb said:

I drove down there a week or so ago and I really wouldn't go that far, I've seen much much worse in so called first world countries

Worst parts of Leicester look like best parts of 3rd world.

 

I say worst, but then I raise you St Matthews.

[Trav Le Bleu]

On 12/02/2026 at 11:43, Tommy G said:

I think it's more noticeable on Narb Rd as its a thoroughfare into the city from Fosse Park and south Leicestershire villages, I am sure there are other places within the city worse, it's just depressing how dirty it is, mattresses outside peoples houses - litter and crap everywhere. Dread to think what it will look like 5 years from now. 

You should visit Braunstone.

[Free Falling Foxes]

6 hours ago, Trav Le Bleu said:

You should visit Braunstone.

So should you.

Having worked with folk in almost every area of the city, I can assure you that in no way is Braunstone the worst.

[Trav Le Bleu]

3 hours ago, Free Falling Foxes said:

So should you.

Having worked with folk in almost every area of the city, I can assure you that in no way is Braunstone the worst.

Most of my family lives in Braunstone.

[Free Falling Foxes]

54 minutes ago, Trav Le Bleu said:

Most of my family lives in Braunstone.

Jolly good.

I am sure therefore, if you visit lots of other areas in the city, you will appreciate that Braunstone gets an unfair share of derision.

[Muzzy_no7]

14 hours ago, Free Falling Foxes said:

Jolly good.

I am sure therefore, if you visit lots of other areas in the city, you will appreciate that Braunstone gets an unfair share of derision.

New parks and the majority of East Leicester are worse than Brauny IMO

[DennisNedry]

BBC News - Nila Patel: Woman killed in unprovoked attack, court hears - BBC News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n614pw6o

 

Wasn't it recently on here certain posters said people afraid to walk in town where weirdos? Poor Mrs Patel is the exception not the rule of course, but imo it's a risk walking in certain parts of Leicester. 

[Parafox]

On 24/02/2026 at 15:53, DennisNedry said:

BBC News - Nila Patel: Woman killed in unprovoked attack, court hears - BBC News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n614pw6o

 

Wasn't it recently on here certain posters said people afraid to walk in town where weirdos? Poor Mrs Patel is the exception not the rule of course, but imo it's a risk walking in certain parts of Leicester. 

 

She was walking on a main road after getting off a bus near the LRI. It's hardly a ghetto area.

[danny.]

On 24/02/2026 at 15:53, DennisNedry said:

BBC News - Nila Patel: Woman killed in unprovoked attack, court hears - BBC News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n614pw6o

 

Wasn't it recently on here certain posters said people afraid to walk in town where weirdos? Poor Mrs Patel is the exception not the rule of course, but imo it's a risk walking in certain parts of Leicester. 

Absolutely vile

[Tommy G]

1 hour ago, Parafox said:

 

She was walking on a main road after getting off a bus near the LRI. It's hardly a ghetto area.

On top of the student that got stabbed Dow the road a cool of weeks ago. Leicester city is a dive and unsafe tbh 

[Voll Blau]

On 24/02/2026 at 15:53, DennisNedry said:

BBC News - Nila Patel: Woman killed in unprovoked attack, court hears - BBC News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n614pw6o

 

Wasn't it recently on here certain posters said people afraid to walk in town where weirdos? Poor Mrs Patel is the exception not the rule of course, but imo it's a risk walking in certain parts of Leicester. 

A horrific and tragic case, but I stand by what I said a few pages ago.

 

Leicester city centre is a perfectly safe place to spend time.

[danny.]

Unless you’re Nila Patel

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/youve-only-stand-here-1015-10835352

 

'You've only got to stand here 10/15 minutes to witness a crime' say residents on busy Leicester road
Some residents are constantly seeing 'kids wearing balaclavas and messing about on scooters'

Samuel Kalantzis Reporter
06:00, 27 Feb 2026

Simon said you rarely ever see officers on foot in the area

Business owner Simon Holyoak claims you rarely ever see officers on foot in the area(Image: Leicester Mercury)
One of Leicester's busiest roads is safer than this time last year, new data has revealed, but residents say they have seen no difference despite an increased police presence on their doorstep.

Leicester City Council, alongside Leicestershire Police, have reported great results from their 'Safer Saffron' initiative, which aims to reduce crime and help people feel safer living in the Saffron Lane estate.

The work began in July 2024 with an "intense" week of police activity. Since then, officers said the enforcement activity, patrols, education and support have continued with "great results", including a drop in overall crime by 14 per cent in the past year.

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We visited the area on Wednesday this week (February 25) and asked residents and business owners how they felt about the police's findings.

Michele Capoccia, has lived in Saffron Lane for six years, he said: "I don’t think the police have made the area safer. No way.

"You still hear a lot of people screaming and shouting at night from arguments and fights. I think Aylestone park has been made safer but in terms of Saffron Lane in general, I don’t see an improvement."

The 29-year-old said he believes the area has become less safe overtime, saying: "I’d say there is even more sketchy stuff happening here than before. I grew up in North London and I am used to seeing people selling drugs on bikes and doing their deals, which is something you see a lot of here."

Mr Capoccia noted the increase in police cars along Saffron Lane in the last year, but he believes that hasn't had any effect on crime in the area.

He said: "I do see more police around the area, but you don’t ever see them on foot, it's always in their cars.

"Just because they are driving by more, does not necessarily mean the area is safer. You constantly see kids wearing balaclavas and messing about on scooters, so I haven't seen any improvement."

Two police vehicles were spotted during our visit
View 3 Images
Two police vehicles were spotted during our visit(Image: Leicester Mercury)

Further down the road, we spoke to the owner of FMB Cycles, who voiced similar opinions. Simon Holyoak said he remembers a time when officers would be truly present in Saffron Lane and not just in their cars.

He said: "You do not see police officers around here anymore, it's very rare that you see officers on foot in the area.

"They used to grab a coffee and sit outside of my shop which was great because that presence kept Saffron Lane quieter, but these days officers just want to sit in their warm, comfy cars which is not as visible.

"I’d love to have officers sit outside my store again because they would see a lot of things that they needed to act on."

The 49-year-old said drug dealing had become "more blatant in the area" and was among the many crimes he now witnessed regularly.

He said: "The other day I literally witnessed a drug deal go down around the corner and both people did not seem to care that it was out in the open.

"You’ve only got to stand here 10-15 minutes to witness a crime."

While he saw crimes on a regular basis, Mr Holyoak agreed with the police data which showed there had been a decrease in fights and thefts in Saffron Lane.

However, he said that this still isn't enough to class the area as safe.

Mr Holyoak said: "I've seen less vandalism and petty crime which is a positive. We were seeing a lot of people fighting or stealing but thankfully those incidents have gone away.

"Have incidents decreased? Yes. Is it safe around here? No."

Not everyone agreed with this though, believing Saffron Lane was in fact safe.

George, who has lived there his whole life said: "I've lived right on this road my whole life and it's always been safe. It's the side streets were the trouble comes from."

The only issues affecting the lifelong resident are those created by college students. He said: "The only issue we have is college kids kicking doors in for no reason. My neighbour has installed fencing in front of their door to try and combat the issue, that's how bad it is."

Details from the 'Safer Saffron' initiative reveal the scheme has seen the closure of five drug lines since it was launched in 2024.

During the past two years, officers said 23 people have been arrested for a range of offences, such as weapons offences including that involved a pistol.

193 grams of Class A cocaine have been recovered as part of 'Safer Saffron' as well as £33,000 in cash, while search warrants have been carried out at 16 properties.

Inspector Paul Crewe, the commander of the South Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area, said: "I am really proud of what the team has achieved on the Saffron Lane Estate.

"We had five county lines running on the estate when Clear, Hold, Build started and now there are none and word on the street is that it is now difficult to buy drugs on the estate. This is a direct result of all the regular enforcement, police activity and partnership working that have made ‘The Saff’ a better place to live for everyone.

Deputy city mayor and saffron ward councillor, Elly Cutkelvin, said: "The local community has felt much, much safer since this intervention work began, and relations with the local police have never been better."

"The city council’s community safety team will continue to work in partnership with the local policing team to ensure this work has a lasting impact."

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/change-announced-leicester-city-centre-10838274

 

Change announced in Leicester city centre to bring 'creativity and energy back'
'Performance pitches' are set to be introduced in four places

Tom Mack Senior Reporter
06:00, 01 Mar 2026

The scheme will run three days a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (stock image)

Four new permanent spots for buskers are being set up in a bid to make Leicester city centre more vibrant.

The "performance pitches" will be in High Street, East Gates, Belgrave Gate and Gallowtree Gate, with musicians and street performers of all types able to book a slot online.

The busking and performing slots will initially be available for Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the first available this coming Wednesday (March 4).

Leicester City Council said it had carefully chosen the four spots - which will be decorated with "Busk Leicester" slogans - to maximise exposure for musicians while minimising the obstruction they cause.

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The council wants entertainers from "all performance backgrounds" and said the scheme will offer a "platform for established artists as well as providing an opportunity for newcomers to hone their skills and build their fanbase".

As well as musicians, the scheme will be open to spoken-word artists, circus performers, puppeteers, comedians, street theatre groups, and storytellers.

 

Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Buskers and street performers play a valuable role in Leicester’s cultural scene and can help make busy city centres vibrant and attractive places to visit and spend time in.

“We want to ensure that live street performance continues to be a feature in the city centre, and we want to do this in a way that helps make it a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

The move is supported by members of the annual Leicester Music Conference, which was formed two years ago to create more opportunities for grassroots music in the city.

The organiser of the conference, Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM, who is also the director of Leicester-based HQ Can, said: “Music belongs in public spaces.

"Reintroducing busking to Leicester in a structured, bookable way is a really positive move for the city centre.

"It brings creativity and energy back to our streets while giving emerging artists a legitimate platform to build confidence and connect directly with audiences.

[Free Falling Foxes]

1 hour ago, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/change-announced-leicester-city-centre-10838274

 

Change announced in Leicester city centre to bring 'creativity and energy back'
'Performance pitches' are set to be introduced in four places

Tom Mack Senior Reporter
06:00, 01 Mar 2026

The scheme will run three days a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (stock image)

Four new permanent spots for buskers are being set up in a bid to make Leicester city centre more vibrant.

The "performance pitches" will be in High Street, East Gates, Belgrave Gate and Gallowtree Gate, with musicians and street performers of all types able to book a slot online.

The busking and performing slots will initially be available for Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the first available this coming Wednesday (March 4).

Leicester City Council said it had carefully chosen the four spots - which will be decorated with "Busk Leicester" slogans - to maximise exposure for musicians while minimising the obstruction they cause.

Part of Leicestershire named UK hotspot for first time buyers

Leicester leaders urge city to 'move on' after unrest report accused of bias

The council wants entertainers from "all performance backgrounds" and said the scheme will offer a "platform for established artists as well as providing an opportunity for newcomers to hone their skills and build their fanbase".

As well as musicians, the scheme will be open to spoken-word artists, circus performers, puppeteers, comedians, street theatre groups, and storytellers.

 

Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Buskers and street performers play a valuable role in Leicester’s cultural scene and can help make busy city centres vibrant and attractive places to visit and spend time in.

“We want to ensure that live street performance continues to be a feature in the city centre, and we want to do this in a way that helps make it a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

The move is supported by members of the annual Leicester Music Conference, which was formed two years ago to create more opportunities for grassroots music in the city.

The organiser of the conference, Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM, who is also the director of Leicester-based HQ Can, said: “Music belongs in public spaces.

"Reintroducing busking to Leicester in a structured, bookable way is a really positive move for the city centre.

"It brings creativity and energy back to our streets while giving emerging artists a legitimate platform to build confidence and connect directly with audiences.

I would like to think this will be a positive.

I do wonder however, if it will just give the green light for others who wish to 'share' their music and will not book any designated spots.

A bit like when official graffiti spots are made available, graffiti still appears on more and more walls.

[davieG]

1 hour ago, Free Falling Foxes said:

I would like to think this will be a positive.

I do wonder however, if it will just give the green light for others who wish to 'share' their music and will not book any designated spots.

A bit like when official graffiti spots are made available, graffiti still appears on more and more walls.

There seems to always be some selfish twats who want to spoil things.

[everton carr]

Anyone watched the Charlie Veitch video on Leicester?Don't show it in a good light at all

[Officer Doofy]

13 minutes ago, everton carr said:

Anyone watched the Charlie Veitch video on Leicester?Don't show it in a good light at all

Why would I watch a video by that hideous piece of shit? 

[Langston]

11 hours ago, everton carr said:

Anyone watched the Charlie Veitch video on Leicester?Don't show it in a good light at all

 

Tbh I don't think he got the rage bait he wanted and I thought it was great.. the city was quiet, there are a few empty units and a couple of addicts but it was so so tame and he even went on to compliment St Martins and Greyfriars.. he must have been fuming, arsehole..

Edited 2 March by Langston