Leicester's Golden Mile 'in need of a polish'

Residents and businesses are calling for improvements

Business owners in a district of Leicester have called for action by the authorities to make it more attractive.

They said heavy traffic, lack of parking and some deteriorating buildings were a problem in Belgrave Road, often called the "Golden Mile" because of its jewellery shops.

New mayor Sir Peter Soulsby will visit the area next week to see what improvements people would like.

Dharmesh Lakhani of Belgrave Business Association said everyone was affected.

He said: "Belgrave Road's losing its charm. We want to bring that back in and we want to improve the area, not just for businesses but residents as well."

The area generates the most money for Leicester outside of the city centre.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This area's very important to Leicester and it's very special to us. But frankly it's difficult economic times and over recent years the Golden Mile has begun to look a bit tarnished, so it's time for a polish..."

"It's not so much (about) injecting money into it, it's about redirecting the resources that we've got and making sure that we work together - together with the traders in the area, together with the residents in the area - so that we really do make sure this area continues to shine out for Leicester."