Major Rail Disruption Across Rutland and the East Midlands, this weekend.

Major Rail Disruption Across Rutland and the East Midlands, this weekend.

Passengers planning to travel through Peterborough, Stamford, Oakham, Melton Mowbray, and Leicester this weekend are being warned of significant disruption. On Sunday, 22 February 2026, a total line closure will be in place, with rail replacement buses taking the place of all train services.

The disruption is part of a coordinated effort by Network Rail to carry out essential track renewals and prepare for major digital signalling upgrades on the East Coast Main Line.

On Sunday, Network Rail teams will be working between Melton Mowbray and Syston East Junction to renew 300 yards of track. This £582,000 investment is designed to improve reliability and reduce the need for emergency repairs in the future.

Buses will replace all trains between Leicester and Peterborough.

Replacement services will call at all intermediate stations, including Melton Mowbray, Oakham, and Stamford.

Passengers should expect significantly longer journey times compared to standard rail services.

East Coast Main Line No Trains to London King’s Cross

The disruption extends beyond the local route. This weekend (21-22 February), major engineering work for the East Coast Digital Programme means no direct trains will run between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.

LNER services from the North will terminate at Peterborough. From there, passengers must use a bus replacement service to Bedford, where they can catch a Thameslink train into London St Pancras International.

With King’s Cross closed, East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to and from London St Pancras are expected to bear the brunt of the diverted traffic.

EMR warns that services will be "exceptionally busy" with only 25% of the usual combined rail capacity available.

Many trains are expected to be at full capacity with standing room only.

A formal queuing system will be in place at London St Pancras. It is highly likely that you will not be able to board your first choice of train.

If possible, passengers are strongly urged to travel on Friday, 20 February or Monday, 23 February instead.

The £1.4 Million Bill for England’s "Elephant-Sized" Waste Scandal,illegal dumping network that scarred landscapes from Rutland to the south coast.

The £1.4 Million Bill for England’s "Elephant-Sized" Waste Scandal,illegal dumping network that scarred landscapes from Rutland to the south coast.

The £1.4 Million Bill for England’s "Elephant-Sized" Waste Scandal

A nationwide investigation has culminated in a massive financial and legal blow to a prolific waste criminal. Varun Datta, 36, has been ordered to pay over £1.4 million after orchestrating a sophisticated illegal dumping network that scarred landscapes from Rutland to the south coast.

The scale of the environmental carnage is staggering: more than 4,275 tonnes of waste roughly equivalent to the weight of 600 African elephants were dumped across 16 different sites, including historic manor houses, farms, and protected nature reserves.

The Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit revealed that Datta used his company, Atkins Recycling Ltd, to pose as a legitimate waste broker. While claiming waste was being sent to a legal facility in Sheffield, the loads were instead diverted to unlicensed dumps.

To hide the trail, associates allegedly falsified weighbridge documents. Judge Paul Farrar KC described the operation as "reckless," noting that local communities were left to deal with pungent odors that significantly impacted local air quality. Massive swarms of flies at multiple illegal sites. Landowners were left with "substantial costs" to remove thousands of tonnes of plastic-wrapped municipal waste.

Birmingham Crown Court didn't just hand down a four-month suspended prison sentence; they went after the profit. The £1.4 million bill breaks down as follows:

Confiscation Order £1.1 Million Reflecting the financial gain from his crimes

Prosecution Costs £200,000

Compensation £70,000 Middlesbrough Council (Cleanup of Sulzer Dowding Mills)

Compensation £30,000 Lancashire Wildlife Trust (Middleton Nature Reserve)

The "scourge of waste crime" reached deep into the heart of the English countryside. Sites identified in the prosecution included:

• Rutland: Stockenhall Farm in Stretton.

• Lincolnshire: Multiple farms across Grantham, Spalding, and Boston.

• Surrey: The historic Somersbury Manor in Cranleigh.

• Lancashire: Middleton Nature Reserve and Rhyddings Mill.

"This government is committed to stamping out this type of criminality... by boosting funds to tackle waste crime and introducing tougher checks and penalties." Emma Reynolds, Environment Secretary

The case against Datta is a landmark victory for the Environment Agency, which began seizing cash from his home as far back as 2018. Two other brokers, Mohammed Saraji Bashir and Robert William McAllister, have also been sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Meanwhile, warrants remain active for two other men linked to the operation.

The authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. If you see suspicious activity such as large numbers of unmarked lorries entering rural sites or the sudden appearance of plastic-wrapped waste bales report it immediately.

• Environment Agency Hotline: 0800 80 70 60

• Crimestoppers (Anonymous): 0800 555 111

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Public Inquiry Set for Major Housing Development in Oakham

Public Inquiry Set for Major Housing Development in Oakham

A significant planning battle is heading to a Public Inquiry this March as Taylor Wimpey UK Limited and R L Eayrs And M S Eayrs challenge the decision regarding a proposed residential development on the outskirts of Oakham.

The appeal follows an outline planning application for the land South East of Brooke Road, a project that could reshape the southern edge of the town.

The developers are seeking permission for a multi-use expansion of the site, which includes, Up to 140 new dwellings (Outline application with all matters reserved except access). Provision of land specifically for a school car park. Dedicated amenity spaces, outdoor play areas, and a designated wildlife zone. Extensive landscaping and associated works to support the new community.

The Secretary of State has appointed Inspector H Butcher BSc (Hons) to oversee the proceedings and make a formal recommendation. Unlike a standard hearing, this Public Inquiry allows for a more rigorous examination of evidence.

Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 10:00 AM.

Appeal Ref: The Rutland Showground, Showground Way, Barleythorpe, LE15 7TW

Rutland County Council has confirmed that members of the public are welcome to attend.

Residents can inspect the appeal questionnaire and statements at the Council offices in Catmose during office hours, or online via the Rutland Planning Portal using reference 2025/0023/APPEAL.

If you wish to attend, you are encouraged to notify the Planning Support Team at planningappeals@rutland.gov.uk.

Oral views may be given at the Inspector’s discretion. 

You cannot book a speaking slot in advance; you must be present when the Inquiry opens at 10:00 AM and make yourself known to the Inspector.

The venue is equipped with facilities for people with disabilities. For specific access requirements or general queries regarding the venue, contact the Planning Support Team at 01572 722577 (Option 3).

Local Residents Urged to Hand in Illegal Bruni Blank Firers Before Amnesty Ends

Local Residents Urged to Hand in Illegal Bruni Blank Firers Before Amnesty Ends

Police in Rutland and Leicestershire are making a final push for the surrender of specific blank-firing handguns, following the successful recovery of 14 weapons since the start of February.

Of the 14 firearms handed in so far, 10 were manufactured by the Italian brand Bruni. These specific models are the primary focus of a month-long national amnesty that is set to conclude on Friday, 27 February 2026.

While many of these items were originally purchased legally for use as theatrical props, collectors' items, or for dog training, recent testing by the National Crime Agency (NCA) has changed their legal status.

The NCA found that these specific "top-venting" or "side-venting" blank firers are "readily convertible." This means they can be turned into lethal, live-firing weapons using common household tools and without specialist engineering skills. Because of this high risk to public safety, they are now classified as prohibited firearms under the Firearms Act.

Police have highlighted five specific Bruni models that are now illegal to possess. If you own any of the following, you are urged to hand them in immediately:

8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 (Self-loading pistol)

8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police (Self-loading pistol)

8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 (Self-loading pistol)

8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ (Self-loading pistol)

.380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger (Single-action revolver)

The current amnesty provides a "safe window" for owners to dispose of these weapons. Between now and February 27, you can take these items to your local police station front desk without the risk of being prosecuted for illegal possession.

Once the amnesty ends, anyone found in possession of these models could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

How to Safely Hand Them In

Police are advising the public to follow these safety protocols when surrendering a firearm.

Place the item in a bag or box so it is not visible to the public during transit.

Make a specific journey solely for the purpose of handing the item in.

Upon arrival at the police station, inform the front counter staff immediately that you are there to surrender a firearm before taking it out of your bag.

Every weapon handed in is one less potential tool for criminal use. By surrendering these items now, residents are helping to ensure that Rutland and Leicestershire remain safe communities.