Blaby District Council has closed two Leicestershire mini-marts called Candy Corner for 72 hours under anti-social behaviour laws. The move follows a reporting investigation that linked the stores to Twana Jamal, a convicted people smuggler previously described as “the godfather” of migrant camps in northern France.

Why were the Candy Corner shops closed?

The local council ordered the closures after reporters witnessed Jamal working illegally at both locations. According to the investigation, Jamal was seen making deliveries and driving a BMW without a licence, while apparently using a false name.

Who is Twana Jamal?

Jamal is an Iraqi Kurd who received a five-year prison sentence in France in 2016. During his period of activity, smugglers preferred using freight lorries to move people across the Channel rather than small boats.

Jamal told reporters he has applied for asylum in the UK and is “still waiting.” However, it remains unknown what name he used on that application. UK law mandates that asylum be refused to anyone who has spent 12 months or more in prison overseas.

What happens next for the stores?

The current 72-hour closure is a preliminary step. A further application for a three-month closure is scheduled to be made at Leicester Magistrates Court on Monday, July 6.

Depending on the court’s decision, the stores could remain shut for a longer duration. The outcome may also depend on whether Jamal’s previous prison sentence in France leads to a formal refusal of his asylum application under UK law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the stores involved?
Both mini-marts are called Candy Corner.

Where are the stores located?
They are located in Blaby, on the outskirts of Leicester.

What was Jamal’s role in France?
He was described as “the godfather” of migrant camps in northern France and was convicted of people smuggling.

Do you think local councils should have the power to close businesses based on the personal history of the operators?

Communities in western Manitoba are preparing for rising river levels following chaotic rainfall and widespread flooding, according to municipal officials. In Minnedosa, volunteers are filling sandbags to protect the town from the Little Saskatchewan River, while Brandon is implementing dike closures to fend off the Assiniboine River, which is forecast to peak near July 12.

Why is Minnedosa preparing for floods?

The town of Minnedosa, which has a population of about 2,500, is located in a valley along the Little Saskatchewan River. Water from the central part of Riding Mountain National Park flows south into this river, and provincial forecasting projects spiking water flow levels over the coming weekend.

Katianna Polejewski, the municipal emergency co-ordinator, stated there is a possibility the river will rise 2.5 feet, or roughly three-quarters of a metre, in the coming days. To manage this, the town is consulting with the province regarding the operation and regulation of the Minnedosa dam, which holds back water at the south end of Minnedosa Lake.

Local residents are taking proactive measures based on past experiences. Esther McLaughlin, a longtime homeowner, placed sandbags around her property after her basement flooded with six feet of water in 2020.

How is Brandon managing the Assiniboine River?

Brandon is preparing for the Assiniboine River to rise early next week. According to a city news release, the river is expected to peak around July 12.

The city has implemented a temporary dike closure on Grand Valley Road, west of 18th Street N., for protection work. While Brandon is not currently in a state of emergency, Mayor Jeff Fawcett said the city is “going full-in” to be prepared.

Tobin Praznik, the city’s emergency manager, noted that the city is utilizing a dike system and established mitigation strategies. Officials are urging the public to avoid riverbank areas, closed trails, and parks because the river is moving fast and is expected to accelerate.

What may happen next?

Water levels in Minnedosa could rise by nearly a metre soon, which may require the activation of emergency social service teams currently on call. The town’s ability to prevent a threat depends in part on the regulation of water flow from the Minnedosa dam.

In Brandon, the city will continue checking off mitigation items as river levels increase over the next week. If the “best-case scenario” occurs, Mayor Fawcett indicated the city may have performed unnecessary preparations that will later be dismantled.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Assiniboine River expected to peak near Brandon?
According to a city news release, the forecast peak is near July 12.

How much is the Little Saskatchewan River expected to rise?
Municipal emergency co-ordinator Katianna Polejewski said there is a possibility the river will rise 2.5 feet, or roughly three-quarters of a metre.

What measures has Brandon taken on Grand Valley Road?
The city implemented a temporary dike closure to the west of 18th Street N. for flood protection work.

Do you live in a flood-prone area, and have your local preparations changed over the years?