Town where almost half speak little or no English

SETTLED migrants are urging newcomers to their town to learn English after 43% of residents said they could not speak it.

- By Lotti O'Brien

Experts fear this could lead to tension and resentment, while holding arrivals back from better jobs.

The lack of English among the population of the Leicester district of North Evington was revealed in the latest data from the 2021 census.

It showed that among the 1,670 residents, 43% aged 16 and over speak little to no English.

The town has become a hub for migrants from Asia and Africa, with the high street crowded with shop signs in a language other than English.

The district, under 10 minutes from Leicester city centre, has residents speaking West and East Asian languages, African dialects, Arabic, Portuguese and French. The town has two mosques and a Hindu temple.

And while many residents prefer the comfort of their mother tongue, others who have learned English are increasingly frustrated.

Mohammed, 50, who moved from Pakistan as a child, now owns local business Mithai Mahal.

He said he "knew the importance of English" when he arrived in the UK and went on to complete his A-levels.