Latest news from the Leader of Warwick District

Andrew Day

We’re shocked by news of the death of Sir David Amess MP after the horrific events that took place today. Everyone in public life should be able to go about their daily business without fear of attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s family, friends and local community. 

Once again local Covid infection levels have risen across all age groups, increasing from 492 to 554.1 per 100,000 in the last 7 days. As part of the Winter Plan, schools in our area are reintroducing protection measures, such as the wearing of face coverings and cancelling events. If infection rates continue to rise, we can expect further safety measures to be reintroduced. 

Getting fully vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves from getting Covid-19 and then dealing with potentially life changing outcomes. It’s good news that Lateral Flow Tests are more accurate than expected at finding asymptomatic cases, given that around a third of us who have the virus don’t show any symptoms. Taking regular tests is a key way to contain Covid-19. Test kits freely available, plus easy, and quick to use.   

In other news this week: 

  • Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens in Leamington Spa have won an impressive fifteenth Green Flag Award, the international mark of a quality park or green space. Prestigious Green Flags have also been awarded to Crackley Wood in Kenilworth and Oakley Wood near Bishop’s Tachbrook.  This is an impressive, fourth hat-trick of awards in a row for the Council’s Green Spaces Team, who manage these woodlands in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of Oakley Wood and Crackley Wood.  
  • In a further boost to our efforts to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint our housing team are offering selected Council households the opportunity to have PV solar panels, air source heat pumps or increased loft insulation installed free of charge, thanks to funding from the government’s Green Homes grant scheme. 
  • Leamington’s amazing community woodland, Foundry Wood, is on the brink of an exciting new future. Negotiations with Network Rail to lease disused railways sidings to the south of the wood are progressing well. £5,000 is being raised to fund costs, so please join us by making a gift so this land is protected from future development; allowing the habitat and biodiversity at this former industrial site to be the significantly improved. 
  • The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Baginton is helping the automotive industry create the electric cars of the future and is set to add 30 new roles to support the first large customer projects it has secured.  
  • The Rosalind Franklin MegaLab in Leamington Spa has now processed one million Covid tests since it opened on June, thanks the use of cutting-edge testing technology, including top of the range robotics.  

And here’s some dates for your diary: 

  • Warwickshire Open Studios are celebrating their 21st Birthday in style with an exhibition which has just opened showcasing work from 21 artists who over the years represent a rich and diverse pool of local talent.  

Finally, please have your say on the proposal to create a single South Warwickshire District Council. When Councillors meet on 13 December, it’s vital that they have the benefit of your views before making this important decision.  

We’ve been busy connecting with residents, businesses, and community groups. Throughout the process we’ve been encouraging an open dialogue and debate. Briefings across all levels of local government, with neighbouring authorities and our Members of Parliament are also being conducted.  

If you’ve not already done so, we’d be grateful if you took a few minutes to visit www.southwarwickshire.org.uk for further information on the proposals and to complete the survey before next Sunday’s deadline. 

Keep smiling and stay safe. 

 

Andrew Day   Leader                               

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