It’s timely that just as the colder weather arrives and the clocks go back for the end of Summertime, this week we come together to celebrated Diwali, the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".  

Preparations for Christmas, family gatherings and a busy end of year are well underway too. Thankfully, local Covid infection levels have eased back, falling from 706 to 534.1 per 1,000 people in the last seven days, yet we continue to remain at the highest levels in the county. It is also a real concern that vaccination levels are significantly lower in some of our age groups (particularly 30 to 39 year-olds) and in a key areas, including Leamington Brunswick and Leamington East & Sydenham. 

At this time, we’re especially mindful of the vital role played by our charities and other third sector organisations in supporting our community life. Many have been severely disrupted by the pandemic. We’re delighted to be able launch the Third Sector Support Scheme to provide ‘one-off’ funding of up to £12,500, just when these critical services are in greatest demand. Unrestricted grants will be made to help ensure our local charities are able to continue to provide the support needed throughout the winter months ahead.  

So, as we welcome the start of the festive season with Leamington’s Big Light Switch-on this weekend, let’s make sure that our celebrations can continue right through to the new year, by wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces; continuing to take regular tests; ensuring that we’re fully vaccinated, and then taking-up the offer of third booster jab (and flu jab), when it’s our turn.  

Progress was also made this week with: 

• Our Climate Emergency Action plan. While the COP26 negotiations are in full swing in Glasgow, our focus has been firmly on the many local initiatives underway, notably completing the transfer of our investments away from fossil fuel industries.  

• It was also great to visit Leamington’s Spa Park to see the work being done by Stoford to expand the site to attract new sustainable businesses and skilled jobs. Amongst the first new arrivals will be Plasgran Ltd a plastics recycling company, which will produce new products from household waste recycling collections, including packaging for use in the food and cosmetic industries.

• The regeneration of the Riverside House site, with agreement achieved on the updated draft Development Brief. The future use of this key location required fresh thinking and we are grateful for the helpful and constructive feedback received from the recent survey. Changes have been made to key aspects of the plan, to reinforce the provision of affordable housing, the retention of trees and green spaces as well as to enhance the connectivity this site offers to the town and river.   

And finally, we wish you and your family as safe and enjoyable bonfire night.  Please give thought to our furry friends and vulnerable neighbours, for whom our celebrations may cause considerable distress.  

Keep smiling and stay safe. 

Andrew Day   Leader