The Warwick and Leamington part of Warwick District has the lowest vaccination rates in the County, at just 83%. We’re mindful that where vaccination levels are this low, the health risks are significantly increased for the most vulnerable in our community. 

Efforts are therefore being redoubled to strengthen our local protection. We can play our part by: 

• Ensuring that we’re fully vaccinated. 
• Taking the booster jab when it’s our turn. 
• Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces. 
• Getting regular tests. 

Thanks to the great work of our friendly vaccination teams, the booster jabs are now being offered to those of us who are 40 years and older. This added protection strengthens a vital defence for us this winter against serious illness and hospitalisation. 

In the last seven days local infection levels eased, falling from 367.8 per to 319.5 per 1,000 cases; however, these rates are on the rise across the rest of the County, indicating that difficult months lie ahead for us all.  

We’re making steady progress with the Recovery Plan. This week:   

• Plans for a brand-new play area in Victoria Park were announced, bringing to fruition a four-year project by the Friends. The new facility boasts a tree house with spiral slide, as well as a trim trail, swings and trampolines. The area has items designed with access in mind, allowing all abilities to find something for them to interact and learn. This installation is in addition to several other significant improvement projects to enhance the park that we’ve completed with the support of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP). The new play area is due to be ready for use by next summer, leaving another welcome Commonwealth Games legacy.   

• Network Rail have agreed to help us spruce up in time for the Games, with a deal to repair and repaint the Princes Drive railway bridge west of Leamington Station. This prominent bridge, located at a busy arrival point to the town and the Games venue at Victoria Park, is to be given striking new artwork by Jennie Moncur, creative director of furniture company Vitsœ. We’re especially grateful to Jenny and this prestigious local company for funding the attractive design.  

• Funding has been agreed to create a community shop for Norton Lindsey. Uncertainties due to the pandemic had put on hold these long-held plans for a community hub in the vacant village pub. This grant will enable the project to go forward, not only improving local facilities, but encouraging a more sustainable community, reducing carbon emissions by making it more convenient for villagers to shop locally.  

• Santa is at the ready, the reindeer are being groomed and our Events team is busy making the final preparations for Warwick’s Victorian Evening on Thursday. Then, next Friday the celebrations continue with the Christmas Light switch on in Kenilworth. We’ve a real treat in store, with both events showcasing rock choirs, panto performances, fun fair rides as well as a wonderful array of market stalls, featuring brilliant independent traders and local charities.  

As we get out and about enjoying the festive season and all it has to offer, just as the weather is set to turn chilly, let’s please remember to take the familiar covid safety precautions, so we can all arrive at Christmas day in good health.  

And finally…voting has now opened to find Britain's favourite market. This is our chance to prove, what everyone knows already, that Warwick market is the best in the country. Please join us and visit the 'Great British Market Awards' website before 13 December to cast your vote! 

Keep smiling and stay safe. 

Andrew Day   Leader