Dear members

This week feels like we’ve moved into the next phase of the pandemic, with the arrival of the Omicron Covid variant. Although we’re unaware of any local cases, it is reassuring to see the fresh impetus being given to the vaccines programme, which remains our best line of defence. 

Nearly one in five of us who are eligible for vaccination have not yet taken the jab, which is a real local concern, not just for personal health, but the sustainability of our heroic health services, doing a mighty job in already challenging circumstances. As an added bonus, many of us having our Covid vaccination can also conveniently now take a flu jab at the same time, (see the NHS website). 

Local volunteers are once again playing a key role in the booster programme underway at Stoneleigh Park. These unsung superstars are remarkable, and now need back-up, with help in a variety of marshalling and welcoming roles. If you’ve got some time to give, please join the rota by contacting the volunteer coordinator Sarah ([email protected]) who will assist with signing-on.  

This week, local infection levels nudged higher again from 384.4 to 394.0 cases per 100,000 people. Face coverings are now compulsory in shops and on public transport. Although other settings remain exempt, we’ve a long winter ahead so let’s also continue to wear a mask in crowded and enclosed spaces, as well as take regular tests. 

Our local recovery plans continue, with recent progress: 

• Preparing Councillors for an historic decision to merge, or not, Warwick District and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils. Committee papers and report have been published for consideration by the Cabinet when it meets on Thursday 9 December. If recommended, the proposals would then be taken to full Council on Monday 13 December.
• To ensure a safe meeting environment, we’re grateful to the University of Warwick for the use of their conference facilities, which provides an accessible venue located within the District, and available technology to broadcast the historic debate and decision online, here. 
• Starting work on the rejuvenation of Spencer Yard and the creation of the long-awaited Creative Quarter in Leamington. To ensure the momentum is maintained, we’re also forming a Royal Leamington Spa Transformation Board and Framework. Working across all three levels of local government, in conjunction with community and private sector stakeholders, this new initiative will enable co-operation for future projects across the town.  
• Building more affordable homes, with work starting on Nelson Lane in Warwick to build 30 new dwellings in partnership with Orbit.  One of a raft of similar housing initiatives currently in progress, the overall Local Plan strategy of delivering a lot more affordable housing is in full swing. 

• Completing the restoration and transformation of the Pump Room Gardens, thanks to The Heritage Lottery Fund. We’d love to hear your views on what’s been achieved, so please complete our short survey before 10 December to let us know your feedback on the Gardens, and how you think they’ve changed since the project began in 2018.  

The results of last week’s Whitnash Ward, By Election are now available on our website. Congratulations go to Adrian Barton of Whitnash Resident’s Association, who has been duly elected to the Council. 

And finally… this weekend was small business Saturday, when we’re being encouraged to purchase our gifts locally, to lend support to our wonderful independent retailers. To make this even more attractive we arranged free parking in all WDC managed car parks on Saturday in both Leamington and Warwick town centres! In Kenilworth, the free parking will be available next Saturday (11 December) to support the local Christmas markets. 

Keep smiling and stay safe. 
 
Andrew Day
Leader