Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

Our Council was extremely proud to take part in last weekend’s Warwickshire Pride. Speaking at the start of the event Leader Cllr Ian Davison, expressed his belief that the annual festival; “is part of what makes Leamington amazing, not only accepting difference but positively welcoming it” and that “celebrating diversity and freedom of expression are vital for genuine community cohesion.”  Ian was joined by the Chairman Cllr Sidney Syson, Cllrs Kate and Richard Dickson, Cllr Will Roberts, Cllr Jessica Harrison, Cllr Jim Sinnott and Head of Safer Communities, Leisure and Environment Marianne Rolfe who thoroughly enjoyed the rainbow of market stalls, live music and entertainment in the Pump Room Gardens.

Another source of pride is our participation in Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture taking place from 8 to 17 September. During this time dozens of buildings in our district, some of which are not normally accessible to the public will be opening their doors for free. We have more than 40 events, openings and tours happening this year including an opportunity to visit the oldest tennis club in the world, the chance to explore a hidden gem at Guy’s Cliffe Walled Garden, join one or more of a variety of themed guided walks around Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth or book a tour of the beautiful 900-year-old buildings at the Lord Leycester following its multi-million-pound renovation. Full details are available on our website and visitor information centres.

In other news:

• We have been working meticulously with our partners to resolve the issues that have been created by the discovery of extensive unrecorded medieval remains (at least five buildings!) at the swimming pool site in Abbey Fields. The huge scale has involved a complete redesign of the foundations of the new building, so that we can best protect what has been found underneath. This will inevitably take some time and will have implications on the cost of the project. We are therefore preparing a full report which will be considered by Cabinet and Full Council later this year and are confirming plans to hold a public meeting next month in partnership with Kenilworth Town Council, to provide an update on the swimming pool redevelopment to local residents.
• Due to safety concerns, we have made the decision to close the footbridge to Newbold Comyn from Radford Road until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause particularly to residents living in the Sydenham area, but the protection of the public remains our priority, as we wait for the outcome of an urgent structural report.
• We’re delighted that visitors have been flocking to the Bowls England National Finals and have enjoyed bright sunshine (mostly) and intense competition. As the finals draw to a close this weekend, don’t miss your opportunity to grab a piece of action at Victoria Park with tickets for top club, women’s and men’s senior singles, Walker and Middleton Cup finals starting from £4.

And finally …… Yesterday 24 August Ukraine marked its Independence Day, exactly 18 months after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the occasion was supported locally with a large gathering outside Leamington’s Town Hall all sharing their messages of support and unity to the Ukrainian people.

Have a great weekend.

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive