Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

The town of Kenilworth (and wider district) received an early Christmas present today with the opening of the stunning Castle Farm Leisure Centre. The new centre not only boasts a 6-court sports hall, 80+station gym, two fitness studios and dedicated cycling studio, but is also a new home for Kenilworth Scouts and Guides, who quite possibly now have the best HQ in the country (though 2^nd Warwick Sea Scouts may argue that point). Importantly as well as both indoor and outdoor changing rooms there is a fully equipped ‘Changing Places’ facility, with a hoist and bed to meet the needs of the profoundly disabled which can be used by any visitor to the adjacent park or town; all putting the facility firmly at the heart of the community.

Although our offices will be closed from Monday 25 December to Monday 1 January (inclusive) for phone calls and face to face appointments, waste and recycling collections will still be taking place, with a revised timetable in place. You can find details of this plus emergency and out of hours contacts, for services such as Lifeline, homelessness services and council house repairs on our website. We also have a list of district wide provision available over Christmas including the LWS Night Shelter and Foodbanks. This goes with our good wishes and thanks to everyone who will be working to support our community right through the festive season.

In other news:

• Congratulations to the Everyone Active team at St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre in Warwick and Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre in Leamington Spa who achieved an ‘excellent’ score in a rigorous two-day Quest Plus Assessment. These results give us confidence that these facilities are operated and maintained to the highest of standards for all customers.
• At their recent meeting Cabinet agreed to release the funding required for a replacement bridge between Radford Road and Newbold Comyn. Due to Environment Agency restrictions in place to protect salmonids and coarse fish during the breeding season it is anticipated that work will begin in mid-summer 2024.
• Following the resignation of Councillor Raj Kang from his role as District and Town Councillor representing All Saints & Woodloes ward, a by-election will take place on Thursday 18 January.
• We are pleased to confirm that the district council has made a further contribution of £50k towards the restoration of the tower of St Mary’s Church in Warwick, which is a such a defining landmark in our district. This is in addition to £50k donated earlier this year. We are so looking forward to seeing it back to its full glory in the not-too-distant future.

And finally ……2024 will mark a new chapter for our Council with an office move and establishment of a town centre customer service hub. With this will come a strengthened commitment to continue to do all we can to make our district a proud and happy place we can all call home.

With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive