Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

Whilst many of us are taking a well-deserved Christmas break, there will be many such as volunteers staffing community hubs and foodbanks, and our Council’s own officers who will be working 24/7 every day during the festive season: these include the Lifeline team who will be responding to emergency calls, outreach partners providing respite to the homeless and CCTV operators keeping a close eye on our town centres.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you one and all. A list of out of hours contacts and emergency support providers is available on our website.

Although deadline for booking a seasonal Covid vaccine online has now passed, those eligible who haven’t yet had their jab, can still book with a local NHS service, we advise those who are eligible to contact their GP or Pharmacy or by calling 119.

In other news:

• Despite the decision not to merge with Stratford-on-Avon District Council we continue to work closely with them in a number of key areas, including the development of the South Warwickshire Local Plan and a combined Economic Development Strategy recently approved by both Cabinets.
• This week’s Planning Committee agreed to a to a further set of regeneration proposals for the Old Town area of Leamington Spa. These include the demolition of the derelict Stoneleigh Arms public house on Clemens Street which is to be replaced with a new building of a similar style to be utilised for mixed creative uses and the refurbishment and extension of the former school on Court Street as a future community space.
• We are pleased with the recent Court decision to place a Banning Order on a local landlord who has been subletting properties, with no HMO licence that were deficient in fire safety, overcrowded and in serious disrepair.

• A further reminder that new Castle Farm Leisure Centre in Kenilworth will be opening to the public on Thursday 21 December. Do take a look at the wonderful facilities and fitness classes that will be available including a 6-court sports hall, 80 station gym, 2 fitness studios and cycling studio. As well as providing a new HQ for Kenilworth Scouts and Guides.

And finally, I’d like to share an open invitation to join the residents of Kenilworth for a morning of Morris dancing and entertainment at Kenilworth Castle on Boxing Day from 10am and then to join in the annual duck race from 12noon at Abbey Fields.

And a reminder that if you’re doing some last-minute shopping, do offer your support to our wonderful selection of independent shops, markets, with free parking, Santa’s Sleigh…ho…ho…ho

Have a great weekend.

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive