Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

It’s been a difficult start to the New Year for many with already saturated ground and the effects of storm Henk bringing wide spread flooding across the district. Thankfully the river levels are now receding, and we can begin to assess the damage and assistance needed by residents impacted. I would like to pay tribute to Council staff and partner agencies including the County Council, Fire and Rescue Service and Police who have worked tirelessly throughout the past few days (and nights) to monitor and respond to a rapidly evolving incident. With many parks and other public spaces still under water, we are urging the public to stay away from these areas and are sharing the messages from the Fire and Rescue Services regarding the potential hazards of contact with flood water. For those whose homes or businesses have been affected we have a dedicated website page in place with advice and support information.

A predicted drop in temperatures this weekend combined with the wet conditions has pre-empted the decision to activate the SWEP (severe weather emergency protocol) from this evening until further notice, offering much needed overnight accommodation to the homeless during this period.

In other news:

• We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new Green Homes Grant Scheme for private households on a low income whose homes aren’t heated through a mains gas supply. Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by the Council’s partner E.ON with support from Act On Energy, the scheme aims to help eligible residents increase the energy efficiency of their homes by funding improvements such as solar PV panels, insulation, smart heating controls and air source heat pumps.
• The adverse weather conditions have impacted a number of Council facilities. These include the Art Gallery and Museum which has been closed due the removal of artefacts and paintings as a precautionary measure and the outdoor football pitches which are inaccessible and therefore not available for hire this weekend. The Library and Café at the Royal Pump Rooms and leisure centres at St Nicholas Park, Newbold Comyn and Castle Farm have remained open.
• A reminder to the electorate in the Warwick All Saints and Woodloes ward of the forthcoming (District and Town Council) by-election taking place on Thursday 18 January and also of the requirement for photo ID at the polling stations.
• The weather has not dampened the spirits of our fantastic pantomime cast and crew at the Royal Spa Centre, with the final performances of Jack and the Beanstalk taking place this weekend. This is a perfect family panto giving you the chance to enjoy a fabulous and fun finale to the school holidays.
• We have a new official address, as from today (5 January) all correspondence needs to be directed to Town Hall, Parade, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4AT.

And finally ……brighter skies are definitely on the horizon with both Leamington Spa and Warwick being voted as amongst 2024s best places to live in the UK and in top and third place in the Midlands according to a recent poll by Muddy Stilettos, with the criteria based on stunning properties, buzzing high streets and good transport links.

Have as good a weekend as possible!

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive