Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

The widespread violence and demonstrations by extremist groups across the UK are of huge concern to us all. Everyone in our district should be able to live without fear, and our overriding message is one of reassurance that this council (and our partners) stand together to offer support to anyone in our local community who may be affected by the actions of these misinformed factions of the far-right. Our thanks go to the Community Wardens, CCTV and other members of our Community Safety team who continue to carefully monitor the situation alongside the police and neighbouring councils, all of whom have their eyes and ears on the ground to ensure that the safety of all our residents is maintained. In all of this let’s not forget the three little girls who so cruelly lost their lives at a dance class and their bereaved families with a wish for peace and unity.
In other news:

• We’re encouraging Warwick residents, particularly those living in close proximity to St Michael’s Place in Saltisford (the site of the medieval Leper Hospital) to take part in a survey being undertaken by the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust to find out how local people would like the history of the site to be captured and interpreted for future generations. This is part of a restoration project which will see the existing buildings sustainably and sensitively converted to new homes.

• The Licensing team was recently part of a joint operation with Warwickshire Police and teams from Stratford-on-Avon District Council and the City of Wolverhampton Council, to carry out checks on taxis in Stratford-upon-Avon to ensure that they comply with safety regulations. A total of 30 vehicles were checked resulting in four being taken off the road.

• Our Council is proud to be taking part Heritage Open Days, England’s biggest heritage festival from 6 to 15 September. This is an opportunity to visit dozens of buildings, gardens and places of historic interest not normally open to the public free of charge. It’s great to have more than 40 local venues taking part, with a big thank you to the dozens of volunteers who will be giving up their time to show you round. You can pick up a leaflet listing all participants and opening times from the Warwick or Royal Pump Rooms Visitor Information Centres or download a copy from our website.

• Alongside WCC, we’ve been reminding local estate agents about the legislation in place regarding the positioning of display boards, following a number of complaints from residents and businesses. These rules include not placing ‘for sale’ or ‘to let’ signs on highways/public land, property or street furniture and ensuring that signs are only positioned directly at the property being marketed.

And finally……it’s been wonderful to see the success and camaraderie of Team GB and N Ireland team at the Olympics, with a special mention to equestrian Laura Collett, born in Leamington, who won her second successive team eventing gold and individual bronze medal having overcome an almost fatal injury in 2013.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
Chris Elliott, Chief Executive