Weekly Update from the Leader and Chief Executive

Dear Friends

The untimely death last weekend of fellow Councillor Jonathan Nicholls, is a tragic and saddening event, which is being felt across our community. Jonathan served with distinction as a ward Councillor for Leamington Clarendon and played an active leadership role as Finance and Audit committee Chairman. The formation of the Leamington Transformation Board, a cross-party endeavour which will undoubtedly bear fruit in the years ahead, is but one recent part of his extensive personal legacy. Rest in Peace Jonathan, and thank you for all that you’ve so generously given.

Preparations are well underway to provide sanctuary for the Ukrainian evacuees making their way to our district. We’re confident that together a warm welcome will be given to our community. Resources are being marshalled to ensure that the practical assistance is in place to provide these families and elderly people with the access needed to public services, health provision and wider support.

Our Support for Ukraine website is being regularly updated with information and FAQs about the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This central hub is also available for local organisations and charities who wish to share details about donating essential items and making other gifts to the relief effort.

Turning to the pandemic, we’re being challenged by a continuing increase in local Covid infection levels across all age groups from 471.3 to 707.3 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days. Fortunately, there remains sufficient capacity at our hospitals, and hopefully a spell of warmer weather will help suppress this concerning trend. Nonetheless, we must guard against complacency and play our part too by getting fully vaccinated, keeping our rooms well ventilated, wearing face coverings in crowded places, and staying at home when we’re feeling unwell.

In further news this week:

• On Commonwealth Day flags were raised and the Victoria Park Bowling Greens were visited by young lawn bowls players as part of our countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
• 1,400 more trees were planted on the Warwick University campus to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Our continuing joint efforts with the University are taking practical steps to tackle the climate crisis, improve air quality and strengthen biodiversity.

Congratulations to our CCTV team for the outstanding contribution they made to Warwickshire and West Midlands Police’s investigations to the disappearance of Nicole McGregor and the resulting imprisonment of Anthony Russell for triple murder. It was the persistent work of the team providing clear images and footage which proved key in the investigation and ultimate conviction.

If you are looking for a trip out this weekend, then why not enjoy a visit to the Birmingham 2022 Festival.  Motionhouse, the internationally renowned dance-circus company that has been based in Leamington Spa for 34 years is giving free, open-air performances of “Wondrous Stories”. Check out the details on their website here.

And finally… would you like to see a revival of the Leamington Lights more than 60 years on? We are supporting the potential return of a festival for a new generation and would warmly encourage you to take part in a short survey designed to capture the thoughts and wonderful ideas of our local community. Please visit lightsofleamington.co.uk for further information.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day   Leader                                  Chris Elliott    Chief Executive