Weekly Update from the Leader and Chief Executive

Dear Friends

Daily news of the war is all pervasive, with distressing reports of Russian aggression and accounts of the extraordinary bravery being shown by the Ukrainian people. We’re already feeling the impact of changed economic conditions as global trade adjusts, adding financial hardship and uncertainty. Many of us are seeking ways to help, so we share this poignant article by Kimberley-Marie Sklinar, who offers us useful insights and guidance on how best to respond.

Our Support for Ukraine website page is a central hub for local organisations and charities sharing details about donating essential items and making other gifts to the relief effort. If you’d like to add information to this web page, please email media@warwickdc.gov.uk.

While war in Ukraine rages, the virus also continues to be a concern. Warwick town is now reporting the highest number of cases in the County, with local infection levels in our district rising again from 412.7 to 471.3 cases per 100,000 people this week. Getting fully vaccinated, keeping our rooms well ventilated, wearing face coverings in crowded places, and staying at home when we’re feeling unwell, remain the safest way forward.

Thankfully, we do have brighter news to share about the progress made this week with the local Recovery Plan:

• Tachbrook Country Park. After plenty of hard work and thoughtful consultations, the detailed planning application for this new 49 hectare (121 acre) park between Leamington, Whitnash, Warwick and Bishop’s Tachbrook is ready and will be submitted on Monday. If approved by the Planning Committee, this new community amenity will be one of the largest public open spaces in the district, offering fresh air, exercise, play and welcome opportunities to watch our local wildlife. A network of walking and cycle paths will also provide a traffic free route to the adjacent primary and secondary schools to be built, with space allocated for orchards, allotments, a refreshment centre and children’s play areas.
• The Queen’s Green Canopy Project. On the seventieth day of the seventieth anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession, our civic leaders joined contemporaries from across the country. Chairman Councillor Neale Murphy and the family of former Vice-Chairman Councillor Tony Heath who sadly passed away last year, marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting trees at Newbold Comyn as part of this historic national project.
• Rugby Road Railway Bridge. Between Thursday 14 and Tuesday 19 April, Network Rail will replace the current dilapidated bridge, which trains have to slow to 20mph to cross. A £2.4m investment in a new bridge will enable faster and more reliable journeys, all completed well in time for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. Permission has been given for a section of Potterton Sports Fields to be used as a temporary site compound, enabling engineers to build the new bridge before it is driven into place. Rest assured that the park will be fully restored on completion. Next Thursday 17 March from 3pm to 7pm, further information will be provided at a special briefing being held at The Jephson Hotel,16-20 Warwick New Road, CV32 5JQ.

And finally, to help local businesses make the most of the opportunities created by the thousands of visitors coming to enjoy the Games this summer, a free ‘Getting Games Ready’ training programme is being launched. Places for free online e-learning, podcasts and live virtual sessions can be booked by registering, here.

Also don’t forget the Birmingham 2022 community drop-in session is taking place at Warwick Market tomorrow (12 March) from 9am to 2pm, so why not come along and find out how you can get involved in this exciting event.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day   Leader                                  Chris Elliott    Chief Executive