The top five Wards in Warwickshire for the number of Covid cases reported in the past 14 days are now all in our district. Infection rates continued to climb this week from 231 to 258.8 Covid cases per 100,000 residents. Thankfully our rate is not rising as rapidly as it has been, so hopefully the measures we’re taking are beginning to make a positive impact, but of course only time will tell.
These next two weeks will be a critical period, so we offer no apology for the reminder to use the lockdown to get on top of the virus and work together to:
- Stay safe - Follow public health guidelines about social distancing and face coverings, and wash your hands regularly – check the latest Government guidance, here.
- Healthy balanced food will better support our immune system during this time.
- Stay active - Physical activity is good for our general health, supports our immune system and boosts our mood.
- Protect our mental health - This is a tough time for many of us. Here are some tips to help us during this time.
It is important that we give special thought and attention to our most vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. Covid-19 Community directory provides a one-stop shop for information on available local support and services. The clinically extremely vulnerable, or those who are isolated, in need of emotional support, financial advice or help to access food or medicine best call the helpline directly on 0800 4081447. And remember too that the council’s Community Emergency Recovery Fund is available for voluntary or community organisations who have adapted or increased their services to support those in need.
On Monday, the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme will be launched to give a fresh financial boost to local businesses with a rateable value. Those forced to close due to the new restrictions will be eligible to claim a single grant for a fixed amount to cover the four-week period lockdown period. Information on the scheme and how to submit an application is available, here.
A strong local economy is essential for our longer-term wellbeing, which is why we’re pleased to update on progress made this week with key initiatives:
- Lower Heathcote Local Centre has been granted planning consent. Situated adjacent to Heathcote Primary School serving the area’s new housing developments as well as the existing local community, the Centre will have a range of amenities around a community square, including a Convenience Store, four shops, offices, a Care Home and children’s Day Nursery.
- 54 new Council homes are being built to the north of Gallows Hills to our new environmental standards. Planning consent was granted just six months ago, ensuring local construction jobs are protected and much-needed social housing will be available next year.
- Rybrook Warwick BMW Centre is beginning work onsite before Christmas on a development at Gallows Hill, Warwick to relocate operations to a new state of the art workshop, offices and showroom facilities. Development will also get underway next door on a new 100-bed, four-storey hotel, with a café and bar on the ground floor creating key jobs in our hospitality sector.
- Canal-side development consultation has opened, seeking comments on plans for the district’s 40km of waterways, which include sections of the Grand Union and Stratford-upon-Avon canals. The proposed Plan would inform future development decisions. Share your thoughts, here.
- Spencer’s Yard within Leamington’s Creative Quarter has significant potential to boost our business and community life. Comments on these exciting and ambitious plans can be made by 15 November, here.
This week an independent local group began a three-month inquiry into the issues of climate change in our District. Supported through a series of ten sessions led by independent facilitators, the Public Inquiry into climate change will investigate topics ranging from the science behind the emergency to practical options for how we can make a difference locally.
Plans are well advanced for our virtual Christmas light switch-on as we Light up the District on Friday 27 November, at 5.45pm. Competitions and ideas for activities and party games for us all to get involved in are easily available, here.
