When the pandemic first hit, our aim in writing this bulletin was to keep you updated on weekly news of the support being given to our vulnerable residents and plans for the recovery of the local economy. We’ve come a long way on this journey and while sadly the end may not yet be in sight, by continuing these updates we hope we’re helping our work together to overcome whatever challenges may lie ahead.
Rapidly rising infection rates across the country are leading to new and more stringent local lockdowns. There is no room for complacency in our area, so please continue to closely follow the Government updates to help protect our families and friends from the spread of the virus.
This week tough decisions have been taken to ensure that we don’t create situations where the virus could spread. The annual Mop Fair in Warwick will not be run as in previous years. We’ve also cancelled the Chocolate Festival, disappointing a growing number of residents looking forward to both these popular events, which would have no doubt once again attracted milling crowds into the Market Square and the narrow streets of Warwick.
An easy to use App is now available to help us manage local virus outbreaks. Please take a moment to download the NHS Covid-19 App, here. You’ll notice that certain venues and hospitality businesses are displaying their QR codes to support the test and trace process. You will be asked to scan the code when you arrive, so an alert can be sent to you if there is a risk that you may have been exposed to Covid-19. The more of us that use NHS Covid-19 App, the greater the protection for our whole community.
We’re aware too that there are many organisations supporting communities across our district that may be experiencing short-term financial difficulties. Please encourage any that you are aware of to apply to our Community Economic Recovery Fund, as we’ve recently updated the eligibility criteria to enable support to be given for operating costs. Grant application details are available on our website.
This week progress was made on a range of projects to boost our local economy and support vital local jobs:
- Construction work has started at Tournament Fields, Warwick on the new European HQ for New Zealand-based security giant Gallagher, a leading manufacturer in security and agricultural technology operating across 160 countries worldwide.
- We also celebrated the launch of the Men’s and Women’s Road Cycling Races, which will start and finish at St Nicholas Park in Warwick as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This event, along with the Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls being held in Victoria Park, will see the district hosting thousands of visitors and spectators as they come to enjoy all that we have to offer in our busy and vibrant town centres. This welcome news brings the promise of better times ahead, protecting jobs and encouraging investment in our key hospitality businesses, leaving a Games legacy that will benefit our South Warwickshire local economy for decades to come.
- A new collaboration was announced with the world-class dance company, Motionhouse, which has been based in Leamington Spa for 32 years. Part of the Council’s historic Town Hall building will be transformed into the company’s new home, complete with a fully equipped, professional rehearsal space and new performance studio, unlocking a wide range of community benefits.
- The partnership with Racing Club Warwick football club took another positive step forward with work starting on an all-weather pitch, to replace the existing main pitch. Capacity will be significantly increased for the club, which will support a larger number of games from a larger number of local sporting organisations.
We’ve also especially pleased that plans have been formally approved to plant a tree for every resident in our beautiful district. This winter will see the first trees going into the ground. Important work has also been commissioned to map the area for further suitable sites, so we can accurately identify other opportunities to plant more tress next year and into the future. If you’d like to know more, details can be found, here.
