It’s been difficult to sleep this week, not only due to the weather, but also thanks to gloomy reports of a record-breaking economic recession; widespread job losses and even news that our much-anticipated pantomime, Aladdin has been postponed until 2021 – oh yes it has!

Despite these challenging circumstances, we’re not daunted by the task ahead and are re-doubling efforts to restore the confidence needed to re-kindle our local economy. We’re working closely with partners and colleagues to directly support our businesses, as well as attract vital new investment into the district.

Supporting our businesses

Final applications closed today for our discretionary grant scheme, which provides a financial lifeline to businesses that were not eligible for previous government grants, including for the newly self-employed.  More than 240 local businesses will together receive some £1 million in discretionary grants. This is in addition to the staggering £31.5 million in grants already paid to 2,500 small businesses and retailers in our area (that’s over 95% of those eligible). Rest assured that we’ll continue to do our utmost to distribute all the grant funding we’ve been allocated by the government before these programmes close at the end of the month.

You can do your bit to help protect local jobs too by taking advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Find out which of your favourite eateries have signed-up to this popular initiative. To help provide additional space for us all to enjoy a safe meal out, we hope that cafés, restaurants and bars will apply for a pavement licence. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in our towns is returning and we believe that these further steps will give an extra boost to the recovery.

Space has somehow also been found in Leamington Spa Town Hall to get a Pop-up Post Office up and running. This emergency measure is temporary, providing an accessible and safe area for this vital community service until a more permanent location is found.

The Recovery Plan

Looking ahead, the Recovery Plan has been further strengthened thanks to steady progress with a number of significant projects:

In Leamington Spa, three major regeneration projects were advanced. Our bid for the Future High Street Fund has been submitted seeking investment to support the growth of local creative companies, as well as improving connectivity by upgrading the road and cycle infrastructure, north and south of the river. Initial consultations are underway too for the 2022 Commonwealth Games projects for Victoria Park and Leamington Railway Station. In addition, detailed proposals for the Creative Quarter scheme at Spencer’s Yard will soon be considered by Councillors.

In Warwick, the redevelopment of the former Kings High School site has begun, illustrating the strength of market confidence in the area. It is also encouraging to see work restart on the new 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts HQ, after the onsite fire.

Inbound business investment was given a further boost as well. On top of last week’s news that Lotus Cars are investing at the university site just down the road in Wellesbourne, we have just heard that a New Zealand Company, Gallagher, is establishing its European HQ in Warwick bringing yet more skilled jobs to the area.

To further support our important community life, we’re taking additional steps to address the escalating problem of littering in our parks and open spaces. Working with other local government authorities across the County, we’ll be joining the "don't be a tosser" campaign to help raise awareness of this anti-social behaviour and encourage a more considerate public response to littering. On a separate note, we would like to thank all Council teams, contractors and our community partners for their herculean efforts in the clean-up operation following the damage caused by Tuesday’s storms.

Next Saturday, don’t miss the spectacular Warwickshire Pride Festival, which returns on 22 August, broadcast live on their Warwickshire Pride Facebook, Warwickshire Pride Twitter and YouTube channels with talks, performances, entertainment, education and much more.

And finally, as the nation marks the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, please join us tomorrow 15 August to pay tribute to the sacrifices made for our freedom today, by the men and women who gave so much in their service in the Far East to bring an end to the Second World War.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council