Our Vice Chairman Cllr Tony Heath died yesterday. A genuine community champion with a lion-heart, Tony was a long serving Councillor and hardworking Leader of the Whitnash Residents Association group. Renowned for his straight-talking, colleagues from all parties will miss Tony’s good humour, leadership and pragmatic approach to getting things done. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jenny, family members and wide circle of friends. Through his public service Tony leaves an enduring legacy across the District, and particularly in the town of Whitnash.

Local infection levels have remained steady this week barely changing from 313.3 to 311.2 cases per 100,000 in the last seven days. At these levels, the threat of infection remains high, particularly as we continue to resume the normal routines and rhythms of life. We’re mindful too that case numbers are also on the rise of seasonal colds and flu. It’s easy to pass on these viruses without knowing it, so let’s play our part by getting fully vaccinated and continue the safety precautions of wearing a face covering, washing our hands frequently and taking regular tests.

As the vaccination programme enters a new phase ahead of winter, the first invitations for the booster jab will be sent out next week. Just like the first phase of the vaccine roll-out, boosters are being first made available to people in priority groups 1-4, who received their last vaccine dose over six months ago. This includes care home residents; health and social care workers; people aged over 50; those aged 16 to 49 who are clinically vulnerable; adult carers; and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. If we’re eligible, the NHS will contact us directly with details of how to book our booster jab. Further details can be found, here.

The Recovery Plan is delivering - this week:

• After decades of neglect, the compulsory purchase of the Leper Hospital site on Saltisford was confirmed by a Government appointed Planning Inspector. The current owner has until the end of the year to submit a planning application for this key Warwick site, to include the repair and refurbishment the important heritage assets, the Master’s House and St Michael’s Chapel within thirty months. Should this requirement not be met, then the land will automatically transfer to the Council and subject to planning approval, we will be able to directly facilitate the restoration.
• Work started to extend the facilities provided at the Warwick Gates Community Centre. The Heathcote Parish Church is leading the project, with grant funding of £150,000 from Warwick District Council and additional support from a variety of organisations, including L&Q Estates and The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust.
• 54 new Council homes were completed in the area off Europa Way giving new residents and local families time to settle-in before Christmas and the winter ahead. These highly energy efficient houses are the first of their kind to be built by a local authority.

Next year’s Commonwealth Games will be about a lot more than just sport. We’re keen to showcase our brilliant creative community and to have some fun too. So, we’re calling on local artists, creatives, cultural venues, and heritage sites to be part of a month long CultureFest to be staged at locations across the district from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 21 August 2022. To find out more or to get involved please visit, here.

Have you had your say?  We’ve got two key consultations underway and look forward to hearing your views on:

• The future development of the Riverside House site. If you haven’t already done so, please visit our website to complete the survey. This consultation closes next Friday 1 October.
• The proposals to merge with Stratford on Avon Council. Visit www.southwarwickshire.org.uk to share your thoughts on what our local government might look like in the future. This consultation closes on Sunday 24 October.

And finally, congratulations to the Friends of Leamington Station for once again achieving an ‘outstanding’ assessment at the recent Heart of England in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood 2021. The wonderful gardens at Leamington Station are a joy to behold and we’re delighted to see this well-deserved recognition being given to the amazing team of volunteers and Chiltern staff who have worked so hard during a difficult year. 

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day   Leader                                    Chris Elliott    Chief Executive