Published: Friday, 10th December 2021

Dear Friends

The rapid spread in the community of the new Covid Omicron variant has prompted the activation of the government’s Plan B. These additional safety measures buy time for more to be learnt about this new Covid variant, and to understand how best to provide the health protection we need.   

With scientists suggesting that the new variant could be more transmissible than Delta, action taken by us now will have a significant impact on the protection given to our community, as well as helping prevent added demand for our hard-pressed local health services.

It is concerning that roughly three out of four seriously ill Covid patients in our hospitals are unvaccinated. Locally, those aged between 30 to 39 years have the lowest vaccination rates and therefore are at serious risk of being hospitalised if they become infected.

The booster vaccination programme will be rolled-out to all age groups by the end of January, so let’s book our extra jab as soon as we’re eligible.  Please visit the NHS website for further details, as well as a list of drop-in clinics, here.

Infection levels continued to rise this week from 394.0 to 446.5 cases per 100,000 people. Face coverings are compulsory in shops and on public transport. We’ve a long winter ahead, so let’s also continue to wear a mask in crowded and enclosed spaces, as well as take regular tests.

Our local recovery plans continue, with recent progress:

  • The historic decision to seek government approval for a full political merger, or not, of Warwick District and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils will be taken by both Councils when they meet separately on Monday 13 December at 6pm.  Our Councillors will gather at the University of Warwick for this meeting, which will also be broadcast live on our YouTube channel.
     
  • A government grant of over £1m has been awarded to upgrade low-income households with low energy performance ratings. This could include a range of energy saving measures, such as underfloor and loft insulation, solar PV, hybrid air source heat pumps and smart heating controls. Thanks to our superstars in the housing team for securing yet another successful major funding grant.
     
  • The planting of over 1,200 trees on Newbold Comyn, which in conjunction with our work with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust will support biodiversity and introduce a mix of native species to this much-loved area.
     
  • To the tennis provision across the district, with plans agreed by Cabinet to procure one or more tennis operators to run affordable and inclusive programmes at all of the Council managed sites. The new strategy will ensure our facilities are properly funded, well-maintained and easily booked for us all to enjoy.

And finally…let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow (Saturday 11 December) as the festive market gets underway in Kenilworth. For those coming by car there’s free parking all day in the WDC off-street carparks or you can earn some extra ‘BetterPoints’ vouchers if you choose to walk, cycle or use public transport. Please lend your support to local shops and businesses, while enjoying a choir, brass band, children’s rides and maybe an appearance from Santa!

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council

 

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