We’re playing our part in the concerted national effort to tackle the surging Covid Omicron variant. The challenge to give third booster jabs to all adults by the end of the year is being valiantly led by our NHS colleagues. Working throughout the Christmas holidays (even on Christmas Day), the amazing army of local volunteers are critical to the success of this life-saving campaign. More help is needed for roles including vaccinator, queue management, reception and administration. Visit this link for details, if you’re able to help in any way.

Vaccination is the very best weapon against serious covid illness or hospitalisation, so if you haven’t already done so please do book your booster (or first/second jab) to ensure the best protection possible this winter.

• Tomorrow (Saturday 18 December), adults can get boosted at a walk-in clinic operating from 8.30am to 7.30pm at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Adelaide Road, Leamington Spa. Free parking is available at Adelaide Bridge and lower Riverside House car parks.
• On Monday 20 December, a new vaccination hub is also opening at Warwick Hospital. Visit this link for booking information.

Local infection levels continued to rise this week from 446.5 to 492 cases per 100,000 people, with these rates projected to rise even further. If you are taking part in pre-Christmas events and gatherings, please do so safely by testing regularly and wearing a face covering when required to do so.

The local Recovery Plan made further progress this week:

• Councillors agreed to seek permission from the Secretary of State for a full political merger with Stratford-on-Avon District, to complete the work already underway creating a new South Warwickshire District Council. This historic decision received clear and cross-party support, demonstrating the strong local leadership needed to build a more resilient and agile new Council.
• The closure of Abbey Fields Swimming Pool and Castle Farm Recreation Centre as part of the preparations for next year’s £ multi-million rejuvenation of Kenilworth’s leisure facilities. Everyone Active and other local providers have put alternative arrangements in place for fitness classes, swimming and other activities.
• Deploying mobile CCTV cameras across Sydenham to get tough on fly tipping. These cameras serve as a deterrent to would-be fly-tippers and also provide evidence for our enforcement team to prosecute offenders.
• Supporting late night shopping and festive markets in:
  - Warwick on Saturday 18 (9am to 3pm) and for a special Christmas late night event on Wednesday 22 December (2pm to 7pm)
  - Leamington Christmas Market on Sunday 19 (10am to 5pm) and for late night shopping on Thursday 23 December
  - Kenilworth Market Thursday on 23 December (9am to 3pm).

And finally… let’s back our amazing independent shops, salons and hospitality businesses throughout the festive season. Every pound spent locally, protects the jobs of local people. By following the safety advice, we can get out and enjoy all that our wonderful towns have to offer, making the most of this special time to celebrate an extraordinary year.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Andrew Day   Leader                                    Chris Elliott    Chief Executive