Getting outdoors to take-in the autumnal colours, reminds us just how lucky we are to have such a wealth of public parks and open spaces to enjoy.  Walking with friends, furry ones included, can be a real tonic providing a welcome break from our screens during these stunning autumn days.  As the annual ‘battle of the leaves’ begins, it’s timely to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the Green Spaces team who work with amazing volunteer groups to bring us so much joy all year round.  Thank you one and all!

Getting outside in the fresh air is not only beneficial to our physical wellbeing, but to our mental health too, especially during the winter months. In partnership with the Ramblers we’ve nine weekly wellbeing walks organised across the district using our beautiful parks and countryside and run by friendly volunteer leaders. These walks offer a great way to connect, meet and make new friends with most finishing with a well-deserved cup of tea.

Rising Covid infections in England and Wales this week are a prompt to those of us who have been invited to come forward for our seasonal booster jabs. As well as the over 50s and other more vulnerable groups, this year anyone aged 16 and over who receives carer’s allowance, or who is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk from flu or COVID-19, is eligible for both vaccines. This includes anyone who provide unpaid care, for example as a family member, close friend or neighbour.

In other news: 

• Elizabeth Park – Severn Trent’s £78million plans to improve water quality offer significant benefits for our residents. The Bathing Rivers scheme creates an opportunity to establish a new park in memory of our late Queen, where young and old alike will be able to come and enjoy a range of water-based and waterside activities. 
  
  “Elizabeth Park” would be a new Leam riverside open space stretching from Princes Drive in Leamington to Emscote Road bridge in Warwick. Subject to raising the balance of the investment funding required, this new destination park would provide safe, off-road, foot and cycle connections, board walks enabling improved connections to the river, recreational areas and riverbank public swimming areas. This new park would enhance the connection for active travel between Leamington and Warwick, boost the biodiversity of a river flood plain area and re-establish an easily accessible green space, suitable for a wide range of community uses.
   
• Seasonal celebrations – Preparations for Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab and the countdown to Christmas are well underway, with the lights already being installed on the Parade for Leamington’s Big Lights Switch on taking place on Sunday 5 November. A packed programme of entertainment, Yuletide market, fairground rides and live performances on stage awaits.

And finally… a reminder that our Electoral Services team are at the final stages of the annual canvass and have asked us all to check who is registered to vote in our households and if the information held is still correct.  We can submit our responses this online, following the instructions in the email or letter you’ve recently received.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council