Conceding early, equalising, going into extra time, then missing a penalty but scoring on the rebound; England’s path to the UEFA Euro 2020 final was by no means easy, and neither is our route out of the pandemic.

Local case numbers continue to rise this week from 322.1 to 431.3 infections per 100,000 people, registering amongst the highest levels in the country, which is a continuing cause for concern. COVID hospital admissions remain relatively low, but with high numbers of NHS and care staff being required to self-isolate, the situation has serious implications.

There is a real risk that long awaited treatments and procedures will be postponed and that the most vulnerable will not get the level of care they need.

While the welcome success at Wembley has been a real tonic, let’s not forget that our efforts to prevent the spread of infections are critically important if we’re to successfully reopen all parts of our community life. It is vital that we continue to do all that we can by continuing safe practices.

Free testing options remain available; by home delivery, at a local test centre or collection from a participating pharmacy. Remember too that Test & Trace support payments continue for those required to self-isolate.

Local walk-in COVID vaccination clinics are open this weekend, including a clinic offering Pfizer jabs outside Leamington Town Hall on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  No appointment is needed!

Progress with the local Recovery Plan continues this week:

Linen Street Multi-Storey car park

This car park is closing permanently on 18 July due to public safety issues, following months of structural investigations and detailed analysis. Plans to minimise the disruption to residents, businesses and visitors have been put in place.

Victoria Park and Christchurch Gardens courts

These have been resurfaced to provide an excellent playing surface for anyone wanting to get active. The Victoria Park’s Tennis Pavilion has also been repainted and refurbished internally, providing upgraded changing room and toilet facilities. 

£225,000 has been invested into these projects as part of grant funding of almost £1.6m allocated from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) to support infrastructure projects related to preparations for hosting the Commonwealth Games.

2nd Warwick Sea Scouts

The Sea Scouts received confirmation of a £225,000 grant awarded by the Norton Foundation to help fund the final fit-out of their new HQ in St Nicholas Park. This award is yet further endorsement of the outstanding leadership and hard work done by a committed group of volunteers, who we’ve been delighted to support from the outset of this fantastic project.

And finally, win or lose on Sunday, do please spare a thought to all our colleagues and partners who are helping to keep our town centres safe this weekend, including our CCTV operators, taxi drivers and Street Marshalls.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council