A busy and blustery end to the week, brings welcome news of a significant fall in local infection levels, from 1,144.2 to 717 cases per 100,000 people. It appears that our continuing efforts to safely return to a more ‘normal’ life are paying off.

Also, those of us who have succumbed to the Omicron variant in recent weeks are clearly being protected from serious illness by the vaccine. Plus, there are now opportunities for 5 – 11-year-old children to be vaccinated, as well as for our 12 -15-year-olds to have their second jab.

Let’s also take a moment to acknowledge the vital part COVID testing has played over the past few months. We can take great pride in the major contribution to the national effort that Leamington’s Rosalind Franklin Laboratory has made, which processed its 5 millionth PCR test this week.

We’re pleased to report further good news for our Recovery Plan:

• Leamington Spa Station. Work starts next week on a £2million transformation of our beautiful station forecourt, creating a more integrated transport hub. By the summer, we’ll all find it easier to connect through the station to use other public transport and forms of active travel. These improvements are just one of a number of Commonwealth Games legacies that support our wider regeneration plans.
• Reducing our carbon footprint. Over 34,000kg in CO2 emissions have so far been saved locally, thanks to everyone participating in the ‘Choose How You Move in Warwick District Challenge’. The scheme, which was launched a year ago and runs until August, allows participants to earn ‘Betterpoint’ vouchers that are redeemed in local shops for choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport, rather than their car.
• RingGo surcharge Goes. We’re pleased to announce that the ‘convenience charge’ for using the national payment scheme RingGo, has been removed. We’re now able to pay for our parking in any of the Council operated off-street car parks from our smartphones, without incurring this added fee.
• Commonwealth Games.  Sadly, storm Eunice has forced the cancellation of the first of the monthly Drop-in Sessions. However, the next of these community events is scheduled for Saturday 12 March from 9am to 2pm at Warwick Market. Birmingham 2022 organisers are coming along to share up to date information about ‘Games-time’ roles, tickets, and the Games Festival. Our teams will also be on hand to assist by answering any questions relating to the local plans and preparations we’ve got underway.

And finally…… this Monday 21 February is the last chance for hospitality and leisure businesses affected by the Omicron variant to apply for a government grant. In the last few weeks, our finance team have done a sterling job distributing almost £1.2m to 328 businesses.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council