Plans to create a South Warwickshire District Council have been halted, with Councillors voting unanimously this week to withdraw from the integration programme with Stratford-on-Avon District Council. However, work will continue on key partnerships that are already underway, such as the new joint Waste Management Service, the Climate Action Plan, the creation of the South Warwickshire Economic Strategy and Local Development Plan.

While this is not the place we wanted to be in, and naturally we’re disappointed to be here, we recognise that it’s still a good place to be. The merger efforts have helped us more rapidly advance many key initiatives, generating significant benefits, many of which will endure. Rest assured that we will continue to transform the way this Council works to meet changing circumstances, keeping a keen focus on serving you and doing what’s best for our community.

With so many exciting events and festivals planned for the summer it is reassuring that Covid-19 infections have seen a further significant drop with the latest local figures showing a fall to 128 cases per 100,000 people. This comes alongside a drop in the number of hospital patients with coronavirus too.

This week we’re also pleased to report:

• Jubilee Celebrations. Many local communities and resident groups are busily preparing street parties and other fun celebrations over the June Bank Holiday weekend to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We’re grateful to our Events team who have pulled out all the stops to ensure that residents are able to celebrate this wonderful moment in history, coming together as a community after a difficult couple of years. We’re keeping fingers crossed for blue skies and plenty of sunshine! Details on 30+ road closures arranged across the district are available on the Council’s website.
• Queen’s Baton Relay. Information has been released on the route being taken by the baton as it travels through our district on the final leg of its journey across the Commonwealth. Let’s all come out and support our local Batonbearers in Kenilworth and Whitnash as they play their part in bringing the Baton safely to Birmingham for the start of the Games on 28 July, in just 76 days. For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr
• New Wayfinding. The installation of new signage in Leamington Spa is underway, designed to help welcome the thousands of visitors anticipated for the Commonwealth Games. Not only will the new Wayfinding scheme improve and enhance the experience for competitors and spectators, but it will also provide a lasting legacy, adding a key facility to Leamington Spa for future benefit.

And finally… from 10am tomorrow (Saturday 14 May) in the Pump Room Gardens, the free Well Being for Life festival offers an opportunity to connect to groups and organisations that promote good mental health and wellbeing. There will be over 30 stalls from local activity groups, support groups and services. This is a timely event that will inspire and empower us to change lives, improving our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us. 

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council