EFFORTS to kick-start the local economy have been ramped up say council chiefs.
Warwick District Council is working with partners to support local businesses while attracting new investment into the district.
And while some changes such as government’s Eat out to Help Out have been immediate, some will take a bit more time.
But council leader Andrew Day and chief executive Chris Elliot believe some of the ‘significant projects’ which are underway across the district will be instrumental in its recovery.
In Leamington three ‘major’ regeneration projects have progressed. This includes the council’s bid for the Future High Street Fund being submitted, which seeks investment to support growth of local creative companies, and upgrades to the road and cycle infrastructure north and south of the river.
Consultations are also underway for the 2022 Commonwealth Games including projects for Victoria Park and Leamington Railway Station, and proposals for the Creative Quarter scheme at Spencer’s Yard will soon be considered by councillors.
In Warwick the redevelopment of the former Kings High School site has begun. Work has also restarted on the new 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts HQ, after a fire earlier this year.
Coun Andrew Day said: “It’s been difficult to sleep this week, not only due to the weather, but also thanks to gloomy reports of a record-breaking economic recession, widespread job losses and even news that our much-anticipated pantomime, Aladdin has been postponed until 2021.
“Despite these challenging circumstances, we’re not daunted by the task ahead and are re-doubling efforts to restore the confidence needed to re-kindle our local economy. We’re working closely with partners and colleagues to directly support our businesses, as well as attract vital new investment into the district.”
The council also says it is working to improve its communities by addressing the escalating problem of littering in parks and open spaces.
Coun Day added: “Working with other local government authorities across the county, we’ll be joining the ‘don’t be a tosser’ campaign to help raise awareness of this anti-social behaviour and encourage a more considerate public response to littering.
“On a separate note, we would like to thank all council teams, contractors and our community partners for their herculean efforts in the clean-up operation following the damage caused by recent storms.”
