focus winter 2009
DESCRIPTION
Information on Council services for residents of Warwick District for Winter 2009 and the New Year.TRANSCRIPT
WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCILWARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL
WINTER 2009WINTER 2009
ENTERPRISEPROJECTSTHE BIG TIDY UP
ANNUAL REPORT
THE BIG NUMBER CHANGE
WELCOME
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
CONTENTS3 NEWS
IN BRIEF
4 ENTERPRISE PROJECTS
6THE BIG TIDY UP
8CHRISTMAS SWITCHED ON
10 BENEFICIAL NEWS
11 ANNUAL REPORT
17-25CULTUREPULL-OUT
25CALENDAR COMPETITION
26PRIDE OF WARWICK
DISTRICT AWARDS
28COUNCILLOR DOODY
29 BUDGET IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAMME
30 CRIME REDUCTION
31 IN FOCUS
32 CHRISTMAS RECYCLING
38 BIG NUMBER CHANGE
Welcome to the winter edition of Focus, the free magazine for residents of Warwick District. It’s our biggest edition yet, packed full of events across the district over the festive season. Make sure you check out our What’s On guide where you can find out when the Christmas Lights will be switched on – they promise to be bigger and better events than ever before!
Warwick District Council’s annual report is included in this edition (pages 11–16). It answers your questions regarding our performance, spending and covers success stories as well as areas for improvement identifi ed over the past year by residents. You will also see that our customer service centre is moving to Warwickshire County Council to provide ‘Warwickshire Direct’ a shared service and this is to provide you with a more straight forward approach to contacting the council, as all telephone queries will be dealt with in one place. See page 38 for more information.
And if you’re handy with a camera, why not enter our photography competition? See page 25 and fi nd out how your photographs could end up in our calendar next year! As always, we love to hear what you think, so keep in touch with us, your editorial team – just email: [email protected]
www.warwickdc.gov.uk
Benefi ts 412466Building Control 412717Bus Passes & Travel Tokens 412456 Business Rates 412496Conservation 412717Council Tax 412466Councillors & Committees 412656 Electoral Information 412656Food Safety 412498Health & Safety 456713HomeChoice 412828Housing Offi cer Enquiries 412828Housing Repairs 412828 Licensing 412496Noise Nuisance 456734Parking Services 412456 Parks & Trees 412464Payments 412420Pest Control 412498Planning Applications, Appeals & Enforcement 412717 Public Toilets 412464Recycling & Refuse 412464Street Name Plates & Rural Lighting 412464
*All numbers 01926 prefi x. Alternatively, call the Warwickshire Direct switchboard on 01926 410410
Designed by The Printroom Warwick District Council
A–Z OFA–Z OFSERVICES
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
3
NEWS IN BRIEFIN BRIEF
NEW LOOKW.D.C. WEBSITEWarwick District Council’s website is getting a brand new look!
The site is being reorganised and redesigned based on testing with local residents. This is to make it more user friendly so that information and services are easier to fi nd and use.
New features include;Clearer, simplifi ed navigation Better search results Most popular tasks and information on the homepageGoogle maps within pages Social bookmarking links More obvious related links Mobile phone friendly version
Santa’s GrottoSanta’s GrottoSaturday 12th December, 12noon–3pmChildren can meet Santa at Leamington Spa
Art Gallery & Museum in the Royal Pump Rooms. Soak up the festive atmosphere,
listen to carol singing and watch a Punch and Judy show, as well as the chance
to meet Santa himself and receive a small gift. This event is free, just drop in and join in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
YULETIDE FAYRESSundays between
22nd Nov–20th Dec, 10am–4pmParade, Leamington SpaThis ever popular event compliments the wide range of shops which Leamington
has to offer and brings over 100 stalls into the town with craft and gift ideas for Christmas. Please note that the Parade will be closed to traffi c on these days
DON’T LOSE YOUR DON’T LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTERIGHT TO VOTETo vote in the General election you need to be on the electoral register. This is the list of everyone who is registered to vote, you are not automatically registered even if you pay Council Tax – you need to complete an electoral registration form.
The 2010 electoral registration forms have been delivered to all households in the district, you need to complete and return your form to Warwick District Council as soon as possible. If the information already given on the form is CORRECT please register by telephone: 0800 197 8601 or log on to: www.registerbyinternet.com/warwick If the information already given on the form is NOT CORRECT please make the necessary changes and return the form in the envelope provided.
For help please contact the Elections Offi ce on 01926 412656 or email: [email protected]
RECEIVE RECEIVE FOCUSFOCUS IN OTHER IN OTHER FORMATSFORMATSYou can get Focus and other WDC publications online. Simply send your email details to:[email protected] and you will be automatically entered into a prize draw where you can win a personalised gift. Closing date: 31st December 2009.
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, on Shrubland Street reopened in October after a nine month closure. The centre, a very popular community hub for residents, was closed for refurbishment and is now bigger and better than before. It offers a wide range of services including; an internet cafe, IT suite, money management courses, a range of fi tness classes and an NHS dentist. The services are supported by a team of staff who can offer support and
expert advice. Healthy living at the Brunswick Centre is based on the holistic approach to health so mental, physical and economic living needs are all met under one roof. Also located at the centre is the Brunswick Enterprise Zone providing a dedicated area for people who are thinking about starting up their own business.
Contact us, call: 01926 422123 or email [email protected]
Centre for Healthy Living Opens its Doors
The Enterprise Hub and Creative Arches were opened by the Council
Chairman Cllr Norman Pratt, and Ms Angela Maxwell, award-winning businesswoman and member of the Board of regional development agency Advantage
West Midlands. The two projects are part of the £14million ‘Creative Uplift Programme’ (CUP) – a partnership between Warwick District Council, Advantage West Midlands, and private businesses. They will contribute to the continuing
regeneration of the Old Town area of Leamington, supporting new and growing businesses and adding to the town’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit. Advantage West Midlands invested close to £7million in the Creative Uplift Programme and is working with the Council and local businesses to bring new jobs and improve the quality of life for people in Leamington Spa.
Led by the Council’s Enterprise Team, the programme aims to take advantage of the growth of creative industries in Leamington Spa. The team are looking forward to seeing new businesses thriving in the area and establishing a hub of creative activity.
Visit us at: www.wdcbusinessenterprise.co.uk
ENTERPRISE PROJECTSPROJECTS
Althorpe Enterprise Hub and Court Street Creative Arches have now been officially launched. The projects have created much needed affordable office and studio spaces for new businesses to set up in Leamington.
LAUNCH OF THEChris Elliott, Chief Executive, Angela Maxwell, Chairman of the Council, Cllr Norman Pratt and Cllr John Hammon at the launch of the Althorpe Enterprise Hub
SPENCER YARDSPENCER YARD DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FREE BUSINESS ADVICE AT THE ALTHORPE ENTERPRISE HUBDoes your new business need a helping hand?
Emma Rynberk from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce holds free one-to-one advice sessions for start-up businesses every other Tuesday at the Althorpe Enterprise Hub.
Book an appointment with Emma directly through the Chamber by contacting Gemma Basterfi eld, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on 02476 654321.
The second part of the regeneration of Spencer’s Yard has been
given the green light. Warwick District Council’s planning committee have given approval for a four-storey riverside business centre and restaurant premises at the current Loft Theatre site in Leamington.
The project will free up the theatre’s existing building and the derelict dole offi ce for redevelopment as new workspaces and offi ces; building on Spencer Yard as a focus for creative and digital industries in Leamington, as well as supporting the redevelopment of the Old Town.
The Grade II listed United Reformed Church on Spencer Street will provide the nationally renowned Loft Theatre Company with a new well
equipped performance centre. The facilities and design of the
new building will mean they can host other forms of
performance art such as music, opera, dance
and fi lm. Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has been able to invest close to £5million towards
the £11million cost of this development.
The project is a partnership between Warwick District Council, Advantage West Midlands, the Loft Theatre Company and private developer Birmingham-based City Spirit Developments Ltd. John Corstorphine, Director of City Spirit, said: “We are very enthusiastic about this exciting project and playing our part in the regeneration of this area. It is an innovative development both in terms of use and architecture with new ideas which will stimulate further activity in this area.”
Spencer Yard at heart of £14million boost for creative industries
Althorpe Enterprise Hub The Hub is home to a number of small businesses working in the areas of web design, graphic design, publishing and consultancy. The Hub provides an excellent facility for start up businesses with the opportunity to hot desk with like-minded professionals or rent a small offi ce.
Court Street Creative Arches The contemporary refurbished railway arches have already attracted plenty of interest from IT and creative businesses looking for spacious and unusual workspaces.
To set up an appointment to discuss these opportunities, call Gayle Spencer on 01926 333222.
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A Big Tidy Up Event at St Mary’s School, Warwick – Sita Recycling Crews took along
a vehicle and spoke to the children about recycling, they all received a reusable sports
bottle for taking part in the litter pick
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
WASTE MANAGEMENT
“Warwick District Council is totally committed to tackling
the problem of litter and that’s why we are joining forces
with them. They have shown a passion and drive to work
with the community to improve the local environment and so
should be applauded.”
Phil Barton, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive
Warwick District Council is one of 11 councils nationwide who successfully applied to be “Big Tidy Up Champions”. Warwick District Council hopes to support at least 15 tidy ups in the area. The campaign was recently launched in Warwick’s Market Square with staff from Warwick District Council, Sita, Community Payback and the Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Since then several schools and residents groups have contacted the council for help in organising a litter pick, which is fantastic news!
DISTRICTTIDY UP
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
7
WASTE MANAGEMENT
For further advice please contact the Street Scene Teamcall: 01926 410410 (switchboard)
email: [email protected]
Organised with help from the following;
Take your rubbish home with you or wait
until you fi nd a bin!
Remember to keep everywhere looking tidy and litter free
Litter is a big problem but we can all do something about it to help keep our towns and parks clean and tidy.
As part of the Big Tidy Up Campaign, thousands of litter picks will take place the length and breadth of the country. TV star Kirstie Allsopp is backing the national campaign in her new role as Keep Britain Tidy ambassador.
This is a great opportunity for people from across the district to get their hands dirty for a good cause, helping the local environment and making their area a better place to live, work and visit. The council is encouraging local residents and businesses to get involved in this campaign and organise their own tidy up, it’s good fun and makes an immediate difference to an area.
Please visit www.thebigtidyup.org to register your tidy up – you will be sent a kit to help you organise and promote the event.
Please remember after your tidy up to add details of how many bags were collected for their tidy-up-ometer!
We are happy to provide the tools you’ll need to do your tidy up and can make arrangements to pick up the collected litter.
Warwick District Council has an Education & Awareness Offi cer, who works in Waste Management, and is able to deliver an assembly/presentation on litter and the work the council does to keep the district clean and green, as part of an organised litter picking event, they can be contacted at: [email protected].
We want to know your views on litter, please visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/thebigtidyup and complete our short survey, or contact Waste Management and we’ll send you a survey. You can even tell us an area you’d like to see the Big Tidy Up team to visit, and maybe volunteer to help!
All completed surveys will go into a free prize draw to win a Christmas Hamper.Closing date: 17th December 2009.
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For information on other car parks in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth please visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/parking
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TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT
The Christmas lights switch on events in each of the District’s towns are
getting bigger and better each year!
LEAMINGTON SPA – Sunday 15th NovemberFrom 1pm you will fi nd local performers on stage, hosted by Mercia Radio. Plus fairground rides
for the whole family. This year the main stage will be at the top of the Parade.
4.30pm – the Royal Leamington Spa Rotary Club Tree of Lights
Dedication Service outside the Town Hall starts
with music from the University of Warwick Brass Band. The
service runs from 5pm with carol
singing, closing with the switch on of the Tree of Lights at 5.30pm.
CHRISTMAS SWITCHED ONOur traditional countdown to the light switch on will be led by the Mayor of Leamington and special guests from the Royal Spa Centre’s Pantomime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, on the main stage.
6.15pm – the lights are switched on – and this will go ahead whatever the weather!
KENILWORTH – Friday 20th November & Friday 4th DecemberThe festivities will take place around Talisman Square and Warwick Road from 5pm, with the lights being switched on at 7pm. Father Christmas will be making a guest appearance, with Mercia hosting the entertainment, music and fun! There will be charity stalls, children’s fairground rides and street entertainers. Please note that Warwick Road will close between the Clock Tower and Sainsbury’s from 3.30pm, but access to Sainsbury’s will be maintained.
On Friday 4th December there will be another chance to catch up with Father Christmas as he joins the fun on the High Street in preparation for the lights switch on at 6pm.
What better way to launch ourselves into the festive season, than with the What better way to launch ourselves into the festive season, than with the great “switching on” of the Christmas lights! Our streets take on a twinkly, great “switching on” of the Christmas lights! Our streets take on a twinkly,
magical feel and people enjoy staying out later, shopping, meeting magical feel and people enjoy staying out later, shopping, meeting friends and strolling through the towns enjoying the atmosphere. friends and strolling through the towns enjoying the atmosphere.
Christmas Shopping or a so much easier with park & go!Park & Go from Leamington’s Covent Garden & St Peter’s car park. Where you pay on foot, take all the time you need, without watching the clock!
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT
WARWICK – Thursday 26th NovemberThe Christmas lights are switched on at Warwick’s celebrated Victorian Evening with over 60 craft, charity and festive food stalls alongside traditional attractions such as a steam carousel, a horse and carriage, working craftsmen and birds of prey. BBC Coventry & Warwickshire will host a packed programme of entertainment from 5pm–9pm. Why not get into the spirit and enter the Best Dressed Victorian competition on stage at 7.45pm.
A parade from St Mary’s Church at 7pm, will provide a colourful highlight just before the lights switch on. For more information visit ww.enjoywarwick.com or call 01926 492212.
WHITNASH – Saturday 14th November & Sunday 6th DecemberSaturday 14th November, from 5.30pm, the Whitnash Rotary Tree of Lights will be switched on at St Margaret’s Church in Whitnash.
Sunday 6th December – Come along to the Plough & Harrow pub from about 3.30pm where you will fi nd sideshows, entertainment and music all supported by a live band. Father Christmas will be making an appearance; there will be fairground rides, a magic show and many charitable organisations present.
For information about the event, or to register your interest in performing or being involved, please contact Simon Button on 07810 883802 or email [email protected].
All events are FREE and suitable for the whole family.
Show
OUT & ABOUTWe’ve got Christmas all wrapped up for you! And
whether it’s Christmas Shopping, wining and dining or strolling round a market, you will fi nd
each town has something a little bit different to offer!
Leamington Spa – the place to do all your Christmas shopping! With high street chains, designer labels and local trendy independents, you will be inspired to buy the presents your friends and family will love! And you’ll fi nd it an enjoyable experience too, as our shops sit within stunning architecture, award winning parks and gardens, and offer top quality restaurants and bars.www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
Kenilworth – it’s all about the food! Whether it’s a lunch break whilst shopping, meeting up with friends, or a special Christmas party, then Kenilworth offers a wealth of restaurants, bars and cafes. From award winning cocktail bars, bistros and traditional French restaurants, through to gastro pubs, Indians, and Italians – it has been said that you can eat from around the world in Kenilworth! It also has a whole host of food retailers, so come and rediscover a world of food in Kenilworth. Don’t forget the carols in the castle on December 12th and the Duck Race on Boxing Day.www.kenilworthweb.co.uk
Warwick – Quality independent shops and restaurants nestled between stunning historic buildings make Warwick a magical place at Christmas. Warwickshire Farmers’ Market visits on the third Friday of every month and there’ll be a festive atmosphere at the weekly Saturday market. Many of the town’s shops will be open on Sundays through December. Warwick Castle hosts a craft market on 28th & 29th November and the annual carol concert on 19th December. St Mary’s Church and Bridge House Theatre will be hosting concerts and performances over the festive period and there are race meetings at Warwick Racecourse on 6th & 31st December. www.warwick-uk.co.uk
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
BENEFITSBENEFITS & COUNCIL TAX
BENEFICIAL NEWSFrom the 2nd November 2009 there are two important changes in the benefits system that pensioners and people with children should be aware of.
CHILD BENEFIT1. will no longer be counted as income in the calculation of Housing Benefi t and Council Tax Benefi t. This means that if you have previously applied for either of these benefi ts but were not entitled because your income was too
high you may now be entitled. If you have not previously applied but would like to make an application either pop into one
of our offi ces listed below, or telephone 01926 412466.
2. If you are of PENSION AGE and you make a claim for housing benefi t or council tax benefi t, any personal savings that you have up to £10,000 will be ignored in the calculation of these benefi ts.
If you are already claiming Housing Benefi t or Council Tax Benefi t, your claim will automatically be adjusted to take into account these changes and you do not need to contact us, but you should still continue to notify us of any other changes that may affect your entitlement.
Benefits explained HOUSING BENEFIT – If you are on a low income and need fi nancial help to pay your rent, you may be able to access this benefi t
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT – If you are on a low income and need fi nancial help to pay your Council Tax Bill
These benefi ts are calculated based on your income and household circumstances and can be paid whether you are working or not. To fi nd out more, or to see if you are entitled, log onto: www.entitledto.co.uk where you will fi nd a benefi t and tax credit calculator.
WARWICKSHIRE DIRECT OFFICES:Warwick District Council Offi ces, Riverside House, Leamington, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa CV32 5HZWarwickshire Direct – Kenilworth, Kenilworth Library,
Smalley Place, Kenilworth, CV8 1QGWarwickshire Direct – Whitnash, Whitnash Library,
Franklin Road, Whitnash, CV31 2JHWarwickshire Direct – Lillington, Lillington Library,
Valley Road, Lillington, CV21 7SJWarwickshire Direct – Warwick, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4SA
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09WINTER ‘09
ANNUAL REPORT
Towards the end of last year we asked 4000 Warwick District residents about what is important to them in making our district a great place to live and where we can improve in the future. By comparing what is important against aspects that need improving, it becomes clear what we need to concentrate on to improve Warwick District.
WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCILWARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL
ANNUALANNUALREPORTREPORT
Full details of the survey can be found at: www.warwickdc.gov.uk
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ANNUAL REPORT
FEEDBACKConsultation showed us your top three priorities for the district are ‘level of crime’ ‘clean streets’ and ‘affordable decent housing’.
Level of crime 61% believe that the local public services are working to make the area safer.57% felt safe after dark in their local area, a 9% rise from 2006.92% of residents felt safe during the day in their local area, a 5% rise from 2006.
How we did89% increase in success of fi rst intervention in reducing anti-social behaviour.
How we are going to improveCo-ordinate a prompt response to reported anti social behaviour to prevent further nuisance to residents.
Co-ordinate a corporate response to crime and disorder issues identifi ed by Community Forums/Safer Neighbourhood Panels where this authority is the lead agency.Provide the principal support to the South Warwickshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
Satisfaction with the local area as a place to live
89% of females and 82% of males are satisfi ed. 91% of over 65’s and 80% of 18-29 year olds are satisfi ed. 94% of those living in rural area and 75% of those living in South Leamington & Whitnash are satisfi ed.
How we did120 affordable houses were completed during the year within Warwick District which is above target.8 households were living in temporary accommodation.10% of council homes were classed as non-decent, a decrease of 8% since 2007/8.
What we are going to do in the future
Complete a review of the housing repairs service area to reduce the time it takes to complete repairs.Maximise affordable housing delivery to meet the needs of the district in relation to mix and size of properties.Promote requirements as set out in the Local Plan for 40% of housing to be affordable on schemes above a certain size. Be pro-active with developers in promoting our affordable housing policy. Provide the most cost effective way of running our services for the tenants, ensuring choice and maintaining current stock condition and to increase the number of affordable units available.Secure the long term investment needs of our housing stock.
Affordable decent housing
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ANNUAL REPORTREPORT
Clean streets 69% felt that the local public services are working to make the area cleaner and greener. 60% felt satisfi ed that the council keeps the district clear of litter and refuse, a 16% decline from 2006.74% are satisfi ed with how “clean and tidy” the street is following the waste collection, a 13% decline from 2006 whilst 17% were dissatisfi ed, a rise of 9% from 2006.
How we didThe following reached an acceptable level of cleanliness using government standards;
87% of land (litter and detritus). 89% of land (graffi ti). 99% of land (fl y posting). 53% of household waste is being recycled or composted an increase from 31% in 2007/8.408 kilos of residual household waste collected per household.Improved street and environmental cleanliness – fl y tipping achieved grade 1, Very Effective.
How we are going to improveBuild on the successes achieved since the introduction of Alternate Week Collection service with specifi c attention to:
Improving street cleansing. Reducing graffi ti. Reacting to the outcomes from the waste focus group from March 2009.
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ANNUAL REPORT
We have 5 core values1.Value for Money: We will make effi cient use of our resources to offer the best possible services at the best price
So what do Warwick District Council’s Services cost?In 2008/2009 the Average Band D Household paid £138.03 Council Tax for Warwick District Council Services. This is 14% below the national Council Tax average and equates to £2.65 per week for Warwick District Council Services.
So do we provide value for money?Whatever the answer to this question, we can always do more. Here are a couple of examples of what we have planned to try to improve our services;
Starting with housing repairs and the benefi ts service, we are undertaking detailed system investigations to achieve faster, more cost effective and effi cient services. We intend to cover all council services in due course.The Budget and Improvement Programme, is a two year long programme of projects to enable us to improve our services and
OUR VALUESOur values set out the way we aim to conduct ourselves in the work we do. They are a statement of the behaviours you can expect from us and they underline the kind of organisation we would like to be seen as.
WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY================================WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL================================456 hectares of open space45 play areasMaintenance of 200,000 trees 4 leisure centres 30 pitches for various sports, an all weather athletics track22 tennis courts6 bowling greens and a golf course
A crematorium and cemeteries service
The Spa Centre theatre Museum and Art Gallery Royal Pump Rooms Town Centres events and enhancements
27 Car parks - 3500 spacesPublic conveniencesAn environmental health service A planning service who handle 1500 applications each yearA building control service who handle 2500 applications each year
Collection of waste from about 59,000 households each week. Collection of around 26000 tonnes of waste for recycling last year
Street cleaning5,642 Council homes Management of local and national electionsDealing with 9400 benefits claimants.
================================£2.65 per week (Band D)================================
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
ANNUAL REPORT
meet our budget goals. A board has been established to ensure that we make the savings needed over the next 2 years while also meeting the challenge of improving our performance.
2. Fairness and equity:We will value all our citizens and our work will be without bias or prejudice
A few examples of what we will doImprove the involvement of hard to reach groups e.g. Children and Young People, Rural Communities, Gypsy and Traveller community.Determine the most effective use of
properties currently designated for letting to older people.Ensure that advice and information about homelessness and preventing homelessness, is freely available to everyone in the district.
3.Community focused:We will put the needs and aspirations of our local communities to the fore and we will work fl exibly and collaboratively as one Council and with others in response
A few examples of what we will do;Work with the 7 Community Forums to
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ANNUAL REPORT
identify local priorities and respond to them.Work with community partners to develop action plans to address the identifi ed crime and disorder priorities.Support the development of Local Plans by Town and Parish Councils.Improve customer access arrangements by use of our website, one stop shops and the customer contact centre.
4.Environmentally sensitive:We will ensure our long term impacts are minimised and are sustainable for future generations
A few examples of what we will do;Promote actions to reduce the risk of fl ooding. Promote renewable energy projects to reduce Council’s carbon footprint. Planning our future growth needs, ensuring high quality, sustainable development whilst protecting important environments.
Provide a range of services which increase recycling rates.Maintain all parks and open spaces ensuring they are sustainable, safe, clean and attractive.
5. Honesty and openness:We will be truthful and transparent about how we run the council
A few examples of what we will do;Publish as much as possible on our website e.g. council strategies, policies, planning applications, results of our performance, budgets.Encourage public attendance at our Committee meetings and publish all committee papers.Increase the number of One Stop Shops to enable easy access to all our services.Communicate with our citizens via the Focus magazine and Home News.Comply with freedom of information requests willingly and speedily.
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8 - PAGE
8 - PAGE
PULL PULL
OUTOUT
HADDIE’S GALLERY THE AMAZING CHANGFAREWELL PETER NICHOLSON HIDDEN GEMSWELLNESS COOKIE’S CORNER
HADDIE’S GTHE AMAZIFAREWELLNICHOLSOHIDDEN GEWELLNESS COOKIE’S C
CULTURECULTURECAPTUREDCAPTURED
Your guide to Your guide to What’s OnWhat’s On in in
Warwick DistrictWarwick District
18
SECTION
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
THE AMAZING CHANGThe Magic of Whittington-Wickes
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Delve into the magical world of Whittington-Wickes whose life and career is celebrated with an exhibition at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum on until 10 January 2010.
Born in Avenue Road, Leamington Spa in 1893, the young Samuel Lewis Whittington-Wickes ran away from home at the age of 12 to pursue a career in magic. He would return later, a successful wealthy illusionist who would wow audiences in the Jephson pavilion with his spectacular shows.
He took a variety of names during his career, including “Seekhett The Boy Magician”, “Cellsus The White Wizard” and fi nally “The Amazing Chang” in 1934. His exhibition has generated interest from illusionists
and magicians worldwide, including David Copperfi eld who said “Every age has its superstar illusionists and Chang was one of the greatest of his era.”
Sandra Evans, whose biography of Chang was published in 2006 has meticulously pieced together his history after discovering she is living in his former home in Leamington Spa.
Chang’s son, fi lm director and screen writer, David Wickes is delighted that Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is reviving the memory of his father, “My father was a star, on the stage and off. The same magical presence that captivated his audiences, walked beside me in my youth.”
Haddie’s GalleryThis new gallery, especially for families with young children, tells the story of Victorian Leamington Spa using original objects, pictures and lots of interactive games.
Everything is introduced by Haddie, who is a cartoon elephant, based on one of the circus elephants trained by Sam Lockhart, a famous elephant trainer based in Leamington in the early 20th Century.
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum also houses an Art Cart where children can explore its drawers and pockets, there are also children’s trails to follow as well as interactive exhibits and colouring sheets.
ROYAL
L E A M I N G TO N S PAArt Gal ler y & Museum
P U M P ROOMS
For details of all events please call 01926 742700 or visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms
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Peter, you’ve been at the Spa Centre for 26 years – what has kept you here all this time?Well I never expected to stay so long, but I love living here – it’s a really nice part of the country, you’re close to just about everywhere and yet you still have a feeling of being in the countryside.
Where did it all start?I started out at a theatre in Eastbourne and on my fi rst day in the job I ended up in a lift with the Nolan sisters and thought that this was defi nitely the job for me! Needless to say, I could not get Peter to expand on that story, but he is hoping to book them for their comeback tour...
What has changed over the years?People will travel from further afi eld to get to the Spa Centre, because we now book a real variety of artists and also the internet has spread the publicity much wider and made booking easier.
Apart from the Nolan sisters, have you launched any other famous careers?I went to the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley recently and there on stage singing for the crowd of thousands was Hayley Westenra – it was pleasing to think that she had already appeared at the Spa Centre earlier this year!
Any funny stories you’d like to share?We had booked Ken Dodd as we do year after year, he’s so popular, but on this particular occasion I got a phone call from his manager in the afternoon before he was due to go on stage. I was asked to take a trip to the local M&S to buy three sets of white Y-fronts and three vests. It turned out that because Ken Dodd stays on stage for about 4 hours, he likes a number of costume changes and had forgotten to bring his smalls with him!
ALL CHANGE AT THE SPA CENTRENicki Hughes interviewed Peter Nicholson who departs after some 26 years managing the Royal Spa Centre, they talked Nolan sisters, Y-fronts and Wembley...
ROYAL SPA CENTRE
Royal Spa CentreLeamington Spa
So what does the future hold?
I will be moving to The Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury, which is my home town and
somewhere I’d always expected to
return to eventually! I will be managing a newly
built, £28 million theatre.
What’s coming up at the Spa Centre?We’ve got our usual varied Autumn programme with a great mix of acts, some of our favourites, such as Ken Dodd and Des O’Connor will be returning, we’ve also got Stephen K Amos back with us in January and Jane MacDonald is returning by popular demand – she has a huge following in Leamington and actually got a standing ovation as she walked onto the stage! We’ll also have some children’s favourites, such as Postman Pat and the Chuckle Brothers.
Located in the Royal Spa Centre, Royal Cinema is becoming known for presenting art house fi lms from around the world, screening a new fi lm each week.
Whether you are looking for a mainstream fi lm that you missed the fi rst time round, or an independent fi lm that you wouldn’t fi nd elsewhere, then you’ll be sure to have a night out with a difference at the Royal Cinema. With a licensed bar, you can meet up early for a drink beforehand. Films coming up in November include; Army of Crime,
An Education and a classic, The Godfather and in December they have a great family favourite, Gremlins!
There are a number of offers on that make it a budget night out for families and students alike;BARGAIN NIGHT MONDAYS – All tickets £4STUDENT THURSDAYS – ticket £3 (with valid NUS card)LOYALTY CARD – Watch 3 fi lms and get your 4th free!For more information visit www.royal-spa-centre.co.uk or call 01926 888997.
ROYAL CINEMA NEWS
Pick up your FREE copy in Leamington of the Old Town Food & Drink Guide at:
Tourist Information Centre, Pump Rooms• Town Hall, Parade• Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace•
For the latest events in Leamington Spa visit www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
09/11/09–12/11/09Army of CrimeROYAL CINEMA
10/11/09–14/11/09FameROYAL SPA CENTRE
13/11/09–16/11/09ThirstROYAL CINEMA
13/11/09–19/11/09An EducationROYAL CINEMA
14/11/09Whitnash Rotary Tree of Light Switch-onST. MARGARETS CHURCH, WHITNASH 5.30pm
15/11/09Christmas Lights Switch onTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA1pm – 6.15pm
Beyond The BarricadeROYAL SPA CENTRE
16/11/09Foster & AllenROYAL SPA CENTRE
18/11/09Vampires RockROYAL SPA CENTRE
19/11/09Angela McGheeROYAL SPA CENTRE
20/11/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketMARKET PLACE, WARWICK9am – 2pm
20/11/09Christmas Lights Switch onWARWICK ROAD, KENILWORTH. 5pm – 7pm
20/11/09Made in BritainROYAL SPA CENTRE
20/11/09–23/11/09The GodfatherROYAL CINEMA
21/11/09Willow Pattern Plate Puppet ShowLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM2pm – 3pm. FREE, Places are limited, please call 01926 742700. Recommended for children up to 12 years, must be accompanied by an adult.
21/11/09Clare TealROYAL SPA CENTRE
22/11/09Yuletide FayreTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA 10am – 5pm
23/11/09Sensational 60’sROYAL SPA CENTRE
20/11/09 - 23/11/09Side by SideROYAL SPA CENTRE2.30pm & 7.30pm
26/11/09Hocus Pocus
LEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM6.30pm – 7.30pm£3 per adult (free entry for children, FLAG and students). Places are limited, please call 01926 742700.
26/11/09Victorian Christmas Evening & Christmas Lights Switch onWARWICK TOWN CENTRE5pm – 9pm
27/11/09Musicals in MotionROYAL SPA CENTRE
23/11/09–03/12/09The Men Who Stare At GoatsROYAL CINEMA
28/11/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketPUMP ROOM GARDENS, LEAMINGTON SPA9am – 2pm
The Lady Boys of BangkokROYAL SPA CENTRE
29/11/09Yuletide FayreTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA 10am – 5pm
03/12/09The Nutcracker Vienna Festival BalletROYAL SPA CENTRE
05/12/09Christmas Recycling RoadshowOUTSIDE SHIRE HALL, MARKET SQUARE, WARWICK10am – 12noon
WHAT’S ON 09/11/09–10/01/10
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
06/12/09Yuletide FayreTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA 10am – 5pm
06/12/09Christmas Lights Switch onPLOUGH & HARROW PUB, WHITNASH. 3.30pm – 7pm
09/12/09Christmas Recycling RoadshowOUTSIDE KENILWORTH LIBRARY, SMALLEY PLACE, KENILWORTH10am – 12noon
11/12/09Christmas Recycling RoadshowASDA, SYDENHAM10am – 12noon
11/12/09–27/12/09Glorious 39ROYAL CINEMA
12/12/09–02/01/10Jack & the BeanstalkROYAL SPA CENTRE
12/12/09–17/12/09GremlinsROYAL CINEMA
12/12/09Santa’s Grotto12noon – 3pmLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM FREE, drop in and join in. Children must be accompanied
Kenilworth Lions Christmas CarolsKENILWORTH CASTLE12noon
13/12/09Yuletide FayreTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA 10am – 5pm
Christmas Recycling RoadshowTOWN HALL, THE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA10am – 12noon
15/12/09Christmas Recycling RoadshowROYAL PRIORS SHOPPING CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA10am – 12noon
18/12/09Warwickshire Farmers MarketMARKET PLACE, WARWICK9am – 2pm
18/12/09–02/01/10A Serious ManROYAL CINEMA
19/12/09Carols at the CastleWARWICK CASTLE7.30pm – 9pm
20/12/09Yuletide FayreTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA 10am – 5pm
Warwickshire Farmers MarketTHE PARADE, LEAMINGTON SPA9am – 2pm
26/12/09Boxing Day Cyclo CrossKENILWORTH COMMON9am – 5pm
Kenilworth Lions Duck RaceKENILWORTH FORD12noon
07/01/10Roy Davenport’s Magic ShowLEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM6.30pm – 7.30pm£3 per adult (free entry for children, FLAG and students). Places are limited, please call 01926 742700.
07/01/10–10/01/10Snow White Ice ShowROYAL SPA CENTRE
UIDE
tRWICK
/10
astle
NGTON
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RT M
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/10
PARKLIFE
Parliament Piece is believed to relate to Henry III’s parliament, which met in Kenilworth in 1266. There
is however no evidence that the
site was actually used by the parliament. The
pond and other depressions are probably the remains of old marl or clay pits. Today the meadow is managed as a traditional hay meadow, with hay cut in late July and cattle grazing for a couple of months afterwards.
Welches Meadow and Leam Valley are situated in Leamington’s Newbold Comyn Country Park. Woodland, grassland, marsh wetland and the River Leam make up Leam Valley and this area has an agricultural past with more recent woodland planting and wetland creation. Welches Meadow is a traditional fl ood meadow to the south of the river, both areas are great for exploring.
There are a number of nature reserves across the district;Kenilworth’s Crackley Wood, once part of the Forest of Arden is now a traditionally managed forest with tall trees of oak, birch and sweet chestnut and smaller shrubs of hazel and holly. You can enjoy some lovely autumn walks and there are also regular volunteering outings with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Kenilworth Common is the last fragment of a much larger area of open land that existed some hundreds of years ago. What was once an area of heathland has now developed into an area of oak and birch woodland. These areas provide a valuable habitat for plants as well as a refuge for reptiles such as the common lizard and adder, so many happy hours could be spent with your children trying to spot them!
Events in ParksOur Parks host a number of events throughout the year, from bowls to charity fundraisers. If you are thinking of organising an event, you will need to contact the right person:
SPORTING EVENTS ACROSS THE DISTRICTTom Duckham – 01926 [email protected]
NON-SPORTING EVENTS IN LEAMINGTON SPAPam Dunsdon – 01926 [email protected]
NON-SPORTING EVENTS IN WARWICKMatthew Caddick – 01926 [email protected]
NON-SPORTING EVENTS IN KENILWORTHJoe Baconnet – 01926 [email protected]
Top tipThink well ahead – plan at least six months in advance!
PARKLIFE
Events i P k
Warwick District is renowned for its green space, with beautiful gardens, award winning parks and lots of places to get out and about during the winter months. But there are some hidden gems too, places that you might not have come across, but will offer something different for you and your family to enjoy.
Leam
Val
ley GET ACTIVE
All you need to do is take up one of our Wellness Packages and you’ll be set for a healthy happy new year!
There are a number of Wellness packages to choose from, giving you the option to use Pyramids gyms, the pool and sauna and also join in with the in-house fi tness classes. It all depends on your level of fi tness, how often you plan to use the gym and of course your budget. Once you’ve made that monthly commitment, there will be no excuses!
For families with children, you could even add them onto your membership so that you can enjoy keeping fi t together and all it will cost is £10 per month for the fi rst child and £5 for subsequent children.
Calling all students! If you’re new to the area then why not pop down to your local leisure centre where you can enjoy keeping fi t and take a break from your studies? We have two options for you to choose from;
Active Wellness£22 per month or a one-off annual payment with 2 months free, of £220, giving you use the
gym, the pool, the sauna and in-house fi tness classes whenever you like!
Spa Wellness£13 per month or a one-off annual payment of £130, with 2 months free – giving you unlimited use of the pool and sauna.
Call into your local leisure centre at:
Newbold Comyn, Leamington SpaCastle Farm, Kenilworth, Meadows Community Sports Centre, Kenilworth St Nicholas Park, Warwick
...and take a look for yourself!
Whitnash Brook forms the eastern limit of the built up area of Leamington and Sydenham. It contains a mix of habitats including the brook, marshy grassland and swamp grassland. You will fi nd many birds and invertebrates as you stroll along the footpath through the whole length of the site.
Oakwood and Blacklow Spinney is an area of mature trees, probably originally planted as a shooting wood in the 1920’s. There’s an abundance of trees and birds to spot here, with tawny owls and chiff chaffs being regular visitors.
This should give you a taste of what else there is out there for you to discover across the district – great for weekend outings in the Autumn months and if you want to fi nd out more, just contact The Wildlife Trust [email protected], or 024 76 302912
Are you getting into the Christmas spirit? Planning those party nights out? Then why not get your recovery plan sorted for 2010?
Ken
ilwor
th C
omm
on
Cookie’sCookie’s Corner
Word SearchWord Search© The Green Gang, The Printroom, Warwick District Council, 2009
He has been out and about with our new “Green Gang” at their summer roadshows across the district and Cookie reported how pleased he was to see so many of you turn up with your old school shoes and uniforms to recycle in return for a reusable sports bottle! In fact, he liked the bottles so much he kept one for himself and has been using it for his milk!
Cookie has also been helping out at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum when they launched their new family gallery, “Haddie’s Gallery”. He had a look round the gallery and really enjoyed himself, he particularly liked the pictures to colour in and delved into the Art Cart pockets and drawers to see what he could fi nd. He was secretly disappointed there were no mice to play with, but don’t let that stop you paying a visit and having a look for yourself!
f a j y b f k y x e p u w e
r b o a t i n g k g s o n l
a i z e j m t l d y k d h f
s c x q a c w i o p a k p n
r y r n m k p a i n t s b w
m c t z a s c q c b i m v a
h l e a r n i n g j n z g l
l i w s k g v t r p g l x k
x n d r e c y c l e m f e i
q g j v t n g q h a c p l n
i o b w s h o p s u o f c g
k h i s u j t d u v n y z e
Boating Cycling Learning
Markets Paints Recycle
Shops Skating Walking
Cookie has hidden some of the words from his diary of events in the word search? Can you fi nd all 9 either horizontally or vertically?
If you would like to keep up to date with Cookie’s diary, then please send your name, age and email address to: [email protected]. You can also follow Cookie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/culturecookie
Cookie’s Diary
Since the last issue of Focus, Cookie the Culture Cat, our mascot for Culture, has been really busy!
25
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
CALENDAR COMPETITION
Enter our photography competition and if you’re one of our winners, your photo will appear on our calendar which will be on sale across the whole district!
We live in a great part of the country for photography, with picturesque scenery, beautiful architecture, historic sites, shops, parks and countless landmarks and monuments – your options are endless!
All you need to do is take a photograph of what you think represents Warwick District the best and then send it into us by email to: [email protected] by the closing date of 25th November 2009.
All entries will be judged and the best ones will be used on the Warwick District Council’s 2010 calendar. We will be selling the calendar to the public and the funds from the sale will be used to help with producing the next issue of our Focus magazine,
no profi t will be made.
Why wait! Get out there and get snapping!
GET SNAPPING!
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
26
CIVIC AWARDS
The Pride of Warwick District The Civic Awards 2010
Do you know a person or a group who devotes their time selflessly to supporting others?
Who goes the extra mile to improve the lives of others, but doesn’t get anything back in return? Do you think they should be recognised for the work they do? Well now is your chance to nominate those people in our Pride of Warwick District Awards!
It’s all too easy nowadays to focus on the negati ve aspects of society, but here’s our chance to celebrate the positi ve, kind, caring people we know who oft en go un-noti ced, who do the work because they love it and don’t expect anything in return.
Think about the people you come into contact with atwork, in your social life,
or in your private life and think about the best way of thanking them and celebrati ng their work.
Wouldn’t it be great to recognise our unsung heroes, our people behind the scenes, people who improve the lives of others with their work in the environment, the community, business or culture?
Individual winners in each category will have the choice of some amazing prizes; group winners in each category will win cash prizes and all winners will be presented with a trophy from the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Norman Pratt , at our Pride of Warwick District, Civic Awards celebrati on in March 2010. What a great way to say “Thank you!”
With thanks to our sponsors:
GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
CIVIC AWARDS
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
How to vote:All you have to do is complete the form on the reverse of this page and return it to us before: 1st February 2010
You will need to include your nominee’s name, category, whether it’s an individual or group nominati on, and some informati on about the work they do and why you feel they should be nominated for this award. We will also need your contact details in case we need any further informati on from you.
Please return the completed form to:Roma Armstrong, Chairman’s PA, Warwick District Council, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ
Or email: [email protected]
Closing date for nominati ons is:Monday 1st February 2010
The awards ceremony will held on: Tuesday 23rd March 2010 at Warwickshire College’s Trident Centre
For further informati on please call Roma on: 01926 456110
Please ti ck the catagory of award being nominated:
Community Individual/Group for young peopleCommunity Individual/Group for older peopleCulture Individual/GroupEnvironmental Individual/GroupBusiness Individual/Group
Conti nues over page...
There are four categories for nominati ons:
Community Where a group or individual has made a diff erence for young people in their community or for older people in the community. Previous nominati ons for this award have included the founder of a girl’s marching band, a Brownie leader and also a Youth Club.
CultureWhere an individual or group has made a diff erence to the culture in their community. Previous nominati ons have included a Parish Records Group.
EnvironmentWhere an individual or group has made a diff erence to their local environment. Previous groups have been nominated for cleaning up and improving Leamington Railway Stati on.
BusinessWhere an individual or group has made a diff erence to the local business community. Previously a publican has been nominated for changing the image of a local pub and improving the behaviour of those visiti ng it.
As well as getting the recognition they deserve, the winners will get the choice of some amazing prizes:
Each winning group will receive a cheque for £250. The winning individual will win the choice between a day for 2 at the Land Rover Experience Centre at ‘the Home of the Legend’ in Solihull to include a fantasti c off -road driving experience followed by lunch, or a Jaguar Track Day at Gaydon for 2 people experiencing a variety of high speed track acti viti es. The remaining prize will be awarded to the individual runner-up.
CIVIC AWARDS
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
Cou
ncil
Lead
er, M
icha
el D
oody
Contact details of person or group being nominated:
Name/s
Address
Tel no.
Contact details of person nominati ng:
Name/s
Address
Tel no.
Please give details of how long the organisati on or business has been formed and the part of the district it serves.
If a nominati on is for an Individual, how long have they been undertaking this type of community acti vity and do they do other voluntary community acti viti es
Please complete the nominati on by giving details and reasons why you feel the award should be made:
(Please note that if there are not enough nominati ons in a
parti cular category we will not make an award)
The economic downturn has, one way or another, had an impact on all of
us and that includes Warwick District Council. We have to make savings and still deliver our services at the standard that our residents expect. In order to achieve this we are looking at ways to make savings and generate more income. The Budget and Improvement Programme has been set up to identify ways that the council can be more effi cient in making savings. I am pleased to say, we are on target to exceed our savings targets for this fi nancial year. Our hope is that we can achieve a reduction in council tax for 2010. Over the past year we have successfully launched the Enterprise projects, all in their own way, providing space to support people with their new or growing businesses and allowing them to develop. The Spencer Yard development will provide a fantastic new space alongside the currently derelict area of Leamington’s Riverside. As you will read on page 5, the development will provide a new home for the theatre and also create jobs and offi ce space. We are also evaluating the way that our services are processed. We want to try and achieve the outcome that the customer wants at their fi rst point of contact with us. Our benefi ts and housing repairs services are the fi rst to undertake this style of working known as ‘lean systems thinking’. The hope is that not only will the service be improved for our customers but that we can make savings through being more proactive and effi cient in everything that we do. Our aim is to save money and at the same time improve the way in which we deliver services. I would like to reassure people that during these diffi cult fi nancial times the council will do its utmost to continue to provide excellent services and allow your district to blossom.
Savings and income
29
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
BUDGET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME
The good news is that we’ve already started making savings! Here are some examples of what we have been doing;
RENTING OFFICE SPACE – we have rented out space at our offi ces in Riverside House, Leamington and are generating income from this. SHARED SERVICES – we have reduced costs by sharing systems with Warwickshire County Council, for example we will now be using a shared customer call centre – see page 38 for more details on this.RECRUITING ONLINE – we now recruit online which has reduced recruitment
costs signifi cantly and reduced the amount of paper we use.
Whilst making savings we are also working on projects which will improve the services we deliver to you. Our website is being updated to make it easier to fi nd what you need. We aim to make sure you get the information you need the fi rst time you contact us – we are reviewing the way we deliver services to focus them on you, our customers, and getting the right answer fi rst time.
Looking forwardThere are already four One Stop Shops in the district and the fi nal one will open in Leamington next year. One Stop Shops allow
free and easy access to council services as well as the Registrar, Police representatives and the Citizens Advice Bureau; bringing these services together in one place not only lowers costs, but it makes things easier for our customers. See page 10 to fi nd your nearest.
We are continuing to investigate more ways to save money and learning from what we have achieved so far. We are looking into enabling our staff to work outside of the offi ce – this will hopefully lead to renting out more space in Riverside House. We are also considering sharing other services with other local authorities; historically this results in lower costs as well as a more fl exible and effective customer services.
Warwick District Council has set up the Budget and Improvement Programme to focus on value for money while continuing to improve customer services. Every area of the Council has put forward proposals and we are working hard to deliver savings in the next 2 years.
BUDGET & IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMEBUDGET & IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMETHE B.I.P.
War
wic
kshi
re D
irect
, Shi
re H
all,
War
wic
k
30
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
CRIME
Cou
ncillo
r B
erna
rd K
irton
(Por
tfolio
Hol
der
for
Com
mun
ity P
rote
ctio
n),
Chi
ef In
spec
tor
Mar
tin M
cNev
in (D
istr
ict C
omm
ande
r),an
d D
avid
Dav
ies
(Lic
ensi
ng S
ervi
ces
Man
ager
)This success is due to:
A clear focus on our priorities and robust action plansAn early intervention approach Targeting persistent offenders High visibility and additional policing at hot-spotsEffective licensing measures and controls with multi-agency licensing visits CCTV double staffi ng at peak periods directing Police in order to prevent escalation and to detect crimesHigh profi le operations such as ‘Your Town, Your Choice’ tackling the causes of crime and addressing social responsibilityAnti-Social Behaviour intervention measures that aim to stop the progression from
anti-social behaviour to disorder and violence by identifying and dealing with
specifi c individuals and problem areas.
All of this equates to 193 fewer victims of serious violent crime and 22 fewer
victims of personal robbery, when compared to this time last year.
The South Warwickshire Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership is the group tasked with reducing
crime and disorder in both Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon districts.
People of Warwick District should feel reassured by this signifi cant reduction in crime and feel more confi dent that crime and disorder is being addressed effectively. The result will hopefully put our district on the map as a safe place to live, work and visit. For further information contact the
CRIMECRIME REDUCTIONLevels of crime have reduced year on year in Warwick District since 2004/05. In the last 12 months there were 593 fewer crimes, a reduction of 6.2%. Performance on serious violent crime is exceptional with a 47% reduction and puts us at the top of the table for Police Basic Command Units (Boroughs/Districts) across England & Wales.
Chris Elliott Chief Executive
31
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
IN FOCUS
Community Safety Manager on 01926 456021 or email: [email protected]
Anti-Social Behaviour, We’re here to helpAnti-Social Behaviour is ‘any behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more others, not of the same household as the perpetrator’. This is a high priority for Warwick District Council and Warwickshire Police, who work together to investigate all reports and take steps to tackle the problem.
Examples can range from noisy neighbours, to street drinking and even criminal
damage. Anyone can be a victim and the cause
of the problem can be individuals or groups and from any age range. If not dealt with, Anti-Social Behaviour can have a
huge effect on people’s lives and can have tragic
consequences.
Measures used to deal with such behaviour range from a formal warning to a person being issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). An ASBO is a civil order and sets out conditions including types of behaviour, associations and even places that a person is excluded from. Breaching the ASBO will lead to the person being arrested. The method is generally very effective and can be used on anyone over the age of 10 years old.
The success rate of modifying behaviour at fi rst intervention is 92% in Warwick District compared to a national average of 64%. The number of Anti-Social Behaviour incidents in the district has fallen by 12.8% compared to the previous year and criminal damage has also fallen by 17.4%.
The Community Safety Team is keen to visit community groups and give a short presentation outlining what Anti-Social Behaviour means and how we tackle it. If you wish to report an incident of Anti-Social Behaviour or require advice then the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Offi cer can be contacted on 01926 456010 or by e-mailing: [email protected]
In this issue Chris Elliot, Chief Executive of Warwick District Council, discusses your priorities.
The Place Survey results have shown us that, for you, ‘level of crime’ is a top priority; followed by clean streets and affordable decent housing.
Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is a priority for us too. Crime is down by 6% in the last 12 months, that’s 593 less crimes. The council works very closely with the police, other responsible authorities, local businesses and community groups including Mid-Warwickshire Neighbourhood Watch to ensure that we provide a safe environment for you to live in. We deliver an extensive CCTV service that helps to detect and prevent crime and make our streets safer. We also licence premises selling alcohol and our policy and conditions have helped minimise some of the consequences of excessive alcohol intake, though we are conscious that in Leamington Town Centre there is still concern. We take the lead on dealing with anti-social behaviour and our early intervention approach is contributing signifi cantly to reductions in crime and disorder.
We know that last year your satisfaction with the cleanliness of the district dropped, however we have risen to the challenge and improved the standard of cleansing signifi cantly. Warwick District Council is also working closely with Keep Britain Tidy, and is one of only 11 councils in England to be selected as a Tidy Up Champion. Last year we helped 120 affordable houses to be built in the district and we are looking for ways to obtain more funding to meet demand. This includes leading a county wide bid for £5million of investment.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Focus Magazine. It is a valuable way of communicating with you and if you have any questions or queries you would like to be answered by either myself, or by one of the Councillors, then please write to: Focus, Warwick District Council, Milverton Hill, Riverside House, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ or email us at: [email protected]
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
32
RECYCLING AND REFUSE
CHRISTMAS RECYCLING
ROAD SHOWSSaturday 5th December
Outside Shire Hall (Warwickshire Direct – Warwick) Market Square, Warwick
10am–12noon
Wednesday 9th DecemberKenilworth Library (Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth) Smalley Place, Kenilworth
10am–12noon
Friday 11th December ASDA, Chesterton Drive, Sydenham 10am–12noon
Sunday 13th DecemberOutside the Town Hall, The Parade, Leamington Spa
10am–12noon
Tuesday 15th DecemberRoyal Priors Shopping Centre, The Parade, Leamington Spa
10am–12noon
RECYCLING AND REFUSERECYCLING AND REFUSECOLLECTIONS WILL CHANGECOLLECTIONS WILL CHANGE
OVER CHRISTMASOVER CHRISTMAS
Got a question about your recycling or refuse service? Come and see us at a road show near you!
Swap an old plastic carrier bag for an eco-friendly reusable one and make a pledge to reduce your waste and recycle more this Christmas!
New contact details for your recycling and refuse service:W: www.warwickdc.gov.uk E: [email protected] T: 01926 412464
There will be NO recycling and refuse collections on Friday 25th December 2009 (Christmas Day). To ensure that all properties still receive a collection, your normal refuse/recycling day will be one working day later than normal (please see the table of date changes).
Please ensure your boxes/bins are out at the edge of your property as usual by 7am. Normal collection dates will resume from Monday 4th January 2010, please refer to your collection calendar.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to anticipated increase in cardboard placed out for recycling during Christmas – this MAY be collected by a separate vehicle – therefore please only contact us to report a missed cardboard collection after 5pm on the day of your recycling collection.
Pick up a recycling bag for your batteries!
Green/grey bin, grey sacks, red box/bag
collection is due on:
New collection date:
Friday 25th Dec 2009 Monday 28th Dec 2009
Monday 28th Dec 2009 Tuesday 29th Dec 2009
Tuesday 29th Dec 2009 Wednesday 30th Dec 2009
Wednesday 30th Dec 2009 Thursday 31st Dec 2009
Thursday 31st Dec 2009 Friday 1st Jan 2010
Friday 1st Jan 2010 Saturday 2nd Jan 2010
MerryXmas
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RECYCLING AND REFUSE
DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE YOUR REAL CHRISTMAS TREEPlace your real Christmas tree next to the green bin for collection. If the tree is bigger than 6ft please cut it down to a more manageable size.
Alternatively take it to a Christmas tree recycling point throughout January 2010:
Barn Close Nurseries, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, CV35 7AX (Tel. 01926 843192 / 07855 828976) Brook Farm, Stoneleigh Road, Coventry, CV4 7AB (Tel. 02476 410292) Hintons Nursery, Coventry Road, Warwick, CV34 5YL (Tel. 01926 492273) Russells Garden Centre, Mill Hill, Baginton, CV8 2AG (Tel. 02476 303627) Smith’s Nurseries, Stoneleigh Road, Baginton, CV8 3BA (Tel. 02476 303382)
Christmas trees will be composted by Warwick District Council
Please make sure that all decorations,
tree stands, pots and netting have been removed as
these can’t be composted!
CHRISTMAS CARD RECYCLING
LibrariesKenilworth Library (Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth), Smalley Place, Kenilworth, CV8 1QGLeamington Spa Library, Royal Pump Rooms,The Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4AALillington Library (Warwickshire Direct – Lillington),Valley Road, Lillington, Leamington Spa, CV32 7SJWarwick Library, Barrack Street, Warwick, CV34 4THWhitnash Library (Warwickshire Direct - Whitnash), Franklin Road, Whitnash, Leamington Spa, CV31 2JH
Council offi cesWarwick District Council offi ces, Riverside House,Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZWarwickshire County Council offi ces (Warwickshire Direct –Warwick), Shire Hall, Market Square, CV34 4SA The Town Hall, The Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4AT
Recycle Christmas cards in your red box/bag with your card and cardboard
Alternatively, take them to a Christmas card recycling point throughout January 2010:
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
RECYCLING AND REFUSE
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With your new winter wardrobe why not send your old clothes and shoes to a better place! We collect clothes and shoes, in any condition, and send them to charity. Just put them in a plastic carrier bag to keep them clean and dry and leave beside your red box for collection.
Drink and food cans are recyclable too, give them a quick rinse and put them in your red box or take them to your local recycling banks.
If you’re stuck for a gift idea for a garden lover – why not get a compost bin? They can cost as little as £19.50 including delivery. Call 0845 130 6090 or visitwww.warwickshire.gov.uk/composting to order your present today.
Please fl atten cardboard boxes and remove any sticky tape before putting them out for recycling. Please cut large boxes into smaller, more manageable, pieces.
Don’t forget that you can recycle all plastic bottles in your red box/bag.
Over Christmas lots more food is bought (and sadly thrown away!) Don’t forget, any left over food waste can go into the green bin – even the left over turkey carcass! To cut down the food you waste, why not visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for tasty ideas on how to use your leftovers and save money at the same time.
Don’t forget to recycle empty glass bottles and jars – did you know recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to power your Christmas Tree Lights for 21 hours?
If you buy a real Christmas tree, please remember that you can recycle it. Either place it next to your green bin or take it to a Christmas tree recycling point throughout January 2010.
CHRISTMASRECYCLING TIPS
When doing your Christmas shopping use reusable bags. Come along to one of our Christmas road shows and swap an old plastic carrier bag for an eco-friendly reusable one and make a pledge to reduce your waste and recycle more this Christmas!
Recycle Christmas cards in your red box/bag with your card and cardboard. Alternatively, take them to a Christmas card recycling point throughout January 2010.
If you can’t reuse metal sweet and biscuit tins recycle them. Put them in your red box with your cans/tins.
© The Green Gang, The Printroom, Warwick District Council, 2009
RECYCLING AND REFUSE
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35
Every year, 600 million household batteries are sent to landfi ll in the UK, particularly around Christmas time – that’s the equivalent weight of 110 jumbo jets!
Simply collect up your used or unwanted household batteries in the new bag and then once full, seal it up and put them in your red box for recycling. All household batteries (single use and rechargeable) from digital cameras and clocks to laptops and cordless drills can be recycled.
BATTERY RECYCLING HAS GOT A BRAND NEW BAG!
Q.Why can’t I recycle wrapping paper?A. Wrapping paper can be thin with very short fi bres which are diffi cult to make into new paper. Also wrappingpaper is often covered in sticking tape, plastics, glitter and foil which are not suitable for recycling.
Princes Drive Recycling CentrePrinces Drive, Leamington Spa, CV31 3PH CLOSED 25th and 26th December 2009 and 1st January 2010Otherwise normal opening times: Mon to Sat 8am–4.30pm and Sun 9am–4.30pm
Cherry Orchard Recycling CentrePipers Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2UBCLOSED 25th, 26th and 28th December 2009 and 1st January 2010 Otherwise normal opening times: Mon to Sun 9am–4.30pm
RECYCLING CENTRE OPENING TIMES
TOP TIP Use gift bags for your presents –
they can be re-used again and again
TOP TIP Please try to buy wrapping paper
made from recycled paper
The new battery bags, made from recycled plastic, can be picked up from any recycling road show, your local library, the main Council offi ces in Leamington Spa or your recycling crew.
Please note the battery bags are only available for collection from the locations mentioned above. It is not essential that you use the new bag to recycle your batteries – you can continue to use your own plastic bag.
Earlier this year we launched a brand new bag to make battery recycling easier.
New contact details for your recycling and refuse service:W: www.warwickdc.gov.uk E: [email protected] T: 01926 412464
© The Green Gang, The Printroom, Warwick District Council, 2009
GREEN GANG
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FOCUS WINTER ‘09
Name:
.....................................
Age:
.....................................
Date of birth:
.....................................
Email Address:
.....................................
Home Address:
.....................................
.....................................I agree to the above child joining The Green Gang and receiving occasional emails/mail-outs relating to The Green Gang and Warwick District Council.
.....................................Parent/Guardian Signature
Send back to: The Green Gang, Waste Management Services, Warwick District Council, PO Box 2176, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5QF. Or drop it off at: Any Warwickshire Direct Offi ce see page 10, or at one of our Christmas Road Shows, see page 32.
Find out what The Green Gang has been up to and how you can get involved and win some great prizes!
LewisAt the summer road shows loads of you loved playing the litter picking game, if you’d like to take part in a ‘treasure hunt’ litter pick – then please contact us using the details below – we’d love to hear from you!
BusterWho is your favourite member of The Green Gang? Woof!
TillyWe’d love to know who your favourite member is – draw us a picture and tell us why they are your favourite. There are some colouring pencils made from paper and recycled drawing paper up for grabs for the best ones! Please send yourentry to the address below.
JOIN THE GANG!All members of the gang will receive a regular ‘e-comic’ which will have ‘green’ stories, ideas, competitions and games. All children that join the gang before Christmas will be entered into a prize draw and 5 lucky members will receive some Green Gang goodies! To fi nd out more about the gang visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/thegreengang or if you have any questions for the gang or have a ‘green’ story or idea to share you can email them to: [email protected]
FOCUS WINTER ‘09
GREEN GANG
37
COMPETITION It’s not long until Christmas and the gang want you to make a Christmas tree decoration for their tree, by
REUSING things around the home (make sure you check with your parent or carer fi rst!). When you have made your decoration, please bring it along to Riverside House (address opposite) by December 1st – these will be displayed on our tree! Please make sure you include your name, age and contact details as the best one will
win tickets to the Pantomime at the Royal Spa Centre on Saturday 12th December.
RyanFind out how you could win free tickets to the Pantomime by reusing things to make a cool Christmas tree decoration...
CharlieCan you see all the leaves coming off the trees – did you know that you can put these in your home compost bin or green bin?
George It’s getting colder outside isn’t it? Please remember to feed the birds in the garden – the E-Comic has ideas about how to make a bird feeder.
Rosie Look at the fab goodie bag you could win by signing up and joining our gang! You’ll also receive a copy of the 1st edition of the new green gang e-comic!
Now it’s Autumn, any summer clothes/sandals that don’t fi t you – put them out in a carrier bag next to your red box! Did you know all the clothes and shoes are either repaired and sent to countries less fortunate than ours, or they are shredded and reused in all sorts of ways.
FOCUSFOCUS WINTER ‘09
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THE BIG NUMBER CHANGEWarwickshire Direct an exciting joint venture betweenWarwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council designed to make Council services more accessible from 11th November 2009.The move aims to provide a more direct service for customers with all calls for all council services coming into one place.
SO WHAT IS HAPPENING?Warwick District Council’s main switch board number is changing to 01926 410410 on 11th November 2009. However, if you know which service you require please use the direct dial numbers listed below:
410 410410 410410 410410 410
Council Tax & Benefits ............................................01926 412466
Planning ...................................................................01926 412717 Planning Applications, Conservation, Building Control, Appeals and Enforcement
Housing .................................................................... 01926 412828 Repairs, HomeChoice, Housing Offi cer Enquiries
Your Neighbourhood ...............................................01926 412464 Recycling and Refuse, Parks and Trees, Public Toilets, Street Name Plates and Rural Lighting
Roads, Parking & Transport ...................................01926 412456 Parking Services, Bus Passes & Travel Tokens
Business ....................................................................01926 412496 Business Rates, Licensing, Town Centre Management
Your Council .............................................................01926 412656 Electoral Information, Councillor & Committee Information, Job Vacancies
Environment .............................................................01926 412498 Pest Control, Food and Occupational Safety & Health, Needles and Syringes
Connect a LIFELINE to your telephone line and let us be a SAFEGUARD in your life
www.warwickdc.gov.uk
For more information about the service please contact:Miss Joan Hicks Tel: (01926) 456405Control Manager Tel: (01926) 435012Or call our 24 hour Telephone: (01926) 339577
Whenever you need to summon help in an emergencyA little extra support & reassurance
Cubbington Ward
Dunchurch & Knightlow
Ward
Ryton & Dunsmore
Ward
Leam ValleyWard
Budbrooke Ward
Lapworth Ward
Wellesbourne Ward
Kineton Ward
Harbury Ward
Southam Ward Stockton & Napton Ward
LongItchington
Ward
Fenny ComptonWard
BurtonDassett
Ward
Vale of the Red Horse
Ward
Leek Wootton Ward
Stoneleigh Ward
Bishop’s Tachbrook
Ward
Warwick North Ward
Whitnash Ward
Clarendon Ward
RadfordSemeleWard
Abbey Ward
WarwickWestWard
Warwick South Ward
Brunswick Ward
WillesWard
MilvertonWard
ManorWard
CrownWard
St. John’s Ward
Park Hill Ward
Kenilworth
Warwick and Leamington Constituency
Kenilworth and Southam Constituency
Kenilworth and Southam Constituency
Leamington Spa
Kenilworth and Southam Constituency
WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCILWarwick and Leamington Parliamentary Constituency: The wards of: Bishops Tachbrook, Budbrooke, Leamington Brunswick, Leamington Clarendon, Leamington Crown, Leamington Manor, Leamington Milverton, Leamington Willes, Warwick North, Warwick South, Warwick West and Whitnash.
Kenilworth and Southam Parliamentary Constituency: The wards of: Cubbington, Kenilworth Abbey, Kenilworth Park Hill, Kenilworth St. Johns, Lapworth, Leek Wootton, Radford Semele and Stoneleigh, together with three wards within the Borough of Rugby and eight wards of the District of Stratford on Avon.
You need to be on the electoral register to vote in UK elections. You are not automatically registered even if you pay Council Tax. The electoral register is the list of everyone who is registered to vote. The 2010 electoral registration forms have been delivered to all households – have you completed and returned yours?
Warwick District CouncilElectoral ServicesRiverside House, Milverton HillRoyal Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZT: 01926 412656E: [email protected]
The next General Election will be held on new Parliamentary Constituency boundariesaffecting all areas within the District