WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL

SPRING 2011

WHAT'SNEWFOR YOU THIS SPRING

Where possible, information can be made available in other formats, including large print, CD and other languages if required. To obtain one of these alternatives, please contact 01926 456108.

Welcome to our latest edition of the Focus magazine. There have

been significant cuts in Government funding since the last issue and

we hope that you will see in this magazine how we are managing

the pressures this creates at Warwick District Council. Under the

heading of “Fit for the Future” this represents our commitment to you

to demonstrate that we are spending your council tax efficiently,

focusing on the services that are important to you, and ensuring that

you are still getting “good value” for your money. In fact there will

be no increase in your council tax this year, despite the fact that

inflation is up to 4%.

You will read about our work on anti-social behaviour, how we are gearing up

to the 2012 Olympics and of course how to register your name to make sure

you can vote in the forthcoming elections. You can also get involved and have

your say on the future of Warwick District, see page 4 for more details.

There are lots of events and activities for you to enjoy in and around the

towns, parks and leisure centres as well as the Art Gallery & Museum and the

Spa Centre. Many are free, so we hope that you and your family will be able to

get out and about making the most of the lighter evenings.

As always we like to hear what you think about our services

and in this issue you have the opportunity to let us know

what you think about the Focus magazine. If you take a few

minutes to fill in the form on below, you could win a Thornton’s

Hamper, kindly donated by the Leamington and Stratford

branches.

Chris Elliott Chief Executive

SECTION

In Focus

Win a Easter Hamper Don't Lose Your VoteHigh Speed Rail Link

Council Tax Housing BenefitseBilling

Anti-Social BehaviourNo More Empty Homes

Fit For The Future

Spring Clean

Local Plan

Talk of the Town

What's On

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

2012 Olypmics

Big on PlayParklife

Anyone For Tennis?

Funding for Sports CoachesCommunity Games

Action 21 has moved

Help For Small Business

Bid From Your Armchair

Parking Charges

CONTENTS2

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4

5

6

8

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

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www.warwickdc.gov.uk

Benefits 412466Building Control 412717Bus Passes & Travel Tokens 412456 Business Rates 412496Conservation 412717Council Tax 412466Councillors & Committees 412656 Electoral Information 412656Food Safety 412498Health & Safety 456713HomeChoice 412828Housing Officer 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 prefix. Alternatively, call the Warwickshire Direct switchboard on 01926 410410

Advertising DisclaimerAdvertising content submitted to the Focus magazine is subject to terms and conditions of booking and is not endorsed by or representing the views of Warwick District Council.

Designed by The Printroom, Warwick District Council

Printed on 100% recyclable & biodegradable paper sourced from sustainable forests, whitened using an Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) Process

A–Z OFSERVICES

KEEP TRACK OF THE HIGH SPEED RAIL LINKOn the 20th December 2010, the Government announced the proposed line of a High Speed rail route between London and the West Midlands for consultation. This consultation was launched on 28 February 2011.

If you want to get involved and have your say, then please look out for details of the process and related events and roadshows in the local press. Alternatively you can find details at www.warwickdc.gov.uk as well as the Department of Transport Website at www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail and the HS2 website www.hs2.org.uk

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Thursday 5 May 2011 Local Government Elections for Warwick District Council and your local Parish or Town Council.

Your name must be on the electoral register in order for you to vote at the polling station between the hours of 7am and 10pm on Election Day.

If you are unsure if your name is on the electoral register at your current address or you wish to arrange to vote by post or by proxy, please contact Electoral Services on 01926 412656 or email: register@warwickdc.gov.uk

See the back page for more information on the Referendum on 5 May.

DON'T LOSE YOUR VOTE!

Tell us what you think about the Focus magazine, and you could win this great Hamper with your favourite Thornton’s chocolates and a smashing Easter egg! The hamper worth over £30 has been donated from Stratford and Leamington’s branches of Thornton’s - where you will find a fab choice of treats for your friends and family this Easter.

All you have to do is tell us in no more than 20 words what you think about this issue of the Focus magazine! Then return your entry form below with your contact details, to The Focus Team, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ, before 25 April and you will be entered into a prize draw to win the hamper. Simple!

Thornton’s EasterHamper

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FOCUS SPRING ‘11

COUNCIL TAX & BENEFITS

On 1st December 2010 the following recommendations were formally approved at full Council for residents of Warwick District:

To reduce the Council Tax Discount on second homes to 10% from 1 April 2011; and

To remove the Council Tax Discount for long-term empty homes from 1 April 2011.

Second homes include holiday homes and furnished properties which are not lived in, such as properties left empty between tenancies. Long term empty properties are those that have been empty for a period in excess of 6 months.

Further information may be found on the Council website www.warwickdc.gov.uk or alternatively telephone enquiries may be made on 01926 412466

COUNCILTAXON LONG-TERM EMPTYPROPERTIES AND SECOND HOMES

From April 2011 Local Housing Allowance rates will reduce for all people who make a new claim for Benefit. If you are already receiving Housing Benefit before April 2011, the new rates will not affect you until 9 months after your next assessment, unless your circumstances change.

You should take further advice from the Benefits department or by visiting the LHA direct website before you enter into a new tenancy agreement or renew your current agreement.

Do you have a carer who stays overnight?If you pay rent to a private landlord and claim housing benefit, we can now take into account an extra room if you have a proven need for overnight care if this is provided by a non-resident carer. If you would like more information, please contact 01926 412466.

If you receive Housing Benefit and this has been assessed using the Local Housing Allowance, your Benefit could be reducing.

CHANGES TO HOUSING BENEFITS

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2

Would you like to receive your Council Tax or Business Rates bill by e-mail next year?We are looking into initiatives which will enable us to send your Council Tax or Business Rates bills electronically.

If you are interested in receiving your bills this way, please send us your account reference number and the e-mail address you’d like us to use. You will then be notified when this service is available.

Council Tax - ctaxebilling@warwickdc.gov.ukBusiness Rates - nndrebilling@warwickdc.gov.uk

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Many of you have told us how important it is to you that the Council tackles anti-social behaviour. In response, we are working alongside a number of agencies but in particular Police and Police Community Support Officers to achieve this.

We focus on early intervention hoping to quickly modify behaviour by alerting individuals to the impact they are having on the community and the consequences if problems continue. Many individuals are sign-posted to positive alternatives such as involving youths in improving the Kenilworth Skate Park or supporting activities at the Whitnash Youth Club. Some individuals need more support and we can refer them to schemes such as “Geared Up” where their interest in mechanics might help them to channel their energies into acquiring new skills and qualifications.

Recognising the link between alcohol abuse and rowdy behaviour, the district–wide

restricted drinking zone came into force at the beginning of March and dispersal authorities are in place in Crown Way, Lillington and Leamington Town Centre.

“Your Town, Your Choice” is a project, involving targeting 18 - 30 year olds, who have been identified as the group most

likely to be the victims of and to carry out violence. Work involves encouraging that

age group to go out and stay safe and to drink alcohol in moderation. We are working

with local licensees to create a safe and attractive night time environment.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

No More EmptyHomesAaran Marriner-Clark is the new Empty Homes Officer at the Council. His role is to bring long term empty private homes back into use by offering property owners advice and support with letting and selling, or renovation work which may require Building Regulations Approval and Planning Consent. Where the property is more seriously neglected and impacting on the neighbourhood, then enforcement action can be considered to ensure that properties are returned to use.

If you are aware of an empty property, we would be pleased to hear from you and you can remain anonymous if you wish. Please contact Dr Aaran Marriner-Clark Empty Homes Officer01926 456727aaran.marriner-clark@warwickdc.gov.uk

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COMMUNITY SAFETY

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FOCUS SPRING ‘11

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

Our Commitment to you

engaging people morein decision

making

providinginnovative

culturalactivities

see pages14-15

providingsports

opportunitiesfor all

see pages 16-17

see page 3 & 10

enabling older people to live more

independently

Our fit for the future programme is based on our commitment to focusing on what is important to you.

We will;

see page 23

Deliver high quality, effective and efficient services that customers value

Empower and motivate our staff to influence and improve the services we provide

Deliver a balanced budget for the council and meet future budget challenges

Provide excellent political and managerial leadership

Work effectively with our partners to the benefit of our customers

Use our resources effectively and to the maximum effect

a great place to live, work and visit

Warwick District...

FOCUS SPRING ‘11

What's important to you

The purpose of Warwick District Council is to make our district a great place for everyone; whether they live, work or visit here.

We have to achieve this purpose with less money as the council’s budget is being reduced. Over the next five years we need to make nearly £3 million of savings.

We need to make sure that all the work we do is contributing to the council successfully achieving our purpose. This includes the work we do with the help of our partners.

We have set up our “fit for the future” programme to review all the services we provide to you and your community to make sure they are valued by you. All our internal systems will be challenged to ensure our staff are providing services as cost effectively and as well as they can.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

making communities

safer

ensuring theenvironmentis clean and

green

increasing recycling

levels

see page 5 see pages 8-9

supporting businesses

see page 20 see page 10

improvingrural

communities

building a strong, local urban and

rural economy

see page 10

Throughout this issue of the Focus, you will see examples of the sort of work we do, demonstrating how we are fulfilling our commitment to you...

7creating

more affordable

housing and reducing

homelessness

see pages 4 & 5

see page 19

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RECYCLING AND REFUSE

FOCUS SPRING '11

Help the environment this spring. Don’t bin things you don’t want any more – recycle, or donate to a charity. The less we all throw away, the less the Council spends on sending waste to landfill that shouldn’t be there, which is good news for your Council tax bills!

Spring Clean...Spring Green!

Textile RecyclingDid you know...that according to a recent study most residents are still sending textiles to landfill. The Council wants your unwanted textiles, no matter what condition they are in.

Either use one of our textile banks, pop them in a bag next to your red box or take them to your nearest Warwickshire Direct.

Don’t forget to recycle your cardboard and foil after you have eaten your easter eggs and look for the most environmentally friendly packaging you can find – where you don’t have to bin any plastic!

Easter 2011Did you know...

there is a

legal requirement

to recycle if the

Council has

provided you

with the means

to do so?WASTE

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FOCUS SPRING '11

RECYCLING AND REFUSE

If you have broken or unwanted small electrical items don’t throw them away, they can be recycled! You can recycle your old electricals (approximate maximum size 28 x 25 cm) in oneof our new electrical recycling banks at the following sites:

WarwickTesco, Emscote Road, Warwick, CV34 5QJ Warwick School, Myton Road, CV34 6PR

Leamington SpaASDA, Chesterton Drive, CV31 1YDCovent Garden Car Park, Russell Street, CV32 5QBKennedy Square, CV32 4SYRugby Road Shopping Precinct, CV32 6ATSainsbury’s, Shires Retail Park, CV34 6RH

Don't Bin it...Bring it!

Take pride in where you live

Why not get together with your friends and neighbours and give yourlocal area a ‘spring clean’? Contact the Contract Services Team who will be happy to provide you with advice and support to help you organise and run your ‘Big Tidy Up’ event!

For further information, please get in touch with us:Website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/recycling Email: contract.services@warwickdc.gov.uk Telephone: 01926 412464Facebook: Search for ‘Warwick District Recycling Team’

Register your email address with the Recycling Team and they will keep you updated on important news, including service disruptions, road show dates etc - just go to www.warwickdc.gov.uk/emailalerts

Banks located at the existing recycling points

For more information please visit our website www.warwickdc.gov.uk/recycling alternatively call us on 01926 412464.

our eem imm l

Nationwide over 22,000 schools and community groups are already taking part

For more

information

visit www.

thebigtidyup.org

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10

To start this process, we’ve identified what we consider to be the important issues and challenges facing the area and would like to know what you think about these issues and what level of new development you think should be planned for in the future in order to help address them.

To find out how you can get involved and give us your views, and for more information, please visit our website at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/newlocalplan one of the Warwickshire Direct offices or libraries throughout the district as well as the council offices at Riverside House. We will be holding ‘drop in’ sessions at various locations throughout the district which will be publicised locally so

watch out for details of a venue near you! Why not pop in for a chat with us to find out more?

You can also keep up to date with what’s happening by visiting our website and signing up for our free email alert service.

PLANNING

FOCUS SPRING ‘11

In the Winter 2010 issue of Focus, we told you that the government had made changes which would mean that the Council would no longer have the amount of new development for the area imposed upon us and could determine the right level of growth based on local needs and aspirations.

WHAT DO YOU THINK

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TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT

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TALK OF THE TOWNWHAT’S ON IN OUR TOWNS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHSSt. George's Day

Saturday 23 AprilA colourful parade through Warwick town centre at 11am plus lots of entertainment for the family including morris dancing and medieval re-enactments. Call 01926 492212 or go to www.visitwarwick.co.uk for details.

Warwick RacesEaster Monday - 25 April

Bank Holiday Family Fun DayMonday 2 May

For ticket prices and special offers visit www.warwickracecourse.co.uk or call 01926 491553.

Royal Wedding Garden PartyFriday 29 AprilCelebrate the Royal Wedding in the grounds of Warwick Castle.A special rate of £10 to CV34 residents with free admission for children (proof of address required). Visit www.warwick-castle.com for more details.

Warwick Farmers' MarketSaturday 30 April

Fresh seasonal produce at a special Saturday farmers’ market in the Market Place.Visit www.skettsfarmersmarkets.co.uk or call 01789 267000 for more information.

Leamington Live29 & 30 AprilA free family event celebrating style, arts and culture across Leamington.

Leamington Live will kick off with a live screening of the Royal Wedding in the Pump Room Gardens on Friday 29th April from 10am. Bring a picnic and relax with friends, the day will close with a family feature film in the afternoon.

On the Saturday, experience this season’s hottest trends brought to you by TV Fashion Stylist Mark Heyes, with fashion shows and style demonstrations. Pamper pods in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre will offer complimentary treatments including manicures, massages and make-up lessons.

Local artists and talented musicians will entertain visiting shoppers in dedicated performance areas across the town.

Don't forget to join in with the fun treasure trail around town and pick up the latest Little Book of Offers featuring a host of special offers, two for ones, prizes and competitions.

Kenilworth FestivalStar Studded Event7 – 15 MayKenilworth’s annual Festival is even bigger and better this year! There’s loads of entertainment going on throughout the week including a 16 piece Glenn Miller style Big Band with supper provided by an army field kitchen as well as a food fair with demonstrations from local chefs. Elsewhere there’ll be a street market and entertainment, a party in the park, a barn dance, a fashion evening, a fun run, super car Sunday, art show and sale and much much more. There’s bound to be something for everyone in the packed programme of events!

Book your tickets at www.kenilworthfestival.co.uk

Warwick

Kenilworth Royal Leamington Spa

ROYAL PUMP ROOMSLEAMINGTON SPA

29 April to 3 May 2011

The Romantic music of Brahms, Dvorak, Liszt, Mahler,

Novak, Smetana, Strauss, Suk, Zemlinsky

Leamington MusicFestival Weekend

WHAT'S ON WHAT

Copenhagen Chamber Ensemble Baroque Masterpieces

St James’s Church, Snitterfield Saturday 7 May

London Baroque 'Bach and His Circle'Unitarian Chapel, Warwick

Friday 13 May

Ensemble InegalLeading Czech baroque group

Holy Trinity Church, Leamington Spa Friday 20 May

Coull String QuartetHaydn, Simpson & Beethoven

Royal Spa Centre Studio, Leamington Spa Friday 17 June

Wernberg TrioViolin, Clarinet and PianoSt Mary’s Church, Ullenhall

Saturday 25 June

Catherine Bott & James Bowman singKing’s High School, Warwick

Friday 1 July

Tickets for all these concerts can be booked through Bridge House Theatre Warwick.Call 01926 776438 or visit us online at www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

For more information on Leamington Music, please visit www.leamingtonmusic.org

Leamington MusicSummer Concerts

T'S ON WHAT'S ON

Kids Holiday ActivitiesThere are lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy over Easter, some of which you have to book, see the following websites for more details;

Sports Activitieswww.warwickdc.gov.uk/leisure

Leamington Spa Art Gallery& Museum www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/royalpumprooms

Royal Spa Centre www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Family days out across the district;

St George’s Day Parade Warwick23 April

A parade through the town centre, with lots of activities and entertainment, including morris dancers and medieval re-enactments.

Contact the Tourist Information Centre to find out more about Warwick’s events, attractions and accommodation 01926 492212 www.visitwarwick.co.uk

Leamington Live29 & 30 April

Free family event over the whole weekend, with trails for fashion, art and music and lots of activities and demonstrations for you to get involved in.

More information about events at www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk

Kenilworth Festival7 – 15 May

A star-studded event, bigger and better than ever before! Entertainment and events across the whole of Kenilworth, for the whole week. Some events you need to book tickets for, find more information at www.kenilworthfestival.co.uk

Out and About

Friday Focus lunchtime talkFriday 15 April, 1pm, FREE, just drop in

Celebrating the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Curatorial Officer Vicki Slade will present this special wedding themed talk about the history of wedding traditions; from the origins of the white dress to the significance of broomsticks!

New Exhibitions

OPEN 201121 April – 12 June 2011OPEN exhibitions have been held biennially since the 1930’s and have been invariably popular with both audiences and entrants.

Entries are welcome from professional artists based in the West Midlands and in a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital media and craft. Work must have been completed after 1 January 2010 and a panel of arts professionals will select which entries go into the exhibition. All displayed works will be for sale.

One overall prize winner will be chosen to receive the OPEN 2011 Award of £1,000. Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork and the one receiving the highest number of public votes will be presented with the People’s Choice Award of £500.

Lord Leicester’s Warwickshire: The Life and Legacy of Robert Dudley25 June - 18 September 2011 ����������� ����������exhibition will be Robert Dudley (1532 – 1588), Earl of Leicester, the ambitious and �������������������������Elizabeth I. Feared and envied by contemporaries, it was rumoured that he ordered the murder of ���������������������������

Featured events include the visits �����������������������������brother Ambrose (the Earl of Warwick) at Warwick in 1572, and to Robert at Kenilworth Castle in 1575. Both visits were celebrated with lavish entertainments, notably the 19 days of ‘Princelye Pleasures’ at Kenilworth, which involved water � ����������!�������������� �and sports.

Robert Dudley left a lasting imprint on Warwickshire. Kenilworth Castle was extensively refurbished by him and the home for military veterans he founded in Warwick still survives as Lord Leycester’s Hospital. The splendid tomb he shares with his wife Lettice can be seen in St Mary‘s Church, Warwick.

The exhibition will showcase the Dudley heritage of Warwickshire, with displays of paintings, prints and items from local collections. It is hoped that visitors will be inspired to explore Lord Leicester’s legacy in Warwickshire and beyond.

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.

"�� �������������#�������Earl of Leicester, and Countess Lettice on their tomb in Warwick.

Reconstruction showing Kenilworth Castle in 1575, �����������"��$�����stayed as the guest of the Earl of Leicester.

WHAT'S ON

LEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

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Storytelling Event Saturday 16 April12noon – 2pm Stories about legends in Leamington Spa, celebrating culture in the run up to the Olympics 2012. Free, drop in and join in Suitable for the whole family

Easter Art Club Thursday 21 April2 – 4pm Make a memory box for your journeys. Art Club sessions last 30 minutes; they start at 2, 2.45 and 3.30pm. Free, drop in and join in Recommended for ages 6 – 12 years

Art Cart Family Fun Saturday 30 April1 - 3pm Monthly family art and craft sessions in the galleries using our mobile Art Cart. Create your own artwork to take home. Free, drop in and join in Recommended for children up to 12 years

What's on this Easter at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

Contact us at:

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & MuseumRoyal Pump RoomsThe ParadeLeamington SpaCV32 4AA

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/royalpumprooms email prooms@warwickdc.gov.uk

With The London Olympics just over a year away we are gathering information on all the sports, arts and cultural activities you are planning across the district that are linked to the Olympics. We can promote your events and activities FREE on our website (www.warwickdc.gov.uk/london2012) and will give you access to our ‘2012 logo’ for use on any of your own publicity.

To register an event or activity download

the form at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/

london2012 or call The Sports Development Team on

01926 456221/456222.

There is no deadline for returning the forms, we will add your details anytime up to the 2012 games.

Let us know what you’re planning!

A Call to Clubs and Groups

SPORTS

1616

CULTURE

Warwick District Council and Action 21 are working in partnership to provide a ranger service in Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens, and our new ranger, Jim Dale, is busy drawing up a programme of events for the summer. Things kick off over Easter with a family fun day. There will be egg hunts, face painting and much more. For those with an interest in wildlife, we’ve got a bat walk and moth trapping evening on21 May, coming back on the morning of 22 May to see which moths have turned up. Later in the summer there’ll be a birds of prey demonstration and a photography competition.

Do you fly model aircraft?The council currently has two sites where flying model aircraft is permitted – at Newbold Comyn and St Marys Lands (Warwick Race Course). We’re looking at how we manage these sites and would like to hear from anyone who flies model aircraft there. If you fly at either of these sites, please get in touch by calling 01926 412464 and let us know how to get in touch with you.

For more information about all these events, keep an eye on our website at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/parks

Artist impression of the new Mason Avenue Play Area

Following the success of last year’s play development programme which saw the creation of fantastic new facilities in Mason Avenue Lillington, Packmores and Woodloes estate Warwick; this year will not only see improvements to play areas in Sydenham, Leamington and Kenilworth but also, four Parish Council play areas will be enhanced with new play equipment.

For more information on parks, open spaces and children's play areas visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/leisure

Commenting on the success of the new play area in Mason Avenue Lillington, Youth and Community Worker Hollie Hutchings said:

“the new facilities have not only provided great play opportunities for children, but also given local residents a beautiful new area where they can simply meet and relax.”

Great things are about to happen in many of our parks and open spaces over the next few months, as work continues on improving children’s play areas.

SPORTS

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Anyone for tennis?

Now you can enjoy a game of tennis during the winter months and at night with the installation of new floodlights on 5 of the 10 tennis courts at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa. Funded jointly by a grant from the Lawn Tennis Association of £42,000 and a £16,000 contribution from Warwick District Council, the grant has also been used for improvements to the pavilion, signage and maintenance to the Tennis Courts.

Tennis is available for pay and play at Victoria Park, using the new floodlights at just £6 per court for adults and £4 per court for juniors. Juniors can also play on Friday nights from 5.30pm to 6.30pm for just £1. Courts are available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm – 8pm. Other nights can be booked in advance by calling 07792 910219.

Victoria Park has been granted ‘Beacon Site’ status which means it can offer affordable coaching and competition for the whole community, regardless of ability or age. VP Tennis offers a growing coaching programme from Mini Tennis through to Adults and can cater for specific group sessions on request. VP Tennis also offer tennis for Schools and operate an extensive holiday activity programme.

To find out more about coaching courses available call: 07792 910219 visit: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/wdc/leisureemail: vptennis@hotmail.com

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CULTURE

Funding For Sports CoachesIf you are taking a Sports Coaching Qualification and need help funding it then Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sports Coach Bursary Scheme might be able to help you. You can apply for a bursary towards it, just as long as it’s from a recognised National Governing Body.

What does the scheme fund?

Level 1 and Level 2 Qualifications: £100 for Level 1* £200 for Level 2 *

Level 3 Coaching £200 for a Level 3 * Coaching module/course £100 for a Level 3 * Coaching assessment

You can apply if you are 16 years or over and can demonstrate how your bursary will impact on participation in sport in the community.

Applications:

To apply contact:www.cswsport.org.uk024 7657 4200

* maximum subsidy

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest sporting event ever to take place in this country. But it’s not just about two weeks of sport in London; it’s a four year cultural celebration right across the UK including our very own Warwick District!

Community Games are a great way for you to bring your community together to take part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by, and in celebration of, London 2012, giving thousands of people across the West Midlands their own ‘Olympic moment’.

What is a ‘community’?A community is a group of people that come together to share stuff! This could be your street, an estate, your colleagues at work; a ‘friends of’ group from your

local park or other public space, your faith group, your children’s school…the list is endless.

What’s important is that it’s your Community Games event, so you can make it exactly the sort of event that you, as a ‘community’ all want.

What are they all about?

For more information and to download your Community Games toolkit, visit: www.communitygames.org.uk or contact Tracy Murphy at CSW Sport on: 02476 574441 or tracy@cswsport.org.uk

Open Closed Notified

4 Apr '11 13 May '11 3 Jun '11

27 Jun '11 29 Jul '11 20 Aug '11

1919

The Re-Useful Centre is open Tuesday to

Sunday, 10am to 4pm.Ramsey Road, Sydenham.

For more information about any of Action 21’s projects

visit www.action21.co.uk

Open

six days

a week

ACTION 21

Action 21 has moved!You will find them at the Re-Useful Centre, Ramsey Road in Sydenham where they are open six days a week.

Action 21 has been running the Princes Drive Recycle Warehouse “Tip Shop”, for five years and

during that time they have involved hundreds of local volunteers to help them divert 600 tonnes of goods from landfill, and raised money for community projects encouraging people to live more sustainable lives.

The Re-Useful Centre is a hive of activity, with much more than the huge second hand shop it houses, there’s a bicycle restoration workshop, an electrical testing workshop, a re-use garden (complete with greenhouse made from plastic bottles) and loads of volunteer opportunities. Other Action 21 projects include the Dobson Lane Community Allotment where, with the help of Whitnash Town Council and local residents, an area of scrubland was transformed to enable local residents to grow their own food. There is also their Sustainability Centre in Jephson Gardens which provides a shared space for local groups to showcase their initiatives which are based on re-use, transport, food and energy. The garden is currently being developed to provide examples of different ways to 'grow your own' on permaculture principles.

Why not pay a visit to the Re-Useful Centre or the Sustainability Centre and see if you can get involved with Action 21, or look out for them at the Peace Festival this year.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FOCUS SPRING ‘11

You might not realise how much help and support is available for you at The Althorpe Enterprise Hub. This was purpose built in 2009 to provide;

�business support for new, young or small businesses

� office accommodation with free broadband and Wi-Fi access

� fully equipped conference facilities, available from just £50 for half a day

� “hot desking” workstations and virtual office solutions to suit your budget

� reception service

�a shared professional environment with enthusiastic, energetic entrepreneurs just like you!

HELPFOR SMALL BUSINESS

Creative ArchesIf you are looking for somewhere different to house your business, then the Court Street Creative Arches might be just right for you. Set in the heart of the growing cultural quarter, it provides a particularly unique work environment, different to traditional office space, for creative, arts and media businesses. Have a look round before you decide where to operate your business from.

Networking LunchThe Althorpe Enterprise Hub offers the opportunity for networking with their new lunchtime events. Helping you make new contacts, share experiences and hear from local experts on a variety of business-related subjects; you also get the chance to talk over lunch, make useful contacts which might lead to new business and of course keep up to date with local business gossip!

The events run on the third Thursday of the month from 12noon – 2pm and they have been really well attended so far, covering subjects including “Getting to the top of Google” and “Speed Networking”. Future sessions;

April 21 Basic Accounting Principles May 19 Speed Networking June 16 Presentation Skills

Please check the website for more information and to book your place, they are limited.

For more information on the Althorpe Enterprise Hub, Creative Arches or the Networking lunch;visit www.wdcbusinessenterprise.co.ukTel 01926 333222 email enterprise@warwickdc.gov.uk

FOCUS SUMMER ‘10

HOUSING

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If you have access to SKY, Virgin Media or a mobile phone then you can now view Home Choice properties on your TV screen or phone and bid for them from the comfort of your own home.

This is in addition to other bidding options currently available, such as bidding online or by phone.

BID FROM YOUR ARMCHAIR!

To reach the Looking Local service;

SKY Go to Channel 539 and press theRED button

Virgin TV Interactive > News & Info > Looking Local

From Looking Local you caneasily find the Warwick pageswithin the Midlands section, oruse the Quickcode WARKSTV (9275788).

Mobile and iPhone usersTo access the service via a mobile phone go to www.warwickdc.gov.uk/digitv

iPhone users can also download the free Looking Local iPhone app from the iTunes App Store.

Other services on Digital TV

services

FOCUS SPRING '11

Full information on charges and periods of stay can be found on our website at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/parking

Covent Garden Car park Low Cost Season Tickets

If you work in Leamington Spa and find it hard to secure safe reliable parking then Warwick District Council Parking Services can offer you a great season ticket price.

Covent Garden Season ticket has been reduced to £357.44 (was £580) per annum or £49.02 (was £65) per month. They can be purchased over the phone at 01926 410410, via our Customer Service Centre, or by downloading a season ticket application form from our website (www.warwickdc.gov.uk/parking) and sending a cheque payable to Warwick District Council.

For those visiting Leamington Spa, Warwick District Council also now offers an amazing £3.00 for all day parking within the Multi-Story Covent Garden Car Park. The Multi-story car park has a pay on return service; so when you out shopping, sight-seeing, seeing a show or meeting friends for lunch, there is no reason to worry about the time remaining on a pay and display ticket.

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On-Street Parking increases

New on-street parking charges from 1st April 2011 in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are as follows;

Warwick Leamington Spa Kenilworth

½ hour from 20p to 40p from 20p to 40p from 30p to 40p1 hour from 90p to £1.00 from £1 to £1.20 from 70p to 80p2 hours from £1.50 to £1.70 from £2 to £2.40 from £1 to £1.20

Instant help when you need it... ...at the touch of a button

Connect a lifeline to your telephone line and let us be a safeguard in your life.

For more information about the service please contact:Miss Joan Hicks on (01926) 456405Control Manager on (01926) 435012or call our 24hr line on (01926) 339577

www.warwickdc.gov.uk