Prepared for floodingChristmas recycling and refuse collections

PPaaggee 77UUppddaattee oonn EEnntteerrpprriissee PPrroojjeeccttss

PPaaggee 1100--1111RReevviisseedd ppllaannss ffoorrLLeeaammiinnggttoonn sshhooppss

PPaaggee 1133BBee pprreeppaarreedd -- LLeeaammiinnggttoonn flflooooddiinngg

Contents�PPaaggee 22--33CChhrriissttmmaass rreeccyycclliinngg aanndd rreeffuussee

PPaaggee 44--55MMeeeett yyoouurr bbuuiillddiinnggccoonnttrrooll tteeaamm

PPaaggee 88--99CCuullttuurree iinn WWaarrwwiicckkDDiissttrriicctt

WWeellccoommee to the Winter edition of Warwick DistrictCouncil’s magazine for local residents. This edition includes details of our Christmas and New Yearrefuse and recycling arrangements and an update on ClarendonArcade, the proposed new shopping centre for Leamington.

We are always keen to hear your views on the magazine. You can email:- focus@warwickdc.gov.uk or write to us at FocusMagazine, Corporate Communications & Marketing, WarwickDistrict Council, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Richard Brooker and Rachael Carpenter, Communications and Marketing Team

A-Z of services

Benefits 456837Building control 456340Bus Passes 456827 Car parks 456317 Council House lettings 456430 Councillors & committees 456005 Council tax & rates 456066Conservation 456508Electoral registration 456111 Engineering 456343Housing management 456437Housing repairs 456456 Licensing 456107Parks & Trees 456226Payments 456845Pest Control 456137Planning appeals 456525 Planning development control 456538 Public conveniences 456316Refuse & Recycling Sort-it 456339

*All numbers 01926 prefix. Call the switchboard on 01926 450000

Designed by The Printroom Warwick District Council Tel: 01926 456108 | www.wdcprintroom.co.uk

Mon 22nd & Tues 23rd Dec: Open 8am-7pm

Wed 24th - Sat 27th Dec: Closed

Mon 29th & Tues 30th Dec: Open 8am-7pm

Wed 31st Dec: Open 8am-5.15pm

Thurs 1st Jan: Closed

Friday 2nd Jan: Open 8am-6pm

Saturday 3rd Jan: Open 9am-1pm

Christmas & New Year opening hours forCustomer ServiceCentre

Front Cover inset, Dormer Place,Leamington Spa, underwater

*

Your local council office, formerly known as Kenilworthand Warwick Connections, has changed its name toWarwickshire Direct. Working in partnership withother local councils it now has offices in Kenilworth,Warwick and Whitnash.

Whitnash residents also benefit as the Town Council andPolice Safer Neighbourhood Team are located inWarwickshire Direct – Whitnash.As your local ‘one stop shop’ for council servicesWarwickshire Direct can answer questions about yourcouncil, all under one roof.

Advisors are trained to answer a variety of enquiriesincluding:• Applying to go on the Electoral Register• Registering for Council Tax• Claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit• Registering for Home Choice• Applying for a Bus Pass or a Disabled Parking Badge• Finding out about planning applications • Reporting environmental health issues, faulty

street lighting, abandoned vehicles and problems on the highway.

• Arranging collection of large or bulky unwantedhousehold items.

Giving advice and information about: • Adult Health and Community Services• Your refuse and recycling collections• Wood chipping and compost bins• Trading Standards• Registration Services• Free school meals

For more information please visitwww.warwickdc.gov.uk/customerservices orwww.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshiredirect

Warwickshire Direct - Where are we?

Whitnsh - Franklin Road Kenilworth - Smalley Place Warwick - Shire Hall

Monday, Friday 9.30 – 5.30Tuesday, Thursday 9.30 – 7.00Wednesday 10.30 – 5.30Saturday 9.00 – 12.30

Monday, Thursday 9.00 – 7.00Tuesday, Friday 9.00 – 5.30Wednesday 10.30 – 5.30Saturday 9.00 – 4.00

Monday, TuesdayWednesday, Thursday 8.00 – 5.30Friday 8.00 – 5.00Saturday 9.00 – 4.00

Page 02

Don’t forgetthat we cancollect plastic

bottles as part of thered box collection

service.

When doing yourChristmas shoppinguse reusable bags. Come along to

one of our Christmas roadshows to pick up

a free reusable bag! see page 3 for roadshow dates.

Recycle Christmascards with card and

cardboard in your red bag.Alternatively, support the

Woodland Trust and take themto Tescos, WHSmith, TKMaxxor Marks and Spencer forrecycling throughoutJanuary 2009.

All food and drinkcans are recyclable.Give them a quick

rinse/crush and put themin your red box or takethem to your localrecycling banks.

If you are stuckfor a gift idea for a

garden lover - why notget a compost bin? They

can be purchased for as littleas £17 by calling 0845 077

0757 or visitingwww.recyclenow.com/

compost If you buy a real tree please

remember that you can recycle it. Either placeit next to your green bin or call the sort-it team for

information onrecycling points.

Buy rechargeablebatteries as it will help stopmillions of batteries endingup in landfill. Remember non-rechargeable batteries shouldbe recycled by placing in aclear plastic bag andleaving on top of your

red box.

Don’t forget torecycle empty glass

bottles and jars. Did youknow recycling one glassbottle saves enoughenergy to power yourChristmas tree lights

for 21 hours?

Over Christmaslots more food is bought(and sadly thrown away!)

Don’t forget, any left over foodwaste can go into the green bin –even the left over turkey carcass! To cut down the food you waste,

why not visitwww.lovefoodhatewaste.com fortasty ideas of how to use yourleftovers and save money at

the same time.

Please flattencardboard boxes andremove any sticky tape

before putting them out forrecycling. If possible,please cut large boxesinto smaller, moremanageablepieces.

This Christmas Reduce waste -Recycle more!

Page 03

Recycling and refusecollections willchange overChristmas!There will be no recycling and refusecollections on Christmas Day and BoxingDay. To ensure that all properties still receive a collection, your normalrefuse/recycling day will be one working day later than normal.

Please ensure your bins and boxes are out atthe edge of your property by 7am as normal.

Green/grey bin, grey refuse sacks,red box/ bagcollection is due on:

Holidaycollection date:

Thurs 25th December 2008

Sat 27th December 2008

Fri 26th December 2008

Mon 29th December 2008

Mon 29th December 2008

Tues 30th December 2008

Tues 30th December 2008

Wed 31st December 2008

Wed 31st December 2008

Thurs 1st January 2009

Thurs 1st January 2009

Fri 2nd January 2009

Fri 2nd January 2009

Sat 3rd January 2009

Normal collections resume from Monday 5th January 2009, please refer to your collection calendar

Recycling & refuse road showsCome along to find out more at one of our road shows. Staff will be available toanswer questions, give out information and leaflets. There will be a limited supply ofrecycling containers available to take away. You can even pick up a free reusable shopping bag (while stocks last)!

Sainsbury’s, Shires Retail ParkMonday December 1st between 10am - 2pm

The Chain, Crown Way, LillingtonWednesday December 3rd between 10am – 12noon

*Asda, Chesterton Drive, SydenhamThursday December 4th between 12noon – 4pm

Royal Priors Shopping Centre, The Parade, Leamington SpaSaturday December 6th between 10am – 2pm

Sainsbury’s, Saltisford, WarwickMonday December 8th between 12noon – 4pm

Whitnash LibraryTuesday December 9th between 10am – 2pm

Royal Priors Shopping Centre, The Parade, Leamington SpaFriday December 12th between 9am – 1pm

Warwick District Council, Riverside House Monday December 15th between 10am – 2pm

Kenilworth MarketThursday December 18th between 9am – 1pm

Tesco Store, Emscote Road,Friday December 19th between 2pm – 6pm

*This roadshow is yet to be confirmed.Please check this is running by contacting the Sort Itteam or visiting our website

Tel: 01926 456339 Email: sort-it@warwickdc.gov.uk www.warwickdc.gov.uk/recycling

Introducing your LLooccaall AAuutthhoorriittyy Building Control TeamThe Building Control section at Warwick DistrictCouncil is made up of eight Building ControlOfficers and a team of experienced support staff.We are a customer led service, operating a qualityassured system. Primarily we deal with applicationsmade under the Building Regulations but we alsoinspect and advise on; dangerous structures,demolitions, access for the disabled, fire safety,sports grounds and temporary structures.

The Building Control Team

Admissions Centre, Kenilworth Castle

Page 04

Keeping you safeWe check new building works to make sure you’re safe, we help yousave energy (and cut heating bills!), we help achieve access to and useof buildings for everybody. We are impartial and independent and weuse our local knowledge to help home owners, business owners,building contractors, agents and architects to meet national standards.

Did you know?The majority of building projectsmust be covered by the BuildingRegulations; if you are wishing tocarry out work which is covered bythe Building Regulations you mustensure it complies and submit avalid application. BuildingRegulations application forms areavailable at www.warwickdc.gov.uk

Open all hoursWe also provide a 24 hour emergency call-out service every day of theyear answering requests from the Police, Fire Service and members ofthe public to inspect and advise on dangerous structures and how tomake them safe. If you are concerned that a structure, building or part of abuilding may be dangerous, you can contact the Building Control sectionat any time.Local knowledge and experience enables our team members toadvise the Fire Service whether fire damaged buildings can beaccessed.

Contact usbcgeneralenqueries@warwickdc.gov.uk24hr dangerous structure helpline: 07881 787528General enquiries: 01926 456543 / 01926 456513

Homeowner extensionalteration, The Butts,Warwick.

Dangerous structure callout. Radford SemeleChurch.

The Building Control Team

Regent Court shopping.

Regent Hotel - We inspected planproposals and building works forthe hotel and shopping centre.

Page 05

What would you prefer?Police in Leamington have launched the major campaign –Your Town, Your Choice to address unsocial behaviour inthe town at night.

Anti-social behaviour is most commonly brought on byalcohol consumption and takes up the valuable time of vital public services such as Ambulance teams and street cleaners.

Your Town, Your Choice encourages people to consider the effects their night time behaviour can have on othersand the town itself.

Warwick District Council work closely with the Police tohelp make Leamington a safe and enjoyable place for allresidents to live in.

Public services in Warwickshire working together to protect people from harm

a good nighta bad night

Page 06

Althorpe Enterprise HubAs the photographs show, work is progressing wellon the new Althorpe Enterprise Hub in Leamington’sOld Town. The Enterprise Hub, being built on the siteof the old BT Depot on Althorpe Street, will providemodern, value-for-money office premises for newbusinesses working in hi-technology and creativeindustries.

On schedule to open in February 2009, the Hub willoffer all the facilities which modern businessesrequire. This includes a reception service, 24/7access, parking, and a choice of flexible officearrangements including desk-only hire. TheEnterprise Hub is only a short walk from LeamingtonRail Station and the Town Centre.

Business tenants will have access to specialistBusiness Link advisers under an arrangement withthe Council. This will provide business supportservices, including training and advice, across all theEnterprise projects.

The Althorpe Enterprise Hub is set to be abenchmark for business enterprise in southWarwickshire, and will contribute to the continuingeconomic regeneration of the Old Town area.

Update on Enterprise Projects

Court Street Creative ArchesAround the corner from Althorpe Street, the Court Street railway arches are being refurbished to provide unique, spaciousstudio or office space for creative businesses. The work involves lining each arch with a special material leaving a clean,watertight interior space. The arches facing the car park will have stylish brick and glass frontages. Access to the Archesis via Court Street or Clemens Street.

Professional people working in the “creative industries” – which include advertising, antiques, graphic design, computersoftware, publishing, photography, film, music, performing or visual arts – will find the Court Street Creative Arches makean ideal base for their business.

Leamington already has its own cultural quarter centred on the Royal Pump Rooms, Art Gallery and Museum, withSpencer Yard just across the river. The new projects at Althorpe Street and Court Street will support this growing sector inthe form of good-value premises, specially designed for creative businesses.

For all enquiries about renting office orwork space at the Althorpe EnterpriseHub or the Court Street CreativeArches, please speak to a member of the Council’s EconomicDevelopment Unit.

Tel: 01926 833905 or email your enquiry to:enterprise@warwickdc.gov.ukor visit us online at:www.wdcbusinessenterprise.co.uk

Artists impression of Althorpe Enterprise Hub

Work in progress , Autumn 2008

Artists impression of Creative ArchesWork in progress , Autumn 2008

Page 07

You’ll find lots to do across the district over Christmas and the New Year – for you and your family.

ParklifeThe best things in life really are free! In Warwick Districtthis is true, with award winning parks and beautifulgardens, nature trails and boating lakes. This combinedwith the more active skate parks, BMX track and play areas,means you can spend many a happy hour outdoors with yourfamily and it won’t cost you anything.

You can also try bowls, tennis and pitch & putt for a small fee.Usually there’s no need to book, just turn up and play.

For further information visitwww.warwickdc.gov.uk/parks

Culturein Warwick District

www.warwickdc.gov.uk/culture

Page 08

New Year, New You!Why not try your hand at somethingnew in the New Year? There’s somuch to choose from in the district,whether it’s golf, tennis, bowls, gettingfit, or just getting out and about more –have a look and get yourselves active!

There are great value Golfmemberships at Newbold Comyn Golf course

• No joining fee before February 28th 2009• Seniors play unlimited weekday golf for only 72p* a day!• Juniors can play unlimitedweekend golf for only 27p* a day!

Come along and give it a go! For more information or to book around call 01926 421157 or have alook at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/golf

Come and see our new art gallerydisplays. As well as a host of newexhibits the displays will include a fewold favourites such as the paintings,The Mission Room, 1937, by L SLowry and Cookham Rise, 1938 byStanley Spencer.

Forthcoming events: Distillations: New work by Mary Riley,is on display until 4 January. Inspiredby the Warwickshire landscape,Riley's large scale paintings arepowerful and strikingly energetic.

Santa’s GrottoSaturday 13 December, 12 noon – 3pmCome and meet Santa, listen to carol

singing and take part in Christmascraft workshops. This event issupported by St. Paul’s Church,Leamington Spa.

FREE, drop in and join in. Suitable forchildren up to 12 years. Children mustbe accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 24 December Open, 10.30am-4pm Thursday 25 - Monday 29 December ClosedTuesday 30 December Open, 10.30am-5pmWednesday 31 December Open, 10.30am-4pmThursday 1 January ClosedFriday 2-Saturday 3 January Open, 10.30am-5pmSunday 4 January Open, 11am-4pm

Admission is free

Celebrate Christmas at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS AT

LEAMINGTON SPA ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Yuletide Fayres –every Sunday upuntil 21 DecemberFind bustling, festive stalls withcrafts and gift ideas for Christmas,as well as food and drink, sittingalongside Leamington’s shops onthe Parade.

Farmers’ MarketSunday 21 December from 9am –2pm, in the Pump Room Gardens.A great opportunity to buy homegrown produce and seasonal fruitand vegetables, all produced within30 miles of Leamington Spa.

Leisure Centre’s & Car Park Christmas & NewYear closures Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre,Abbey Fields Swimming Pool,Castle Farm Recreation Centre

Wed 24 Dec: Closed at 2pmThurs 25 - Fri 26 Dec: ClosedSat 27 -Tues 30 Dec: RestrictedHoursWed 31 Dec: Closed at 2pmThurs 1 Jan: ClosedFri 2 Jan: Normal hoursFor further details please contactyour local centre.

Car ParksThe surface car parks will be openthrough out the holiday period. Themulti-storey car parks will be closedon 25th Dec 2008 and 1st Jan 2009.

*Terms and conditions apply

*Terms and conditions apply

Health & FitnessDo you want to makesure you keep thoseNew Year resolutionsand stick with yourfitness programme?

Unlimited access to our fitness suites, classesand swimming from as little as £1 a day*.

We have the latest gym equipment, fully airconditioned gyms and a great team of staff tohelp you achieve your goals – call in to one ofour Leisure Centres across the district and findout what we have to offer.

Page 09

Leamington Town Centre is prosperous,attractive and important. We want toensure that it remains that way. Maintaining a balance of highquality independent retailers andmajor multiple shops within a highquality historic environment is animportant priority for the council.

Independent studies commissionedby the council have identified longterm threats to the town centre. Weare planning ahead to safeguard itsfuture. We need to build on thetown’s success and improve thenumber and variety of shops. Thiswill help us to resist the real threat of decline against other competingtown centres and out of townretailing.

To respond to this, the council hasselected Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd as a development partner to createa new retail led development within the town centre. The location of theproposed scheme is to the rear of the Parade, incorporating the Chandos Streetcar park.

The scheme includes the following:• A two level shopping area with a main entrance opposite Royal Priors inWarwick Street and a pedestrian link through to the Parade similar to thepresent Royal Priors scheme• A major ‘anchor’ store unit• Large new shop units• New public spaces• 500+ new parking spaces - more than trebling the existing car park size

KeepingLeamington as a vibrant and activeshopping centreis important.Here we providean update ofprogress indeveloping anew retailcomplex and car park for the town.

New Shopping inLeamington

Page 10

The scheme was originally publicised last yearand has been amended as a result of wideranging public comments. The scheme stillincorporates the same retail and car parkprovision but now does so with:

• Reduction in height• Reduced size adjacent to nearby properties• Revised vehicle access arrangements• Improved design

The development is intended to secureLeamington’s future in the long term beyond thecurrent period of market uncertainty. It willprovide units of a size not currently available inthe town that will prove attractive to high qualityretailers. The scheme will create a majoradditional retail attraction for the town centre andfit in well with the town’s important historic andarchitectural character. All retailers,including the important specialistindependent retailers of Leamington,should benefit from the additionalshoppers drawn to the town.

A planning application forthis scheme is expected inspring 2009. This will bethe subject of fullconsultation. It willprovide the opportunityfor all those interestedto make theircontribution forconsideration by theCouncil’s PlanningCommittee.

Should planningpermission be granted,the scheme could be open for trading in 2014.

CLARENDON AVENUE

THE PARA

DEWARWICK STREET

Front view of the scheme from Chandos Street

CHAN

DOS STRE

ET

Page 11

More Choice for HomeChoice Scheme

For more information contact the Housing Advice Team on 01926 456430www.warwickdc.gov.uk

The HomeChoice scheme which has been in placesince November 2005 has been reviewed and ischanging! The Council’s choice based lettings scheme coversCouncil and Housing Association rented housing, Shared Ownershipand other low cost housing schemes.

In a bid to ensure that the Scheme is still meeting the needs of applicants and tenants, the Council has carried outconsultation with those on the Housing Register, tenants previously housed through the Scheme and with partneragencies and organisations. The results have been to introduce a number of changes to the Scheme which will ensure itmeets revised Government Guidance.

Changes to the Scheme

• 4 Bands instead of 2. • Points will no longer be used. • Quotas of advertised properties allocated to Bands 1, 2 and 3 • Local Connection criteria expanded.The number of Bands will increase from 2 to 4.

An applicant’s circumstances will be assessedaccording to their need, allowing them to be placedin the appropriate band, listed below:

Band 1 – Very Urgent housing need Band 2 – Urgent housing need Band 3 – Non-Urgent need Band 4 – No current housing need

Quotas will be introduced to ensure that thereis a greater spread of properties across theBands to give people more choice for bidding.

Band 1 – 50% of available properties Band 2 – 30% of available properties Band 3 – 20% of available properties

All available Council and Housing Associationproperties are advertised on a fortnightly basis.

The advert can be viewed via the Councilwebsite, local Observer newspaper, local librariesand Parish Council notice boards, Digi-TV andany Warwickshire Direct branch.

Warwick District Council Civic AwardsRecognition for the efforts and achievements of individuals and groupsin the District are to be celebrated by the Civic Awards.

Anyone can nominate a group or individual who has made a real difference in one of the following categories:-• Community • Culture • Environment • Business

Please send written details of no more than 200 words, along with any supporting information to:- Roma Armstrong, Chairman’s Personal Assistant, Warwick District Council, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa CV32 5HZ.E-mail: roma.armstrong@warwickdc.gov.uk Closing date for nominations is Monday 2nd February 2009.

The Council acknowledges the kind support of our sponsors:-

Page 12

So what can you do?It is important to be aware of hazards surrounding the areain which you live, for example, the rivers Avon and Leamare prone to flooding. Prepare well and follow theguidelines to ensure you and your family remain safe.

If there’s a major emergency, you need to know what to do and where to get information. The nationally recognised advice of Go in - Stay in - Tune in is used all around the world.

GO IN: In most emergency situations the safest place tobe is indoors. Close all windows and doors and switch offany ventilation systems. In the case of there being a firethen Get out and Stay out.

STAY IN: Stay there until the emergency services or theradio station tells you to leave. If you’re well prepared, youshould be able to stay there for some time.

TUNE IN: Listen to your local radio station and televisionfor updates on what you should do. BBC Coventry andWarwickshire (103.7 FM) is part of the BBC’s Connecting ina Crisis initiative.

For more information on Emergency Planning, visit ourwebsite at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/emergency

You can also log onto the Emergency Planning Unit’swebsite at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/emergency

Emergency Response

A simple checklist will prepare you for an

emergency:-

• First Aid kit

• Mobile phone

• A list of useful phone numbers, such as your

doctors and relatives

• Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly

prescribed medication

• Spare clothes and blankets

• Bottled water and ready to eat tinned food

(and a bottle/tin opener)

• A battery radio and a torch, with spare

batteries

Who can forget the floods from summer 2007?The River Leam burst its banks leaving parts of thetown centre underwater and damaging homes andbusinesses. As well as floods, other scenarios couldinclude: major fires, terrorist threats, flu pandemics,foot and mouth disease. It’s therefore reassuring toknow that Warwick District Council work closely withother emergency response organisations and have anemergency plan in place should the worst happen.

Pump Room Gardens underwater

Page 13

Democracy Update -Local Democracy week 2008Warwick District Council recently hosted its own version of question time. Young people fromacross the district were invited to ask questions to the Councillors from the Council’s Executive in a live debate at the Town Hall. Videos from the debate can be viewed online atwww.warwickdc.gov.uk/ldw2008

BlogJudith Falp, as Chairman of Council, has a blog about the events she attends during her year in office as Chairman. Aspart of Local Democracy Week, she has produced an additional video blog.

Judith would welcome any comments about her blogor questions about her role and events she attends.

Her blog is available online atwww.warwickdc.gov.uk/blog and questions can besubmitted via email tochairman.blog@warwickdc.gov.uk.

ElectionsThe new Electoral Register for 2009 will bepublished on 1 December 2008. This will be used forthe Warwickshire County Council and EuropeanElections on 4 June 2009.

To vote you must be on the electoral register. Pleaseensure you have returned your electoral registerform or contact Elections Office by email atelections@warwickdc.gov.uk.

National Place SurveyYou may have recently received a new nationwide survey. The survey will ask views of residents about local public services.

Questionnaires have been sent out to a random sample of 4,000households across the District, with questions about quality of life,local public services, local decision-making, volunteering andcommunity safety.

If you have received the survey, please do take the time to fill it in.Your views will help us to make sure we are dealing with the issuesthat concern you and matter most. The answers will remainconfidential. We will feedback the main findings from the survey inFocus next year.

Contact: Debbie Cole, Improvement Officer 01926 456684e-mail: citizens.panel@warwickdc.gov.uk

Cllr Michael Doody (Leader), Cllr Judy Falp (Chairman), Peter Ormerod (News Editor, Leamington Courier) with participants in Local Democracy Week.

The Council was recentlyplaced 22nd in the national‘Times Best Councils towork for’ Awards. Over ninety other Councils entered.

It was the first time we have entered the competition. Awards were determined via a staff satisfaction survey, independent of the Council.

We are looking to learn from best practiceat other Councils and aim to enter theawards again in the future.

Change of addressCouncillor Cymone De-Lara-Bond has moved to 204 Cubbington Road, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 7AY. Her new telephone number is 01926 425660.

Page 14

New rules for Householderplanning

Smallgrantsscheme

Cllr Michael Doody (Leader), Cllr Judy Falp (Chairman), Peter Ormerod (News Editor, Leamington Courier) with participants in Local Democracy Week.

Could yourorganisationbenefit?The Council runs a small grantsscheme to help support localcommunity organisations. Funding isavailable for one-off projects to amaximum of £2000 or 50% of theproject costs. We can not fund on-going costs. In addition to this,Warwickshire County Councillors,representing areas in Warwick District,have each been allocated £2,000 touse to support local groups in theirareas. The Members' Fund givesCouncillors the chance to offer cashsupport for small scale projects andactivities in their areas.

If you are thinking of running a projectthat will benefit the local community,such as a special holiday play scheme,multi-cultural celebration, membershipdrive, or ‘open-day’ which needs somecash to help make it a success thenthis could be for you.

Warwick District Council applicationsare considered three times a year, justafter the closing dates of 31st January,30th June and 30th September.

Details of the schemes, qualifyingcriteria and an application form can befound on the websitewww.warwickdc.gov.uk/smallgrant

Following a public consultationexercise last year, theGovernment recently introducedsignificant changes to theplanning system as it relates tohouseholders.

Whilst the changes will generally make it easier for householders to improvetheir home, there are a significantnumber of new controls over things like hard surfacing of driveways,provision of balconies or verandasand side facing windows.

In addition, in many of the District’sConservation Areas, items such aschimneys, flues, soil and vent pipes on the front wall or roof slope thatfronts onto a main road will now needpermission.

Paving front gardensAs part of national efforts to reduce flood risk, there are new rules in force ifyou wish to cover provide a hard surface to create a driveway or parkingspace. These new rules apply when hard surfaced areas are being replaced.

You will not need planning permission if a new driveway uses a permeableor porous surfacing which allows water to drain through, such as gravel,permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater isdirected to a lawn or border to drain naturally.

However, if the surface to be covered is more than five square metres,planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeabledriveways, such as tarmac, that do not control rainwater running off ontoroads.

Easier extensionsAnother part of the new regulations has eased the requirements forextending or adding to your home. Provided your plans come within certainlimits you won’t need planning permission.

Its always best to depends upon factors such as its size, position on thehouse and how near it is to any neighbouring properties or site boundaries.Contact Planning Service to see if the work you are considering needspermission.

Further details online at: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/planning or email: developmentenquiries@warwickdc.gov.uk

Page 15

Your entertainment news and listings for Warwick District

Royal Spa Centre, Box Office: 01926 334418www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre

The Royal Pump Rooms, T: 01926 742700www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms

Stephen K AmosSun 25th January

King Pleasure &the Biscuit BoysSun 1st February

Bombay BajaFri 6th February

Ken DoddTue 10th & Wed 11thFebruary

Barbara DicksonThu 12th February

Ray Gelato & the GiantsFri 13th February

Royal Spa CentreEvents for Winter 08

Paul CarrackFri 30th January

Jane McDonaldSat 7th February

Just call the Box Office for tickets on01926 334418 or book online at www.royal-spa-centre.co.uk

Visit the website andclick on theCompetitions page – you’ll have the chanceto win a family ticket tothe Pantomime…..oh yes you will!!

Royal Spa CentreLeamington Spa

If your name is not on the electoral register youwill not be able to vote next year at the EuropeanParliamentary & Warwickshire County Council elections.

Electoral Services 01926 456111elections@warwickdc.gov.uk

Contact the Elections Office to check if you are on the Register.

Asda Leamington SpaOur new look storeis now open

Asda Stores Ltd, Chesterton Drive, Sydenham, Leamington SpaTel 01926 311656 www.asda.co.uk

Why not drop in and have a look!

Monday - Friday 7am - 11pmSaturday 7am - 9pmSunday 10am - 4pm

New pharmacy and new opening hours;

Bring a Friendfor FREE!(This voucher admits one childfree of charge when accompaniedby a full paying child)Valid 5/12/08 to 5/04/09Code: WFOCUS10% off allparties bookednow for 2009Terms and conditions apply