UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR

September has arrived the kids are back to school and more people are going back to work in the workplace which means we all need to continue to be vigilant at all times.  The number of new cases this week are still showing a single digit increase across the district and its essential not to exceed these levels as we witness spikes arising in cities across the UK. 
 
COVID-19 Update  
The cumulative cases across the county as of today are now 2771 up from 2734 with confirmed cases in Stratford on Avon District increasing by 7 to 558 since last week with evidence that the increase in cases is continuing to come from the community (Pillar 2) rather than Pillar 1 (hospitals and NHS settings).   
 
Out of the 423 SWFT Hospital Beds there remains one inpatient confirmed case of COVID-19 at present and NO patients are in the intensive care unit.  The cumulative deaths across Stratford District remains at 168 with the deaths in care home remaining at 82 from a cumulative of 1059 ‘all cause deaths’ in the district. The cumulative total of all COVID-19 deaths in Warwickshire is up by three to 598 and over the same period there have been 3580 non COVID-19 related deaths in Warwickshire.  Across the county there has been a total of 212 COVID-19 deaths in care homes settings (an increase of one in the last week) compared to 1213 ‘all cause deaths’ in care homes over the same period.    
 
The capacity in hospitals remains excellent with one bed occupied by a COVID-19 patient. There are 44% of beds occupied by Non-COVID-19 patients, 18% beds occupied with suspected COVID-19 patients and a spare capacity of 37% beds. 
 
Wellesbourne Library 
Delighted to report that Wellesbourne Library reopened today albeit with reduced temporary hours - Mondays 10am-12.30, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-12.30 and 1.30-4 and Saturdays 10 am - 12.30 pm. 
 
A Click & Collect service is in operation where customers order books online and arrange an appointment to collect them. A "personal shopper" service is also available where customers can tell them what they like and the personal shopper will select for them. There will also be two public computers and print facilities will be available. At this stage the number of customers in the building will be limited and social distancing around the computer area is essential.  
 
New Retail and Hospitality Grants 
Small businesses in Warwickshire hit by the Coronavirus pandemic can apply for new grants from the County Council to boost their recovery.  
 
Warwickshire County Council’s £250,000 grant fund is dedicated to supporting the retail and hospitality sectors in Warwickshire. Small and micro businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors that have been trading for a minimum of 1 year, can apply for grants between £2,000 and £7,500 to put towards the costs of capital investments.  The deadline for applications is 9am on Friday 11th September.  
 
Grant applications could be for refurbishing or refitting property to increase footfall, or improve visitor experience; creating an online sales presence; investing in dedicated IT and computer software; or the purchase of minor equipment.  
 
To ensure your business is eligible, before submitting an application, make sure you read the guidelines: Covid-19 Retail and Hospitality Recovery and Investment Fund   
 
The funding is part of an initial £5 million support package from Warwickshire County Council to boost immediate economic recovery in the county.  
 
While the closing date for this round of applications for the Retail and Hospitality Fund is 9am Friday 11th September, there will be another opportunity to apply later in the year.  
 
Small businesses in the retail and hospitality sector in Warwickshire should visit WCC’s website for more information on how to apply: Covid-19 Retail and Hospitality Recovery and Investment Fund  
 
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 
 Anne 
 Anne Parry
Warwickshire County Councillor for Wellesbourne Division
Ward Member for Wellesbourne East