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INTOUCH DIGITAL December 2021

A message from the Leader of the Council

Welcome to this edition of Intouch Digital, and I hope that you will see from the news articles inside that there has been a flurry of activity from the new administration since May.

As I write, I am particularly pleased that we have had the great news that we have been successful in getting £14.9 million of Levelling Up Funding from the government to replace and enhance the ageing Bedworth Leisure Centre with a new Physical Activity Hub. This will provide future generations with new opportunities and provide a green corridor between the new Hub and the Town Centre.

At the election we promised that we would trial a new outdoor market in Bedworth, and so far the results have been very encouraging. Many shoppers and traders have said that it is making a world of a difference. If you haven’t already been, please go out and support our markets. Indeed, all our markets across the Borough would welcome your support.

We are fast moving into Christmas. We have held the Christmas light switch-ons on different days this year following your feedback that Sundays just aren’t family friendly. I hope that you enjoyed them and that this Christmas season is better than last year.

The situation is much better than last year. But we must remain vigilant and careful. Covid is still with us so please be careful and keep safe.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Cllr Kris Wilson

Merry Christmas!

This year we enjoyed a return to our Christmas light switch-on events in the Borough. Santa was once again doing the rounds and people of all ages were able to enjoy the stalls, rides and entertainment on offer.

It was great to see a fabulous turnout of people once again enjoying the festivities.

Thank you to everyone who came along, we hope you enjoyed yourselves…

Have a very Merry Christmas and stay safe!

(Image: Coventry Live)

Aspirational market trial to boost Bedworth town centre

The Council have begun a trial of Bedworth Market in All Saints Square every Friday.

The decision follows a consultation and was also a key manifesto commitment of the new administration.

All traders from Bedworth and Nuneaton’s markets were offered the opportunity to take part. There are a range of stalls on offer selling items from clothing and footwear through to vinyl records and confectionery.

The covered market is open as usual throughout this period

Huge £14.95 million grant for Bedworth leisure scheme

This October the Council celebrated a £14.95 million grant which is to be invested in replacing the existing leisure centre facility in Miner's Welfare Park, Bedworth. The money will also be used to make improvements to the park and links to the nearby town centre.

The funding was contained in the government’s announcement of successful phase one ‘Levelling Up Fund’ bids. The council applied for Levelling Up funds earlier this year as it continues to build on its published proposals, working with public and private sector partners, for a programme of Nuneaton town centre improvements.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has previously announced progressive ideas for brand new Physical Activity Hubs to replace leisure centres in both towns in the next few years.

Work progressing on new cycle facility at Miners’ Welfare Park

Work is progressing well on a new mountain biking hub at Bedworth's Miners' Welfare Park.

Estimated to be completed in the new year, the facility aims to provide family-friendly fun, an opportunity for healthy activity and will help riders develop their skills.

The track consists of 3 trails to suit all levels of experience as well as a skills area and pump trail. Walking routes have also been incorporated around the cycle hub.

British Cycling are contributing 50% of the funding for the facility through their ‘Places to Ride’ grants programme.

The facility forms part of a wider development plan for Miners Welfare Park where the Borough Council hopes to provide a range of opportunities for residents to increase their physical activity levels.

British Cycling commented on the new cycle hub:

“We are delighted to be working with Nuneaton and Bedworth Council and other stakeholders to bring forward this exciting development, which will provide a high-quality facility with opportunities for everyone and link into the Council’s wider plans for development of cycling at all levels.”

If you want to inspire more cycling in your local area check out the Place to Ride toolkit which will help you set something up.

A brand new Tennis and Netball Courts for the Miners' Welfare Park in Bedworth, due to be ready early 2022. Check out this short video all about it with Cllr Sue Markham.

Action on Air Quality in the Borough

On the back of the Borough Plan we are updating our 2011 air quality action plan (AQAP).

The proposed AQAP has been developed by the Council’s air quality consultants in conjunction with a steering group of experts from across the County.

The AQAP sets the actions to be taken to improve air quality in Nuneaton and Bedworth over the next few years. The plan aligns with the Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration seeking ways of making Council activities carbon neutral by 2030.

Our aim is to ensure that air quality is considered within all policy areas.

Planned improvements to the transport network via Transforming Nuneaton aims to deliver a fully integrated transport system as well as improved pedestrian, bus and cycle access.

The good news is that since the publication of the first AQAP, air quality has improved in Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Cabinet has now approved a public consultation on the Action Plan. Please keep your eyes peeled on our website for further details.

Cllr Julian Gutteridge, Portfolio holder for Health and Environment said:

“It is great that the consultation has been approved, we can now start the ball rolling with this revised action plan.

Climate change is a priority for the Council and we hope that the new plan will go some way to help tackling the issue and providing cleaner air and a better quality of life for all.”

You can see a copy of the agenda for the cabinet meeting below.

Detail of the consultation can be found below

Sanctuary - In March 2022, a unique public memorial will be built in Miners’ Welfare Park in Bedworth

Artwork honouring those lost to Covid to be built by local community in ‘the town that never forgets’

7 – 13 March 2022

“Let my soul be as a temple of remembrance where the treasures of knowledge enter and the inner sanctuary is hope.” - George Eliot

In March 2022, a unique public memorial will be built in Nuneaton & Bedworth, birthplace of George Eliot and home to the country’s largest Armistice Day Parade. Sanctuary will stand as an unforgettable temporary structure and space of healing, built by the local community to commemorate the nation’s loss during Covid. Artichoke, the UK’s leading producers of extraordinary live events, will bring their unique approach to public art to the region, inviting people to come together in the spirit of remembrance and hope.

Delivered in association with Coventry-based company Imagineer, the producers are calling for local people who want to get involved, meet new people and learn new skills, both for the build and for the event itself. Sanctuary will bring people together from across the area and provide opportunities for employment and training, working through community groups and local partners.

Through Artichoke’s continuing partnership with American artist David Best, local people will work with Best and his crew to build an intricately carved wooden structure in the Miners’ Welfare Park in Bedworth, ”the town that never forgets”. Best is known for his soaring temples, built at Burning Man and elsewhere, quiet places for contemplation and reconciliation.

Sanctuary will stand open to all for five days from 7-11 March 2022, offering a space to remember those we have lost and everyone impacted by Covid. A spectacular finale event on Sunday 13 March will cement Sanctuary as a beacon of hope to mark the rebirth, recovery and regeneration of the whole community.

Jane Hytch, CEO of Imagineer says:

“This is a hugely exciting project for Nuneaton & Bedworth and the whole West Midlands community. We are looking for all manner of volunteers, from complete beginners to those who have experience in construction and woodworking to support with building the structure. We are also running a competition for local schools, youth and community groups, to design their own panels which will be included in the final Sanctuary design.

“And then, once the structure is built, we are looking for local people to become its guardians to care for the space and for its visitors, giving information about the project and supporting them to interact and connect with Sanctuary.”

Helen Marriage, CEO and Artistic Director of Artichoke, says:

“There has been much debate about appropriate memorials to those who have been lost to COVID and less so about recognising all who got us through it. We wanted to make something that was both a place to contemplate and remember, and somewhere joyful where people were able to come together again. David’s vision and his long history of designing beautiful spaces that hold people and bring comfort and some kind of resolution seem absolutely right for this moment.”

Artist David Best, says:

“This past year and a half has not been easy for anyone. We have faced terrible tragedy and great loss. I believe in the power of collaboration and community, that by recognising pain and sadness, and laying down our burdens, we can face the future from a place of hope and renewal. That’s what I hope Sanctuary will bring to the people of Nuneatron & Bedworth, the West Midlands and everyone who makes the journey here.”

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council leader Cllr Kristofer Wilson says:

"Sanctuary is a truly remarkable set of ideas that will bring excitement and spectacle to this park, this town and this Borough.

"We are delighted to welcome creative and innovative events to our area, and urge people to get involved in what is certain to be a unique and memorable experience.

“This event is an opportunity to showcase Bedworth on both the national and international stage and I am really excited to use this opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world to our town. Bedworth knows how to make people welcome and I'm sure we will continue to do so."

Sanctuary is produced by Artichoke in association with Imagineer, is supported by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council, and the DCMS Culture Recovery Fund.

Sanctuary is seeking local businesses who want to play their part by supporting this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Sanctuary Business Club starts from £500 + VAT and offers a range of benefits in return. Whether your company is looking to engage employees, boost your profile, or are simply a champion for everything Nuneaton & Bedworth has to offer, there is a package for you. Please get in touch with Ma-ayan Plane, Deputy Development

Director at Artichoke to find out more:

Email: Ma-ayan.Plane@artichoke.uk.com

Have your say!

Council calls for feedback on key strategy

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has launched a month-long consultation on its corporate plan: ‘Building a Better Borough’.

The key document sets out broad themes which will guide the council in delivering its services and developing further areas of work in the months and years to come.

Set out under the broad headings ‘Live’, ‘Work’ and ‘Visit’, the themes attempt to describe important things the council will do working with its partners to improve the Borough.

Local organisations and residents are now being invited to give feedback on the plan before the end of January.

Explained Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council leader Cllr Kristofer Wilson: “This plan will be vital in setting out the key priorities of the Council under the new administration. The key themes in the document help account for how we intend to improve the Borough with all the work we are doing, as well as enabling us to focus on who will benefit as we deliver each step along the way. Each strand will have an action plan underpinning the priority and how we get there.

“We believe ‘Building a Better Borough’ shows our ambition to help unlock the potential of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough and will guide our actions as a Council. We invite local people to get behind this strategy and to give us their views about whether or not we have identified the correct priorities.

“We also want them to tell us how they think the Borough should look in the future if it is to be a great place to live, work and visit.”

People are invited to take a few minutes to review the document online and complete the survey below.

Council responds to Peer Review challenge

A panel from the Local Government Association visited our council earlier this year.

Their report has been published and highlighted a number of things the council does well, as well as identifying areas for improvement.

Explained council leader Cllr Kristofer Wilson:

“We have learned a lot from working with the review team, and value the time and input that everyone has given to this process.

“Now we look forward to getting to work on the recommendations they have brought us. I want people to be clear that we will continue our mission to unlock our Borough’s potential.”

Useful Contacts

Warwickshire Directory

Find information about local organisations, groups and agencies that provide activities, advice, services and support you:

A full list of useful contact details can be found below: