Poor response to my questions

“In 2000, Regenesis was awarded an SRB grant to be spent over six years on regenerating South Leamington. Together with Warwick district and county councils, many volunteer residents, young and old, and other partners began improving the area. Community groups were helped to set up and in turn they made a difference to the environment of the area, improving play areas, planting and tidying.

“Some physical regeneration work was carried out in Clemens Street and Althorpe Street and subsequently work was carried out to improve the Court Street arches and car park area. All this work was ongoing until 2006 and beyond. Regenesis’ legacy lives on through the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, the Althorpe Enterprise Hub and now with WCAVA based in Clemens Street giving advice and upport to the community and voluntary sector.

“Why oh why are you going to let a live sex entertainment club open here? It’s like a stab in the back to each and every one of us, making a mockery of the work we have done. Have you any idea how hard people worked? All those years of working with the community to make the area a better place and this happens. How does a lap dancing club enhance or benefit our area? Why does it have to be near residences and facilities that people use? If it has to be anywhere, why can’t it be located out of town where it won’t stigmatise an area of development? Would you like it in one of the wards you represent?”

As a result of this email, I had one reply, two did not reply and one confirmed that they had read my email.

Why is it that four people who do not live in South Leamington and do not seem to know the history of South Leamington can decide what we can and cannot do in our area? - Mo Finnesy, South Leamington resident and former board member of Regenesis.