Officials from Warwickshire County Council have today (April 8) dismantled Kenilworth's 'pocket park' on High Street, due to a lack of a pavement licence and due to 'concerns around safety'.

Also known as 'parklets', a number of these small sitting spaces have been erected across the town over the past few months; including outside Leaders Estate Agents, near Waitrose, and the one on High Street.

The High Street pocket park had originally been installed last Autumn in one of the parking spaces opposite the Virgins and Castle pub, and has been well received by a large number of Kenilworth residents.

However, WCC spokesperson said to Nub News: "The parklet on High Street, Kenilworth was removed today, as it has not had a pavement licence granted, or applied for, and we cannot determine its owner.

"In addition to the lack of licence, we also have concerns around the safety of anyone using the parklet, given its positioning within a parking area, without any form of barrier between people and live traffic.

"As the parklet was placed on the highway, Warwickshire County Council as the Highway Authority arranged for its removal earlier this morning."

Local resident Adam Tranter, one of the volunteers who build and maintain the parklets seen around Kenilworth, said: "It's a real shame to see the High Street parklet go because it's been really popular with the community.

"Taking up just one parking space can make a lot of people happy; repurposing the space and putting it to better use. It's helped local businesses trade as people stopped off for coffee or to grab a bite to eat.

"Now it's gone, the community is missing out all for the sake of parking for one car."

He added: "This year we're going to be spending a lot more time outdoors and the parklets have become a nice little attraction for the town in these difficult times. I tried to get the councils interested in parklets before doing this, but it got lost in bureaucracy.

"Some councils have permit schemes that people can apply for and I'd urge our councils to find a way to empower local people to improve their communities without the red tape. We'd be happy to even pay the price of a car parking permit so it's fair.

"I'd like people to consider how we use our public space. The more car parking we provide the more people will drive for short journeys when they could walk or cycle instead. Of course you need some car parking but we also need space for people to enjoy too."

WCC's statement continued: "Over the last year, Warwickshire County Council has been working very closely with districts and boroughs on pavement licences, as set out in the Business and Planning Act 2020.

"To date, district and borough councils have issued numerous pavement licences across Warwickshire. In order to obtain a licence, business owners need to make an application to their relevant district and borough for consideration. Warwickshire County Council are a consultee for all the applications, and we strive to take a balanced and supportive approach to each licence application."

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