Liberal Democrats in Kenilworth have launched the first of their 25 priorities for 2025. 

Based on feedback from doorstep conversations with local residents these are the top 25 issues that the Liberal Democrats say they will be focussing on locally to help "make Kenilworth an even better community and environment in which to live, learn, do business and visit". 

Starting on Monday 30 December five key priorities will be set out each day for five days. 

The first five priorities relate to the draft new local plan, local policing of hunting, car parking at Castle Farm, closure of the A46 and help for residents struggling with the loss of their winter fuel payment. 

"Residents tell us they know there's a huge amount to do in Kenilworth," says Cllr Kate Dickson who leads the Kenilworth Liberal Democrats at Kenilworth Town Council.

"We want them to be reassured that in 2025 we're doing all we can to stand up for their interests and to help fix the mess." 

1. South Warwickshire Local Plan

The consultation on the draft new South Warwickshire Local Plan, starting in January, will propose the district council's preferred sites for development in the area.

"We'll be encouraging residents to take part in local events and online as part of the consultation," the Lib Dems said.

"Our priority is to see any new residential developments that are built being affordable and sustainable, and accompanied – not followed – by appropriate infrastructure such as schools, medical centres, shops, green spaces and community facilities." 

2. Hunting

The independent review of the policing of hunting in Warwickshire is due to be published in January.

This should clarify what went on in 2023 and set out recommendations to ensure hunting fully complies with the law.

Lib Dems have been pushing for publication because "policing by consent in Kenilworth depends on transparency if there's to be trust". 

3. Car Parking

Solutions need to be found to the regular Saturday morning carparking problems in the Castle Farm and Fishponds Road area, the group has said.

Before the development was built Lib Dems, residents and other councillors expressed concerns about the adequacy of the parking facilities but were told by the county council they were adequate.

"We've offered to host a roundtable meeting with representatives from county highways department, the district council, Everyone Active, local football clubs and other stakeholders to agree a timetable for delivery of safer car parking in the area," the statement said. 

4. A46 Closures

The two-way closures of the A46 will be in February and April and are planned by HS2 and Balfour Beatty Vinci with the county council.

"We're pushing for more detail of the mitigation plans to ensure these closures go smoothly without causing traffic problems in Kenilworth," they added.

5. Citizens Advice

The town council will continue its support for work done by Citizens Advice to help people struggling with the government unexpectedly withdrawing winter fuel payments and not removing the two child benefit cap.

6. Abbey Fields

The latest consultation on the Abbey Fields cycleway starts in February

7. Elections

Warwickshire County Council's elections should be in May, meaning locals will decide who is in charge going forward.

8. Structure

"Our priority is that any new local authority structure delivers better facilities and services for local residents."

9. VE Day 80th Anniversary

In May 2025 Kenilworth Town Council will organise events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe in World War Two.

10. Swimming Pools

Work will continue on the delayed new swimming pools in Abbey Fields which are due to open in summer 2026.

"We'll be monitoring this work closely through the district council's Abbey Fields Expenditure Review Group which we demanded be set up so that the work stays on schedule and within its current budget."

11. School Sites

The district council will produce detailed plans for houses on the old school sites on Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane.

12. Kenilworth Gate

Ongoing works between Warwickshire County Council and Persimmon Homes to improve the connection to Kenilworth Gate and St John's Gyratory.

13. Glendale Avenue Park

Ongoing works to improve the equipment at Glendale Avenue Park.

14. A46 Stoneleigh Junction

The A46 'bridge to nowhere should be completed by the county council.

As important - the council needs to reveal who will pay for the huge delays.

15. Elizabeth I

Kenilworth Town Council will mark the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth I's visit to Kenilworth in 2025.

16. Castle Farm

Work should commence in 2025 to improve the play equipment at Castle Farm area for which Lib Dems have been pushing.

17. Road Safety at Kenilworth School

If Warwickshire County Council agrees, more road safety measures will be introduced in 2025 near the new Kenilworth School, which opened in September 2023, to make entry to and exit from the school safer.

18. Rail Services

The recent small improvements in reliability of the train service at Kenilworth station should continue enabling local residents and visitors to trust the service as an environmentally-friendly way of getting to and from Kenilworth.

19. Community Groups

Kenilworth Town Council will continue to support local community groups and events that enhance community life for local residents and visitors to Kenilworth.

20. Health Care

"Because more properties are being built in Kenilworth, we'll work with local Councils and public and community health bodies to help ensure plans come forward to improve the health and care facilities in Kenilworth."

21. Talisman Square

When work starts in 2025 to build 43 apartments on the existing carpark in Talisman Square, plus the associated carparking for 35 vehicles, Lib Dems say they will work with the site management to ensure that disruption for the existing businesses, residents and visitors is minimised.

22. K2L

The next phase of the delayed Kenilworth-to-Leamington (K2L) cycle route will be completed making it easier and safer for residents to get between the two towns.

"We've been pushing the county council to deliver this project for more than 20 years," the group said.

23. Skate Park

Plans will come forward for the redevelopment of Kenilworth skate park at Castle Farm and councillors promise to work with users of the facility and local residents to ensure it meets local needs.

24. St John's School

If the county council grants itself planning permission, work will finally start on construction of the new £6 million Social Emotional and Mental Health facility at St John's Primary School.

"This was due to have opened in 2024, but has been delayed because of the council's inadequate road safety plans," the Lib Dems said.

"We'll continue to keep residents informed of progress."

25. Communication

"We'll continue to keep residents informed through our regular newsletters, doorstep conversations and online activity about what we're doing, working with others at local councils and other public sector bodies, to help make Kenilworth an even better place in which to live, learn, work and visit," the group's final priority said.