Liberal Democrats in Kenilworth have today (December 30) 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.