Long-term campaigners are "celebrating" that construction is "finally" underway on a 5km stretch of cycleway to connect Kenilworth and Leamington, following a council decision last week.

As reported by Nub News, Cllr Wallace Redford signed off on the plans for section 1a of the K2L project which will see the footpath along the A452 Kenilworth Road into a continuous off-road cycle route.

In places the Leamington footpath will be widened to become mixed cycling and pedestrian use and in other places it will be segregated.

The portfolio holder for transport and planning at Warwickshire County Council also signed off on upgrading the puffin crossing on the Lillington Avenue arm of the crossroads junction at A452 Kenilworth Road / Lillington Avenue to become a toucan crossing for cycle use.

The works form section 1a of the K2L project and are estimated to cost £725,000.

Work will begin on Monday, January 23 and is expected to be completed by mid-April.

Recently elected chair of Cycleways, Susan Rasmussen, said: "It is great to see that work is finally getting underway but we are still a long way off this being a complete route between the two towns.

"Nonetheless, the first phase will provide a great opportunity for those in the north of the town to travel sustainably into the town centre, creating healthier, greener and cleaner streets for all.

"As a voluntary organisation, Cycleways campaigns for high-quality cycle infrastructure that is suitable for all ages and abilities. We will continue to push for the route to be completed in full, as it is only then that the full benefits will be realised. We have a long-term vision for a Visionary Cycle Network that will offer the same opportunity to all our towns' residents."

With the budget approved in 2020, the 5km cycleway was given the green light fully by councillors in January 2021, but the council is yet to finish most of the design.

The project - which could take another four years to complete - will also see a new foot and cycle bridge built over the River Avon near Chesford Grange.

Vice Chair of Cycleways, Tony Lewenz, added: "Cycleways was set up in 1995 and ever since has pushed for K2L as its top priority.

"Not just our members, but the public as a whole, want to see this route completed - time and again improved cycle routes top consultations on how we should improve people's lives. People have been talking about this route since 1986 so it is exciting that we may finally see spades in the ground."

The scheme is funded by the County Council and the Government's Getting Building Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The works will be undertaken by the County Council's Highways Contractor – Balfour Beatty Living Places.