The district council has given its "full support" to Kenilworth Lions after the organisation announced yesterday (November 15) that its annual Boxing Day duck race would be postponed.

Organisers said it would not be safe to host the event in Finham Brook as usual as Warwick District Council begins demolition work on Abbey Fields leisure centre.

WDC has also said it will work with Kenilworth Lions to rearrange the event if possible.

Portfolio holder for arts and economy Cllr Liam Bartlett commented: "We know this decision is hugely disappointing both for the Kenilworth Lions and the crowds of people from the town who gather to take part in this much-loved festive tradition.

"However, the safety of residents needs to be their number one priority.

"We therefore give our full backing to the event organisers in cancelling the Boxing Day race and will work with them to iron out the details required should they wish to reorganise the event in the near future."

The duck race was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and last year was pushed back to New Year's Day after the river was deemed unsafe.

Kenilworth Lions has not given a date for the next instalment.

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It will however bring its popular Carols at the Castle event back on December 17.