As we now enter the fourth month of 2021 it seems hard to believe that we find ourselves in a similar position to this time in 2020 when the nation was getting used to going into lockdown. Despite the situation that we currently find ourselves in, change is very much in the air for Kenilworth and that has dominated the last month's news.

We have written about the proposed developments at Castle Farm and Abbey Fields almost daily it seems as the public consultation period came to an end mid-March. Alongside 90 objections from residents, Historic England also raised an objection to the new leisure facilities at Abbey Fields.

Kenilworth Town Council's planning committee also discussed the plans, raising concerns over parking facilities for Castle Farm, as well as the impact on the play area and the aesthetics of Abbey Fields.

Plans to develop our roads have also come thick and fast this month, with Warwickshire County Council presenting its plans for new speed calming measures on Warwick Road.

Warwick District Council voted unanimously to call for a re-evaluation of the need for the strategic link road from the Stoneleigh Junction of the A46 to the University of Warwick. That junction is already undergoing significant redevelopment, as the multi-million pound building works, which will see a new bridge and roundabout installed, continue.

The impact of HS2 continues to be seen as the project has announced a change to the route that should still see Canley Brook diverted to make way for the new rail link.

Kenilworth has also seen Covid-19 continue to impact local businesses as the Woodside Hotel has entered administration, leaving couples unsure at to what will happen with their weddings. The railway station also remains closed, with warnings that a full service may not reopen until late 2021, despite West Midlands Railway stating that the reopening is 'inordinately high on the agenda'.

A year on from the start of the first national lockdown, we have also looked back on the community's response to the pandemic and willingness to support the vulnerable through the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth group.

Amidst the change, and the hardship however, we continued to see moments of joy and positivity throughout March. The return of sport this last week was greatly received across the community as we emerge from the third national lockdown.

The Virgins and Castle pub celebrated a year under new leadership, the fantastic roll out of the vaccination program continues, and Kenilworth School managed to raise a phenomenal amount of money for NHS Charities Together.

Particular poignant this month was our story of a set of 12 photographs from a Kenilworth wedding in 1973, which turned up in a second hand dresser in Leeds. The original owners are still being sought.

From a personal perspective, Kenilworth Nub News has continued to grow this last month. In March we published nearly 150 articles about Kenilworth, with 33,000 page views on our website. Most importantly though, we were delighted to announce our first sponsorship deal with Julie Philpot Residential.

The support of Julie as well as the local community has been vital in our growth and ensuring that we continue to provide hyper-local news for the people of Kenilworth. We cannot thank you enough.

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