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Idea of no swimming pool in Kenilworth 'should not be entertained' says town council

Local News by James Smith 24th Oct 2023  
Warwick District Council's cabinet will discuss the future of the Abbey Fields leisure project in November (image via Warwick District Council)
Warwick District Council's cabinet will discuss the future of the Abbey Fields leisure project in November (image via Warwick District Council)
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Under no circumstances should Kenilworth be left without a new swimming pool.

That was the message from town councillors who last week unanimously backed a call to their district colleagues to find a solution for the town's new leisure centre.

The motion comes as Warwick District Council's (WDC) cabinet prepares to discuss the future of the project in Abbey Fields amidst mounting costs and delays.

At a public meeting in September, leader of WDC Cllr Ian Davison refused to rule out the possibility that Kenilworth could be left without a swimming pool - despite local MP Sir Jeremy Wright saying he would find that "unacceptable".

But speaking at last week's Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) meeting, multiple councillors said a solution must be found - and as soon as possible.

"The cancellation of the plans for new swimming facilities in Kenilworth should not be entertained - I think that is something that unites us all, whatever our views," said Cllr Zoe Leventhal.

While Cllr Neil Eaton added: "I have always been most concerned in this debate that we end up with no swimming pool at all. 

"I don't think that would ever happen by design, I don't think anyone would make that decision. 

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"But we may find ourselves in that position."

As well as renewing calls to find a quick solution, town councillors also unanimously backed a request to maximise the energy efficiency of the designs.

KTC also noted it recognised the "hard choices" ahead for the district council.

"It is our chance to determine what our position should be and what the message is we want to give to the district council," Cllr Andrew Milton said. 

"It is impossible for any of us to genuinely claim we kno w what the majority of people in Kenilworth want. 

"All we can really do is do our best to listen, understand the different points of view and as councillors come to an educated view on what we think is best."

Cllr Milton also read out letters he said received from members of the public.

"My children need an all weather pool without having to travel all the way to Warwick or Leamington," one said.

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Another added: "We have been without facilities for so long, getting home from work and then getting to Newbold in time for swimming is providing difficult."

WDC's cabinet is expected to discuss the future of the project at its November meeting - the papers for which are yet to be published.

An updated planning application for the design of the pool in Abbey Fields has now been submitted and is yet to be considered.

A report from the district council in September said an alternative site for the new leisure centre would not be ready until 2028 at the earliest.

     

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