A decision on the future of the former Kenilworth School sites is expected later this year, the portfolio holder responsible for the projects has confirmed.

Speaking at the most recent Warwick District Council meeting, Cllr Paul Wightman, portfolio holder for housing and assets, said a variety of options are currently being considered for the Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane sites.

Both are expected to be turned into housing, with public information meetings already held on the projects.

But with the school having moved to its new site on Glasshouse Lane a year ago, Cllr Kate Dickson has pressed for more information.

"The land of the old Kenilworth School building sites has now been empty for around a year," the Liberal Democrat councillor said at the full council meeting last week.

"The last users of the sites moved out in February.

"Since then concerns have been raised by local residents about the state of the sites."

She added: "I understand that a large amount of money needed to bring forward these sites for housing was subject to a government housing infrastructure fund vote, while others are secured by section 106 money. 

"Can I have some reassurances that the delays in bringing forward these sites for housing developments will not jeopardise the council's eligibility for these payments."

Cllr Dickson's comments also came following the release of a TikTok video which showed someone accessing the abandoned buildings last week.

"I understand the frustrations with the delays," Cllr Wightman said. 

"I wasn't aware of the particular security concerns and TikTokers on site, I can take that away and raise any concerns about the security - obviously the site should be secure."

He continued: "These are extremely important sites to us, they are extremely important sites to the community, they are at the heart of the community. 

"While I fully understand the frustration from residents and the need to get on with it, I do think it is appropriate we take time to give proper consideration to what the options are and to getting them right. 

"We are looking at options for the sites with a view to making a decision on these later in the year."

Cllr Wightman also said the council's current approach should not impact applications for funding.