The Kenilworth to Leamington Cycleway (K2L) and other cycle links in the county are a 'low' priority for the new county council administration, its new leader has said.

Warwickshire County Council leader, Cllr George Finch of Reform UK, took to Shire Hall today (29 August) to discuss some of his party's key priorities for the district. 

Cllr Finch, alongside his deputy leader, Cllr Stephen Shaw, laid out several matters, including the need to reduce potholes and prioritise SEND. 

Another topic of discussion was the impact and projected timeline for the K2L cycleway proposed to connect Leamington Spa and Kenilworth.

The six-kilometre route has been hit with significant delays but could now be completed within the next two years.

Cllr Finch remarked that, as an administration, the council considers cycleways to be a low priority.

He stated: "We are looking at cycle lane review to see if it's actually worth it because, as [an] administration, we do believe that the addiction to cycle lanes doesn't solve the crisis that they seem to fathom up about the climate change crisis.

"But what we do see is that when it comes to congestion on roads, cycle lanes are not the most sensible option, which is why you've seen a change in the political sphere here."

He continued: "And that's why, as an administration, we're not going to be going out crazily putting out cycle lanes."

When questioned about the estimated completion date for the K2L cycleways, Cllr Finch indicated that full completion is anticipated around 2027 or 2028.

He clarified that the project was initiated by the previous administration to establish a safe cycling route along the A452 between Leamington and Kenilworth.

Speaking more generally on cycle lanes, Cllr Finch stated that a review "will need to be taken" and "as an administration, we don't think that it is actually the best priority for our people."