Here is a round up of the biggest stories from the news in Kenilworth this December.

New businesses

Many of the empty units across the town have been filled this December.

A Kenilworth jewellers has taken over the former Christian cafe on Warwick Road, and has also celebrated its 25th anniversary.

A Papa John's branch has also opened in Abbey End.

And in Millar Court, Pre-loved Emporium has also celebrated a year since it first opened its doors.

The landlord of two Kenilworth businesses has also changed after a Warwick Road unit was purchased for over £450,000.

Planning

Planning has dominated the headlines in Kenilworth this month, with final approval given for 550 new houses by Warwick District Council. Housing developers have also purchased land at Warwickshire Police's headquarters to turn into houses.

Both Castle Farm Recreation Centre and Abbey Fields Leisure Centre have also closed ahead of demolition and redevelopment.

A town and county councillor has also suggested that installing a roundabout could be the solution to speeding problems on Warwick Road outside the new Pavilions housing estate.

Covid-19

Covid cases in Kenilworth have more than doubled during December, whilst hospitalisations rates have remained low.

This has come as over 70 per cent of Kenilworth people aged over 12 have received their boosters.

However Covid-19 has impacted over Christmas, with the Talisman Theatre's pantomime cancelled due to infections within the cast.

Politics

December has seen the historic decision of WDC and Stratford District Council approving plans to merge to form one South Warwickshire council.

Kenilworth councillors were split along party lines in the vote, and both councils have now formally written to government for permission to merge.

WDC has also announced that charges will be introduced to Abbey Fields' tennis courts.

Station

Commuters at Kenilworth Railway Station were initially delighted to hear that a full service would resume from the end of January 2022, only for WMR to cancel the service completely from December 27 due to staff shortages.

A WMR spokesperson had also said at Kenilworth Community Forum that there was "no magic dust" to fix the problems on the line.

Whilst MP for Kenilworth and Southam Jeremy Wright said the operator needs to do more to convince commuters that the line isn't at the bottom of the priority list.

All Kenilworth sports results and reports can be found in our dedicated sports section.

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