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

As well as the usual planning and business news, we have also reported on a number of heartwarming community stories, including Sophie Umhofer's journey from beating cancer to living out her motor racing dream.

And West Midlands Railway has also given a new date for the return of trains to Kenilworth Railway Station.

Pubs and hospitality

The Old Bakery brought some much wider publicity to the town after it featured in Amazon Prime's 'The Grand Tour'.

Kenilworth's Michelin star pub The Cross has picked up another accolade as it was featured as one of the top 50 UK gastropubs last week.

The owners of the Virgins and Castle have been very busy at the start of 2022, having taken over at The Racehorse in Warwick.

Caviar and Chips has also scooped its third consecutive wedding catering award.

Meanwhile on the other side of town the Cottage Inn still looks for a new owner.

Coffee on the Corner has unveiled its new 'pink alley' outdoor seating area.

And the Woodside Hotel was sold for nearly £5m - we await to see what developers Archel Homes have planned for the Glasshouse Lane building.

Planning

Final approval was given for 2,500 new houses in Stoneleigh by Warwick District Council.

Kenilworth Town Council has revealed plans to build a parklet on Station Road and to start a wild meadow at the top of Warwick Road.

Less progress has been made on the K2L cycleway however, with a planning application yet to be submitted by Warwickshire County Council a year after plans were approved.

More houses could also be on the way as 13 new sites were identified for development in the first part of the new local plan.

And an abattoir in Kenilworth is hoping to start a major expansion just to stay in business.

Community news

After 12 years Kenilworth has finally twinned with Sicilian town Rocalumera, with the agreement signed on Zoom by the towns' mayors.

As mentioned, Sophie Umhofer has made it into the final 50 female competitors to win a seat in this year's GT Cup.

First time marathon runner Tom Griffith has started his fundraising ahead of London 2022.

Thirty new trees have been planted across Kenilworth by councillors and volunteers.

And a former firefighter has been nominated to carry the baton for the Commonwealth Games this summer.

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

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More Kenilworth news stories:

- Kenilworth planning roundup: Barns to become houses, solar farm discussions and affordable housing

- University's 42nd real ale festival aims to support local