The Kenilworth Lido Campaign Group has reacted to the decision by the Executive of Warwick District Council to approve an amended recommendation in respect of the two leisure facilities in Kenilworth.

The decision at last week's (February 11) meeting means that the Abbey Fields Leisure Centre and Castle Farm Recreation Centre will not automatically remain shut at the end of the current Covid-19 lockdown prior to their expected demolition in September.

Now the decision whether to reopen the two facilities, and in what guise, will fall to the Deputy Chief Executive, full time officers and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Neighbourhood as and when the UK Government sanctions the general reopening of sports facilities.

The decision will now take into account a number of factors, but in particular, the importance of continuing to make a sport and fitness offer to residents of Kenilworth and surrounding villages, even if this is only on a temporary basis.

Whilst the Campaign Group was disappointed that a proposal by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to involve Kenilworth Councillors in the decision making process was not agreed by the Executive, it recognises that the situation is much improved as there is now a possibility that the facilities in Abbey Fields could be open to the public for at least part of 2021.

Speaking on behalf of the Group, Campaign Chair Ruth Colgan said "As Kenilworth celebrates 125 years of outdoor swimming in Abbey Fields this year, it would be most fitting if events that are being planned could take place in the environs of the current outdoor pool.

"This is particularly important at the present time, when the Government will be encouraging people to recommence a healthy lifestyle after the various periods of lockdown."

Planning applications for both the Abbey Fields Leisure Centre and Castle Farm Recreation Centre have now been submitted and made available to the public.

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