Kenilworth residents will be given their say on plans to build a new cycleway through Abbey Fields, after a report was unanimously backed by councillors.

Warwick District Council's cabinet last night (March 8) approved plans to launch a six-week consultation on the town centre cycling scheme.

If it goes ahead, the cycleway will connect the northern and southern ends of National Cycle Network route 52 within Abbey Fields.

The council's report put forward five possible routes through the park, although one preferred option was put forward.

This would see the path enter Abbey Fields from the car park entrance on Bridge Street, go round the new leisure centre and up to Borrowell Lane. 

Despite calls from locals and Kenilworth Town Council, the path would be shared by cyclists and pedestrians.

While deputy leader of the council, Cllr Richard Hales, said the cycleway was "really important" he also said "no one will ever convince me" that having a route going close to the children's play area is a good idea.

"I do have real concerns, whether it be as a parent or a councillors, of the children in those areas," he added.

"There's children there as young as two or three, right the way through to 13 or 14."

Five possible routes were suggested by the report (image via Warwick District Council)

Following the consultation, the council will refine the design and bring forward a full plan for consideration, should locals be in favour of the scheme.

Other councillors also said it was important to gauge the views of locals.

"It is a marmite question in Kenilworth, it really is," said Cllr John Cooke. 

"There are a number of people who don't want anything to happen, that it is sacrilege for anything to happen in the Abbey Fields. 

"There's the others, who I am going to call the cycling lobby, who do think it is very important we have cycling links."

He added: "I am very pleased that this is now going forward."

While Cllr Alan Rhead, who was in favour of the project, said: "The reference to the marmite is quite due as well because unfortunately the Friends of Abbey Fields are going to be one of the people who are going to have a lot to say about this matter. 

"But they will be consulted like everyone else."

A statement released by WDC today said the consultation would not take place until the summer, due to the local elections in May.