Here are all the headlines and news stories from January in Kenilworth.

The month began with an announcement by West Midlands Railway that Kenilworth Station would not receive any passenger service 'until further notice.' Kenilworth Town Council wrote to WMR asking for more information. A reply was received indicating the operator's commitment to reopening service on the line.

Perhaps the biggest news for Kenilworth and the surrounding areas this month was the approval of the K2L Cycleway by Warwickshire County Council. The scheme was voted through unanimously by councillors and should see the cycleway completed in 2023.

Further housing development in the area is also on the cards. A planning application has been submitted to Warwick District Council for the 'land east of Kenilworth' to build up to 550 houses. Here is a breakdown of the contents of the application.

The largest vaccination programme in history has continued in Warwickshire as a new vaccination centre has opened at NAEC Stoneleigh this month. Figures also indicate that nearly 90% of over 80's in Kenilworth have now received their vaccinations.

Kenilworth's Abbey End car park is set to receive some new electric parking bays.

Community News

To combat the third national lockdown, and the January blues, the owner of Forrest Coffee House Molly Shanahan started a new initiative in the town this January 'The Kenilworth Kindness Campaign.' The campaign aims to spread small amounts of joy and kindness in Kenilworth this month with the key message being that a small act of kindness goes a long way.

A Warwickshire IT company has been recycling old, used laptops to donate to local school children. As home schooling has returned once again 'The Speedy Bear' company have been looking out for those pupils who do not have access to the internet or IT at home.

A Kenilworth estate agents has been offering free printing services for children home schooling during the third national lockdown.

A local artist has been painting her garden every day during lockdown. She now has nearly 200 paintings across the three national lockdowns.

A Kenilworth poet has been featured in a book sharing people's experiences of lockdown in Warwickshire.

Features

Want to know what is going on behind those temporary vinyl coverings on Station Road? Look no further. Up Close With: Undo Yoga Studio is now available. 

Up Close With: Paula Gallon Dietitian. Found out about her journey going freelance and how she helps clients make their own changes that fit around their lifestyles.

We have also published a few history of Kenilworth articles this January in our 'Rewind' series. Find out here about this history of Kenilworth Railway Station, Kenilworth Sporting FC, and the 1266 siege of Kenilworth Castle.

Sport

Despite the third national lockdown meaning that all sport is essentially prohibited, there have been a few sports headlines this January.

Signups for the Kenilworth Half Marathon are now open! The race will take place in September and will follow the course that was supposed to be used for the cancelled 2020 edition.

The Two Castles Run has been postponed with organisers looking into hosting the event in the autumn instead.[.L]

Local businesses have come together to sponsor Kenilworth Wardens Junior teams. Kenilworth Wardens Junior Football Club will receive £6,000 over two seasons from two local companies.