Plans to create a new 'health and wellbeing centre' in Kenilworth are underway, the councillor in charge of health in Warwickshire has revealed.

Cllr Ann Marie Sonko confirmed this week that a new working group has been launched to consider opening more healthcare facilities in the town centre.

The news comes as local residents and councillors raised concerns about the capacity at Abbey and Castle Medical Centres as hundreds of new houses are built in Kenilworth.

Speaking at a public meeting this week, the portfolio holder for adult social care and health revealed: "Warwickshire County Council is involved in discussions; noting Warwick District Council is leading work with the primary care network and Coventry and Warwickshire ICB [integrated care board] on proposals to potentially to develop a health and wellbeing centre in Kenilworth."

Cllr Sonko said there was no timeline in place for when a healthcare centre could open, and as yet no location has been confirmed.

"Warwick District Council was successful in obtaining OPE10 funding to conduct an options appraisal feasibility study for a health and wellbeing hub in Kenilworth town centre," she continued.

"This work includes assessing the current delivery sites for expansion opportunities and assessing wider health and community assets in the area for potential expansion opportunities and future use. 

"This planning work is being undertaken in line with the standard planning and design approach for healthcare buildings." 

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It was also revealed Coventry and Warwickshire ICB is making section 106 requests - money demanded from developers building local houses - to help fund the extra health facilities as the local population grows.

The news comes just weeks after Abbey Medical Centre was granted planning permission for an extension to provide extra treatment rooms.

Speaking at last night's (February 26) Kenilworth Town Council meeting, Cllr Richard Dickson - also a county and district councillor - welcomed the news.

He said: "There are discussions ongoing about the creation of a new Kenilworth health hub. 

"They have been going on for some time and this is a huge project.

"As I am sure everybody's inboxes and conversations they are having on the doorstops show they are getting a lot of feedback about more residents coming to live in the town, but can the two medical centres cope."

The town council is due to have a briefing on the project in the coming weeks.