Discussions over the layout for Kenilworth's Warwick Road Christmas light switch on continue with town councillors left "confused" at an apparent change of plans from their district colleagues.

Business owners last year complained the Warwick Road event saw them take less money than a normal day as they were blocked from view by stalls and fairground rides. This despite the thousands of extra people coming to the town centre.

Having said last year it would welcome feedback, Warwick District Council (WDC) has been working towards new plans for 2025.

Nub News reported in June that a new plan could see the stalls and rides alternate from one side of the road to the other year on year - thus only blocking half the businesses in theory.

Plans to move the stage along the road had also been discussed for the event.

But an update at the most recent Kenilworth Town Council meeting - following discussions with WDC - revealed last year's layout may be used again.

"We emphasised that events are very welcome in Kenilworth and we want to encourage them," the update said. 

"Regarding the lights switch on, we indicated we were confused that after being briefed about a proposed change to the layout, within weeks it was withdrawn and replaced with a revised proposal that seemed very similar to the existing scheme.

"We asked that rides should not block any trading outlet, and ride safety, particularly tall rides, should be carefully assessed. 

"We also asked the team to liaise directly with retailers to ensure that they were aware of ride/stall locations. 

"We also requested that an emergency contact telephone number be available on the day, although this is difficult to provide.

"It was agreed that the retail outlets would be mapped on the Warwick Road plan so that trading outlets could be clearly identified."

Local businesses told Nub News they had not been consulted in detail by the district council ahead of this year's event.

When asked whether WDC would be liaising with local businesses on the layout for 2025, the local authority told Nub News "discussions are still ongoing between councils to reach the best outcome for the town, businesses for the light switch on event".