The new 'pocket park' on Station Road has begun to take shape as a competition has been announced to design the benches that will be put in place.

Plans to repurpose the pedestrianised area outside Pomeroy's Bistro and Zizzi were revealed by Kenilworth Town Council last month.

Station Road is currently closed to traffic at the Warwick Road end as Warwickshire County Council investigates whether residents would prefer it to remain traffic free.

Town councillors are hoping to make the most of the space using the government's welcome back funding.

And to start the process a 'beautiful benches' competition to design seven new benches across the town has been announced by Kenilworth Books and Kenilworth Arts Festival.

"As an extension of the Talisman Project (which has brought about significant improvements, including planting, artwork and additional benches in Talisman Square) we are inviting local artists, schools and community groups to submit proposals to create their own 'Beautiful Bench' in Kenilworth," organisers said.

"The aim is to create functional pieces of art that become a destination and in the longer-term part of a culture trail around the town. 

"A bench is, after all, a place for socialising – meeting with friends, conversing with strangers, feeding the birds, walking our dogs, admiring the views or spending moments with others."

Residents have until Monday, February 21 to submit their A4 designs and an estimation of costs to [email protected]

As well for Station Road, designs will be used for the bench opposite Sainsbury's car park, at the station and local bus stops and in local shopping areas such as Oaks Precinct, Millar Court, Albion Street, Talisman Square and Abbey End.

Organisers are looking for "imagination and creativity" as well as "consideration for sustainability" and "increasing greenery".

Follow this link to find out more.