The town's mayor has said Kenilworth has returned to a degree of normality over the past 12 months but added that 'sadly' HS2 was not one of the projects and events that have still been cancelled in the last year.

Speaking at Thursday's Kenilworth Town Assembly Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Peter Jones gave his assessment of the civic year and lamented that a number of key community events had still been missed.

"After a year of Covid lockdown it has largely been a welcome return to normal for the mayor and the town council in the last year," he said.

"There were still some cancellations, such as the fireworks at the castle and the Christmas lights switch on – but sadly HS2 was not one of them.

"There have also been disappointing delays in some projects including the K2L cycleway, the new Abbey Fields Pool and Castle Farm Sports Centre.

"However, the new school is on schedule to welcome children in at the start of the new school year in 2023."

And whilst the outgoing mayor did include a jibe at the expense of HS2, he also said that the town council had used the BLEF project well to offset the impact of the High Speed Rail development.

"The Business and Local Economy Fund to support the places badly disrupted by HS2 has enabled us to set up tourist trails and increase funding for contingencies," he added.

As well as praising the council's climate action group, cycling committee and the cross-party working of the council in general, Cllr Jones also said that KTC's planning committee deserved praise.

"Our planning committee have been increasingly busy this year considering new planning applications," he said.

"They have actively and persistently questioned the land to the East of Kenilworth developments including their road layouts, provision for active travel and the energy efficiency within their plans."

Adding that the closure of Station Road had "made the town centre safer and less polluted".

Cllr Jones' Top Ten KTC Highlights from last year:

1. BLEF project
2. Climate emergency action
3. Biodiversity and Naturewatch Week
4. Wayfinding project
5. Tourism support
6. New website
7. CIL consultation
8. Welcome Back Fund usage
9. Raising Ukrainian flag outside KTC and the twinning with Roccalumera
10. Grants awarded to local groups