Abbey Fields could provide an "invaluable" route for Kenilworth children to cycle safely to and from school.

That was the message from two teenage campaigners addressing Warwick District Council yesterday (December 14).

Isadora McAinsh, 14, and George Bell, 15, told councillors that urgent action was needed to provide safe routes to the new Kenilworth School before the Glasshouse Lane site welcomes pupils for the first time next September.

"Abbey Fields provides an invaluable connection for school children to cycle north and south of Kenilworth - a key link between a range of catchments," George said. 

"Presently many students who would like to address the climate emergency, that Warwick District Council have declared, have their hands tied by not being able to cycle safely through Abbey Fields, and rely on parents to drive them."

Isadora and George present their safe cycling petition to Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council

Isadora added: "To be frank Kenilworth is being left behind. 

"In many parks throughout the country, including St Nicholas Park in Warwick, councillors have recognised the importance of letting children cycle safely to school and there has not been an outcry because of accidents between pedestrians and those cycling. 

"In fact it has created a safer environment for the community as children can cycle away from the traffic and roads are less congested especially near the new school building."

Need for Action

Following the address, which was celebrated by a number of councillors, members approved an amended motion to work quickly with Warwickshire County Council to create a network of safe routes across the town, including Bridge Street, Dalehouse Lane, Warwick Road and Farmer Ward Road.

The motion had initially called for cycling to be permitted through Abbey Fields at certain times of the day.

However, this was removed and replaced with a commitment from officers to prioritise "students cycling to various schools through Abbey Fields", which councillors said gave greater flexibility.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Andrew Milton said: "This isn't just about September, this is about future generations as well, and establishing good habits."

He added: "To really make progress here we may be in the position where we cannot keep everyone happy. 

"I think we need to recognise that but this is the start and this is where we start to show some leadership as a council."

While work is already underway on designing possible cycle routes through Abbey Fields, Cllr Milton also pointed to the delayed works on the Clarke's Avenue footbridge as an example of how slowly some council projects have moved, and reiterated the need for immediate action.

Part of the amended motion unanimously backed by Warwick District Council

Full Support

Following the amendment the motion was unanimously supported by councillors.

Cllr Richard Hales said: "We have a duty of care to students whatever age they are, whatever school they are at, to ensure they have a safe way to travel to school - whether that be through Abbey Fields or other parks throughout the district. 

"I would say though, this is not just about Kenilworth School. 

"We also have primary schools where younger children will go through the park and will cycle through the park."

While Cllr James Kennedy, who seconded the motion added: "The important thing to remember is that Abbey Fields serves many functions. It is an area for recreation, for amenity. 

"It is an important historic monument and important for the history of the town. And it is also a very important area for wildlife.

"And finally it is a connecting corridor and as we aim to increase active travel across the district for cycling and walking, not only for children going to school but for other people, it's important that we develop a safe, separate cycling route that respects the natural environment and the heritage of the Abbey ruins."