The town council plans to increase support for local businesses in a bid to prevent more closures across Kenilworth.

Councillors unanimously backed a motion by Cllr Andrew Milton at the last Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) meeting, calling for members to set up a new group to support independent firms.

A task and finish group will now be launched to run the project, which could see local residents join a 'business and visitor economy forum'.

"This is inspired by a number of things," Cllr Milton said at the KTC meeting. 

"One of them is we have heard fairly consistent concerns from residents about the state of the town centre. 

"Not its physical appearance but the state of the number of empty shops - although we are not alone in Kenilworth with that particular challenge."

The Liberal Democrat councillor pointed to the success of a number of initiatives in Leamington to support the local economy.

He also said it was important to consult with locals to "understand whether it is the right thing to do, and then how we would shape that". 

"We can also go beyond the town centre to other areas across the town," Cllr Milton added.

A proposal and plan of action for the project will now be brought to the October KTC meeting.

A recent report published by Nub News showed the number of insolvencies across Warwickshire has nearly doubled since the pandemic - as many local businesses continue to struggle.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Peter Jones said: "We Greens support this motion, and think it continues the work of the town centre working group. 

"We think this aligns with the mayor's acceptance speech where she spoke about the importance of the town centre and wanting to prevent any further decline."