The town council has thrown "strong support" behind plans to create a new shared cycle path through Abbey Fields.

Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) made a detailed response to the recent Warwick District Council consultation which asked for feedback from locals on the plans to create a new track through the town centre park.

Town councillors had identified Abbey Fields as a priority for cycling access in 2019 in its cycling strategy.

And a report presented at last week's meeting showed KTC's response to the consultation.

The consultation was split into sections, with councillors supporting the first part of the route from Borrowell to Finham Brook.

"Members are keen that along this part of the path the construction is as unobtrusive as possible, for instance through the use of a green tarmac surface or exploring more  environmentally friendly solutions like greencrete," a council report said.

Around the swimming pool KTC said it was important the path remained continuous, although recognising the "complex" part of the scheme.

"To manage this the group supports the inclusion of new signage. We would also advocate measures like rumble strips are included," the response continued. 

"These disincentives speed and are self-enforcing. 

"We are open to other measures as long as they are similarly self enforcing and don't create a hazard for people on bikes."

From the pool to bridge street the council said a barrier should be kept at the road end and cycling logos should be painted on the ground.

"Studies have consistently shown that creating new cycling infrastructure results in more people cycling," the report continued. 

"This will help wider traffic challenges in Kenilworth, particularly with the increased population from the new housing developments. 

"We hope that the new route will encourage cycling amongst young people travelling to and from Kenilworth School. 

"This has the potential to be transformative on people's travel choices in later life."

The consultation closed on June 12.

Speaking at last week's full council meeting, Cllr Andrew Milton added: "This has been a point of contention over the years, but it is something we agreed as part of the town council cycling strategy, which we created with residents back in 2019.

"It was one of our priority routes.

"It is actually good to see.

"These things do take a long time, but its good to see some more of them getting ticked off."