Trees in Abbey Fields will be cut back to enable the demolition of Kenilworth's swimming pool.

The trees along the main pathway to the leisure centre will have their lower branches cut off to allow construction equipment to pass through.

Warwick District Council said this was necessary to ensure none of the trees are damaged during the redevelopment.

The council is also planning to remove areas of vegetation around Finham Brook and behind the swimming pool as part of its demolition later this month.

Some of the clearance will be needed to complete an archaeological survey.

Following planning approval in September, Abbey Fields Leisure Centre closed to the public on December 18 bringing an end to 125 years of outdoor swimming in the town.

The redevelopment is set to begin this month and finish in 2023.

A WDC statement said: "In preparation for the building works that will be commencing in the upcoming months it is necessary to raise the tree crowns on the main pathway to prevent them being damaged when the demolition and construction contractors move equipment, materials etc. into the swimming pool area.

"There are also some other tree works to take place around the swimming pool area, where trees are present and also along the side of Finham Brook at the rear of the toddler play area and the tennis courts.

"Pending the findings of an ecology survey which is at present ongoing there will also be some work at the rear of the current swimming pool.

"This work will involve clearing sections of vegetation to allow some archaeological investigations. There will also be vegetation clearance to the wall of the swimming pool."

WDC also said it is "imperative" that the work is completed before the bird nesting season.

Work will be completed by WDC's approved contractors.

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(Header image by E. Gammie via geograph.org.uk.)