What will be done to solve parking problems around Kenilworth's new swimming pools?

That was the question from a local resident who has raised concerns about traffic around Abbey Fields to Kenilworth Town Council.

In a letter read at last week's council meeting, the neighbour said parking is already a problem on the roads around the town centre park, and said this will only get worse when the new leisure centre opens in 2026.

"I would like to know what contingency plans the council will have in place to deal with the car parking when the new swimming pool opens next summer," the letter said. 

"Living on Rosemary Hill I regularly observe the state of car parking on Rosemary Hill, School Lane and Pears Close. 

"There are seldom many places available on most days and at most times. 

"This is before the pool opens. 

"Many of the houses - due to the time they were built - do not have space for a car."

With parking the responsibility of Warwick District Council (WDC), town councillors shared the resident's concerns and said many of the issues were raised during the planning process.

Councillors also said there were "lessons to be learnt" from similar parking problems at Castle Farm.

Cllr Kate Dickson said in response: "This is an issue we have all raised at various times, going way back to the planning provision times for Abbey Fields. 

"Many of us have been frustrated by the lack of communications on this. 

"At the last town council we did raise the issue of the liaison group [with WDC] and having regular meetings. 

"It is good news to say we have some dates set in the calendar for those."

She added: "This will certainly be an issue we will be raising.

A 'parking strategy' is currently being created by the district council, and the town council agreed to write to WDC to raise the issues once again.

Cllr Richard Dickson continued: "The problem is, car parking is a district council responsibility. 

"And those of you with long memories will recall a lot of concern was expressed at the district council planning committee when highways - which is county council - said the proposed car parking for the swimming pools was adequate."