News in Kenilworth

The Kenilworth Lido Campaign Group has reacted to the decision by the Executive of Warwick District Council to approve an amended recommendation in respect of the two leisure facilities in Kenilworth.

The decision at last week's (February 11) meeting means that the Abbey Fields Leisure Centre and Castle Farm Recreation Centre will not automatically remain shut at the end of the current Covid-19 lockdown prior to their expected demolition in September.

Warwickshire Police's Commercial Vehicle Unit has won a national award from Highways England for the second year running in recognition of the dedication of officers in achieving 'Top Performing Force 2020' in the country for Operation Tramline.

During Operation Tramline, officers use a specially-adapted HGV 'supercab' owned by Highways England to observe driver behaviours in all vehicles and deal with any offences on Warwickshire's road network.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have expressed their thanks to the dedicated Warwickshire 4x4 Volunteers Group for their ongoing support. The volunteer group have not only assisted the trust with bad weather conditions but also throughout the whole year, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With over 150 enthusiastic volunteers, the group have offered crucial support to the trust during the snowy weather the area has seen over the last couple of weeks, helping healthcare staff get to hospitals and clinics despite heavy snowfall and flooding. Previously, the community spirited drivers have helped transport nurses to patient's homes to ensure local people received the treatment they needed.

From Monday 15 February to Sunday 14 March, staff and students from Kenilworth School will be lacing up their trainers and clocking up the miles to raise money for NHS Charities Together.

The 'Kenilworth School Running Challenge' was set up to help protect the mental health of students during the lockdown period, encouraging them to get outside and keep active.

Crime drama series, The Serpent, has proved a great success since it came to our screens in January. But the man who produced the hit TV series advises you not to watch it on your own!

It was developed by Mammoth Screen for BBC One and Netflix and tells the story of how conman and murderer Charles Sobhraj, played by Tahar Rahim, was eventually caught with his girlfriend Marie-Andree Leclerc, played by Jenna Coleman.

VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe writes for Nub News:

As we approach the February half term, a time when many of us would usually have been looking forward to a short-break away, the impact on the industry and the economy from the loss of tourism again comes into sharp focus.

A planning application for the redevelopment work at Castle Farm Recreation ground has been submitted today (February 12).

Application W/21/0169 has been submitted to Warwick District Council Planning Committee for the "Demolition of existing sports centre and erection of new sports centre and Scout and Guide Headquarters with associated parking and landscaping | Castle Farm Sports Centre, Fishponds Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1EY."

An ongoing commitment by amateur cyclists to invest in their bikes has seen a Warwickshire business that designs, makes and fits them emerge as one of the success stories of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Velo Atelier, which was set up in 2015 and is run by bike designer Lee Prescott and his wife, Jo, has also been supported with digital skills training that has helped it to grow its market during the crisis.

The Office for National Statistics – which runs Census 2021 – is working with Warwickshire County Council to deliver a successful census and help local services to fully meet future needs.

Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central government to local organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.

Kenilworth councillors have noted the small change of heart this week by Warwick District Council. New recommendations approved by the council's executive offer the possibility of some limited flexibility over the post-lockdown opening and closing of Abbey Fields swimming pools and Castle Farm recreation centre.

Questions posed by local Green party and Liberal Democrat councillors at Warwick District Council scrutiny committees this week focused on the issue of physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents being more important than making small financial savings.