Demand a full Public Consultation on the proposed cycle path through Abbey Fields in Kenilworth, not just on the proposed design. 

The ongoing debate surrounding cycling in Abbey Fields has rumbled on for nearly 20 years with residents divided on whether a cycle path should be permitted. 

The Green/Labour administration at Warwick District Council and Kenilworth Town Council are bringing forward proposals to construct a cycle path through the heart of Abbey Fields routing through or adjacent to the children’s play area and over the bridge by the duck-feeding platform which will not be widened. 

Apparently there was a limited consultation six years ago but Kenilworth has changed significantly over the past few years and has seen significant growth in its population and age demographic as a result of the increase in the number of new houses being built. We have also seen the emergence of e-bikes and e-scooters which would be part of any cycling community using the proposed cycle path but with no enforcement to prevent deviation from the designated route.

I believe that ALL residents both new and long established should have the opportunity to be consulted on the cycle path proposals, particularly those who use Abbey Fields regularly; the mums and dads with toddlers and prams, senior citizens, the visually impaired, dog walkers, runners et al. It's not good enough to rely on the results of an old survey that simply asked the question “What do you think of cycling in Abbey Fields?” to a small group of unspecified people.

If the Green/Labour administration of WDC instigated a consultation process with the community that was wider than the one proposed (scheduled to be held after May this year), we would have the opportunity to review its plans based on local feedback before committing Kenilworth taxpayers’ money (estimated to be somewhere in the region of £700,000 to £1m) to this project. If a cycle path really does have to be built, at the very least residents should be given the chance to offer mitigation ideas to lessen the impact to users of Abbey Fields and maximise their safety. We are therefore calling on Warwick District Council to pause their plans and to broaden the scope of the discussion to ensure a full public consultation not just on the design of the proposed cycle path but one that also addresses the fundamental question: does the community want a cycle path in Abbey Fields at all?

Please sign this petition to add your support for a new public consultation!