CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a £5million cycle path between Kenilworth and Leamington was given the green light.
Warwickshire County Council has approved funding to link the two towns via a three mile route along the busy A452 and B4115.
It follows a petition which gained more than 1,000 signatures and comes nearly two decades after original proposals for a cyclepath was put forward. The plans will go to a full council meeting next month for final approval.
Leamington Green Party county councillor Jonathan Chilvers said: “I’m delighted the Kenilworth to Leamington (K2L) cycle route has been approved. This off road route will make life easier and safer for both cyclists and motorists travelling between our towns.
“For years my Green colleagues and I, along with other parties, have been pushing the Conservatives to systematically prioritise, cost and fund cycle schemes. It’s often been like pushing a boulder up a hill, but these are the first real significant results.
“There is lots more to do but let’s celebrate this achievement.”
The route will begin close to the petrol station on Warwick Road in Kenilworth and run alongside the Thickthorn roundabout, stopping half way down Kenilworth Road in Leamington. It will include a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Avon at Chesford Bridge near the Ramada Hotel.
Campaigners have long claimed it would prove popular with residents, commuters and Warwick University students.
Jakob Schmuntz from the K2L campaign group told the Observer: “It’s great news. Everyone is pleased the council is going ahead with this. Hopefully it marks a change of direction with more of a focus on active transport solutions in future. We’re excited to see K2L become a reality.”
Warwickshire County Council said the scheme was its highest cycling priority.
A spokesman said: “There has been a high level of local support for this scheme for over ten years and demand from the public continues to grow, including support provided by Leamington Town Council and Warwick University.”
