Letters received September 26 2003
Youth facilities not more supermarkets
From: Derek Jones, Manor Road, Kenilworth.
I have been busy brushing up on the history related to the introduction of supermarkets into this town of ours.
As a founder member of the Kenilworth Society, I have been personally involved with the town’s planning matters and civic affairs for some 40 plus years and have kept many of the original documents.
Sainsburys was not welcomed into the area, as we already had Budgens and Somerfield. The people were emphatic - “enough is enough, the small shopkeepers are being driven out of business” - but in spite of public opinion voiced at public meetings, the town council supported the Sainsburys venture (we were of course unaware of the traffic implications at the time.)
One should also remember the time scale involved. This was first discussed in 1994, during which period Eagle Lane was demolished, complete with the accommodation for the small shopkeepers which were the last emblems of the town’s original craftsmen, silver smiths, upholsterers, cabinet makers, lawnmower maintenance - all gone for ever! This was a tragedy.
Now - here we are nine years on and once again both the town residents and its councillors and Warwick District Council are faced with a specific decision.
As far as one can gather form the topics in the Weekly News, in the past and of late, we are more or less faced with a “fait accompli” via the back door. Sainsburys owns the freehold of Budgens and could move from the present position and occupy Budgens’ site (including the post office area) leaving Waitrose to expand and develop the Talisman Square car park area including perhaps the takeover of the current youth centre. The residue would be the old Sainsburys area and associated car park.
My suggestion would be the whole area should be utilised entirely for the youth of Kenilworth - it is in our town and is vacant - and for a change let’s do something ourselves for the youth of the town and its future.
It is of course imperative the whole matter be discussed at a town meeting as I have already suggested to the annual town meeting in May, which the mayor assures me will be implemented.
I feel it would be more productive to allow the three developments to proceed with the usual planning procedures and then, when it is finalised and before the submission to Warwick District Council, the whole development can be openly discussed at a public meeting. This has proved to be the most productive method, although it does have opposition.
Finally, as an addendum in favour of our castle.
I have a Kenilworth Castle pass issued to me in 1954 by the Ministry of Works as a local resident’s free pass which is four years before the castle was donated as a gift to the residents of Kenilworth in 1958 by Lord Kenilworth. (I attended that meeting). At the same time, the Ministry Of Works was appointed as the official custodian for maintenance etc - all in the deeds as currently held by Kenilworth Town Council.
As you are well aware, English Heritage has jumped the gun but has already started to backtrack and reconsider. All due to the uproar created by residents and councillors.
Do you remember the wording of the motto on the Kenilworth coat of arms: “cives oppidi fundamenta”. Citizens are the foundation of the town - or “people matter”!
A privilege to live near playground
From: Jan McBrien, Offchurch Lane, Radford Semele.
The residents of Littleton Close and Moss Grove who feel the provision of an exciting environment for young children is like “Blackpool Pleasure Beach” and is “absolutely appalling” should stop and think about the real issues in an intelligent and objective manner.
St Joseph’s School has been in existence long before property developers squeezed in as many homes as they could, far too close to the school grounds.
The school has, from necessity, implemented improvements to their existing land but residents who purchased these homes now seem to believe their questionable aesthetic judgment takes precedence over the creation of a stimulating learning experience for children.
The criticism levelled at the new play facility is typical of the, sadly all too often expressed, nimby attitude of self concern and narrow minded vision.
Non-stop flashing lights, sirens, garish invasive imagery and piped muzak, such as one might experience in Blackpool’s Pleasure Land, is not nor ever will be a feature in the school’s play area. What a ridiculous analogy!
As far as the covered structure looking like Sydney Opera House is concerned, well perhaps the resident who feels this should consider it a privilege to live so close to a visual similarity of one of the great architectural achievements of the 20th century.
Maybe he will, next time, be grateful St Joseph’s and its team of educationalists, planners and architects have opened his eyes to such innovative ideas which can contribute towards positive and effective teaching.
Unlike the all too common period pastiche of Littleton Close, the design of St Joseph’s play area provides not only the children but the whole environment with a visionary glimpse into the future and is a pleasing counterpoint to the original Victorian Crackley Hall.
Sad objections to school play area
From: Paul Smith, Garlick Drive, Kenilworth.
More cutting edge journalism as the Weekly News reports - shock, horror - a school with a play area!
Even worse, the truly sad local residents pictured presumably will shortly also be horrified by there being children in large numbers during daylight hours or, heaven forbid, teachers.
It rather brings to mind the words of the great Basil Fawlty. What do you expect to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window - the hanging gardens of Babylon or herds of wilderbeast sweeping majestically across the plain?
Buying a house next to a school surely carries with it the likelihood of a play area and ongoing development.
Suggest you run a new column headed “Kenilworth residents who need to get out a bit more.”
Please support this playgroup
From: Kathyrn Kimpton, Swift Close, Kenilworth.
After reading the Weekly News (September 12) regarding the plight of the Centre Playgroup, I felt compelled to express my sadness the new term had started with so few children.
My son William, three-and-a-half, attended four mornings a week from September 2002 until July. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with Annemeike, Sheena, Gill, Yvonne, Wendy and Dawn. He thought they were wonderful and I have to agree. I believe the staff’s skills and dedication have certainly helped William become the happy, confident and sociable little boy he is today.
I would also urge other parents not to be put off by the prospect of Kenilworth Community Place being knocked down. In my opinion it seems such a shame the threat of closure has deterred so many parents, as their children may be missing out on a wonderful and valuable experience.
Support ban on animal exports
From: Robert and Anne Parnell, Webster Avenue, Kenilworth.
Last week we spent a few days visiting an old friend in Devon and were saddened and shocked to read in the Western Morning News of the proposals on animal transport (coincidentally, a letter in the Weekly News from Janet Cummings also highlighted this proposal).
The Western Morning News has launched a campaign to ensure a ban on the export of live ponies, horses and donkeys to the continent is not overturned.
Take the lid off town centre plan
FROM: Brian Hadland, Albion Street, Kenilworth.
Will our councillors and planners take the lid off the plans for the town centre? Why do I get the feeling they know all about it already?
Still it’s par for the course. Secrets from the electorate. We who put them there as our representatives. I also have a feeling people on low or average incomes will be forgotten.
We are not all rich councillors. Remember that when you have time. It’s a long tradition here, monied people and big companies always get what they want. Coincidence of course. It’s like the Libs trying to sell our council homes off a few days ago!
On a lighter vein, may I congratulate Jane, a member of the excellent Somerfields staff for managing to actually cut me a piece of my usual pork pie straight. I will miss the usual wedge-type though.
Check your facts over castle ruling
From: Graham Gould, Archer Road, Kenilworth.
With reference to the letter from Mr G Lockley, I would like to point out that if he checks his facts about why Baron Kenilworth gave it over to Kenilworth Urban District Council and in the guardianship of English Heritage, it has nothing to do with the running costs.
If he goes to Warwick records offices and reads the document ref. CR/1525/17 for 1937 he will see the true facts. Also, on the subject of the ancient well on page 11, I read the town council discussed the matter yesterday (Thursday).
As usual, it is a long way behind the times. I wrote to MP Andy King on August 24 and had a reply on August 28 to say it was receiving attention.
On September 12 I received a follow-up letter form Mr King to say it has been taken up with Warwick District Council and he will keep me advised.
If the people want action on Kenilworth, write to your MP not our local councillors, as they have no power to achieve anything.
Please comment on our local plan
FROM: John Archer, head of planning and engineering, Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leaming- ton.
In response to last week’s article No new homes in county local plan, it may be helpful to your readers if I could clarify some of the points made.
The new local plan will provide a planning framework for Warwick district up to 2011. Contrary to your report, it will not prevent any new housing development. However, in view of the large amount of houses built in Warwick district over recent years, the new local plan will restrict new housing to small sites within the main towns of the district.
The article stated that: “There will be no increase in affordable housing for the next decade”. This is not the case. The local plan seeks to increase the amount of affordable housing provided as part of new housing development to meet the needs of people who otherwise could not afford to enter the housing market. As a council we have a good track record of working alongside housing builders and housing associations to provide affordable housing in the district, and the local plan will help us achieve more affordable housing in the future.
This is a first draft of our local plan. If the document is approved by the council as a whole, we will be shortly placing it ‘on deposit’ for public comment. We would welcome the comments of local people at this time and will be giving more details shortly of how you may do this. Up to date information on the local plan can be found on the council’s website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk
Treat teachers as human beings
From: M P Pritchard, Queen Margaret’s Road, Canley.
As a young person I am concerned about bullying in schools and colleges.
We need to remember a bully is someone who thinks they are above everyone else. This could be another pupil or a teacher who doesn’t really like kids.
I once was taught by a teacher who couldn’t control the class. The pupils made fun and wouldn’t do the work that was set. We were all affected by the atmosphere in lessons. In the end, the teacher left the school. The pupils had started out as bullies and forced the teacher into bullying them.
How can we learn from this? My suggestion is we treat the teachers as human beings and create a learning environment where there is mutual respect. Smaller classes would help.
Common kept clean for years
FROM: Joyce Lambourne, Common Lane, Kenilworth.
Re Coun Dave Shilton’s praise for the Keep Kenilworth Klean Klub (and all power to its elbow). Let it not be forgotten that the Crackley Residents’ Association has for all its 14 years of existence fought to keep Kenilworth Common free of broken glass and litter - an ongoing and almost hopeless task but nevertheless one that is really appreciated by all nature lovers.
Door collection for cancer charity
From: Jean Tuck, secretary, Kenilworth Cancer Research committee.
The committee is holding its door knock this year on Sunday October 5. About 250 volunteers will aim to knock on every house in Kenilworth on that day. Last year the sum of £7,000 was raised, which went towards research and drug trials in Birmingham and Warwick University.
The Kenilworth branch of Cancer Research is hoping the people of Kenilworth will this year be as generous to this worthwhile cause.
Pull the other one, it’s got bells
From: S Garrett, Thornby Avenue, Kenilworth.
On the front page of last week’s Weekly News I read a local councillor and farmer seeks planning permission for a four-bedroomed house with conservatory in an empty field, so his shepherd may have a roof over his head during the lambing season.
Pull the other one, it’s got bells on it. Inside the same paper I read a new plan at Stoneleigh Park will have 20 acres set aside for housing. What is happening to our green belt?
This cynical writer has another question to ask. What’s the betting the developer of Talisman Square will offer the council some money towards the new skate park in order to salve the council’s conscience when it allows the removal of our community centre in Bertie Road?
Thank you for your kind help
From: M Fantham, Arden Road, Kenilworth.
May I, through your columns, thank the lady and gentleman who came to my assistance about six days ago when I lost my balance and fell into the road near the beginning of Elmdene Road? They were very kind, calling the ambulance and staying until it arrived.
Hunting vote was loaded question
FROM: Brian Cuttell, Canada Lane, Norton Lindsey.
I read your article in September 19 edition, Fury after pro-hunt posters are stolen and vandalised and wondered how many of your readers had, like me, been rather more furious at their appearance than their disappearance.
As to the 59 per cent statistic (in favour of hunting) quoted in the posters, your readers may be interested to know that in the Countryside Alliance poll the only way you could disagree with hunting was to support the following somewhat loaded statement: “Hunting should not be allowed to continue at all as cruelty is more important to me than liberty.”
Another poll was conducted by MORI which indicated that 80 per cent of the British public think that all forms of hunting with dogs is cruel.
Councillor should set an example
From: Lynda Bunting, Woodcote Avenue, Kenilworth.
Pull the other one, Coun Cockburn (Weekly News, September 19). A four-bedroom detached house, complete with conservatory (presumably in which his shepherd can sit with his binoculars, watching the sheep)? I think not.
Does the councillor believe Kenilworth people are totally stupid? The main reason people build houses is to make money. I suspect somewhere along the way, somehow, a nice tidy sum will go to Coun Cockburn’s pocket.
Yes, as he states, he has the same right as anyone else to apply for planning permission. However, I would have thought a councillor in particular should be even more concerned and conscious of how precious the countryside and green belt land is.
If Kenilworth is to preserve its semi-rural image and beautiful surrounding countryside, the building of further dwellings has simply got to stop. The fact Coun Cockburn’s proposed house encroaches on greenbelt land is unbelievable and I am quite frankly appalled at his audacity to submit such an application.
May I suggest Coun Cockburn either a) relocates his sheep to a more suitable area or, as the lambing season is so brief, b) seeks permission to pitch a tent for his shepherd to temporarily reside in, not necessarily one designed with four bedrooms and a conservatory.
Don’t blame owners for bags of dog excrement
From: Resident of Abbey Hill, name supplied, Kenilworth.
With reference to the letter (Weekly News, September 19) about bags of dog excrement left lying about in the Abbey Fields, particularly between Forrest Road and the swimming baths, I think it is unlikely dog owners are the culprits.
It is almost certainly some members of the gangs of youngsters who use this area of the Fields, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
On several occasions I have had bags of this kind thrown into the hedge in front of my house and thrown at my windows. (On one occasion a bag burst on impact, with results which can easily be imagined.) I once saw three teenage boys attempting to uproot one of the bins provided for this waste.
It is impossible to understand the mentality of those who do this kind of thing, which goes far beyond simple mischief. It is sick and disgusting and could be a serious danger to health.
I have spoken to the police and to my local councillor on this subject and suggested a better design of bin would be one in which the bags could be put but which could be opened only by those authorised to empty it - say a smaller version of the clothing bank at the recycling centre.
Both councillors and police were sympathetic to my suggestion but there is apparently no spare cash to spend on improved bins, though these are in fact available.
l From: James Macalister, Bodnant Way, Kenilworth.
This is a copy of a letter sent to Dale Best, head of leisure and amenities at Warwick District Council.
Knowing how keen you are to protect the nature reserve beyond Bodnant Way, I thought you should be aware of the disgusting bags of dog mess to be found strewn around the above particular thrown under bushes and trees.
The situation has got far worse since the dog warden put notices up asking for dog mess to be cleared up.
I cannot believe children or youths would bother to bag it up, so presumably adults who object to the request, whilst there is no provision of any red bins like the Abbey Fields, are undertaking a silent protest.
Council tax is rocketing and all we see in the nature reserve are ill-conceived notices and an unwanted bench, both of which have hugely increased the amount of litter and dog mess, so perhaps it is time for a rethink.
