Work began this week on the controversial castle gates despite a battle by residents to stop English Heritage from installing them.
In a bid to make one last ditch attempt to be heard, during the weekend some protesters decided to make a banner and paste it up by the castle to make their point.
The homemade banner was down before it had a chance to make any impact but was repo
rted to have said something along the lines of ‘say no to parking charges’.
The castle gates are now a reality and the majority have respected the decision on behalf of the nearby residents who suffer thanks to joy riders. If we are to keep the castle as it is, then we need to keep those who disrespect it well and truly out.
Residents nearby will have a more peaceful existence as a result of this and although at one point we were a town divided, more recent polls suggest the majority are now in favour.
The gates will be opened from 6.30am each day and will be closed again at dusk. This will enable dog walkers and ramblers to continue to use the land surrounding the castle but provide greater security and reassurance for the residents living near the site.
Car park charges are still being considered and I believe this is where the fight will begin to heat up once again.
Only time will tell if the gates do the trick that they have apparently been put there to do. For residents’ sakes, let’s hope they keep the unwanted out. As far as the charges go, no decisions have been made but that is one battle the residents will want to be part of.
Happy birthday
The 7th Kenilworth St Francis Brownies and Guides will celebrate their 40th anniversary this evening (Friday 1) at St Francis of Assissi Church, Kenilworth.
Members past and present will celebrate with a special mass and then refreshments in the parish centre.
Happy 40th to all those involved and look out for a picture spread of the celebrations in next week’s Weekly News.
Lucia Clifford
