The project, which aims to create an off-road route for walkers and cyclists linking the town centre with the Greenway and Warwick University, has been criticised for a lack of public consultation.

Tree felling on Woodland Road has been one source of complaints.

Coun Dave Shilton says while he feels the scheme is a positive, he is concerned that residents could be badly affected without a chance to have their say.

He said: "Take Woodland Road and on the edge of Kenilworth Common for instance. There has been tree felling there and yet no residents have been consulted. Many of them are not happy about losing these beautiful, established trees at the back of their homes.

"I have not been consulted either about this. No letters have gone out and I have no knowledge of this going to public consultation at all.

"It is so open behind those houses now and I want to know if any trees are being planted elsewhere to replace these?"

Coun Shilton has also raised concern over plans to start widening and resurfacing the existing cycle and walkway from Bridge Street to Manor Road, and to widen the existing footbridge leading from Forge Road on to the common.

He said: "I can't believe they are just going to do this without consultation. What restrictions will there be for cyclists to ensure the safety of pedestrians? I fear that residents are not being given ample opportunity to comment on major alterations."

Coun Andrew Mobbs also supports the scheme, but has added to the concerns over the proposed bridge for Coventry Road.

He said: "It is true that the town council does have concerns over what seems to be a lack of public consultation. We need to see detailed plans, particularly of the bridge before anything is decided and I would welcome residents' suggestions."

But Coun John Whitehouse, chairman of the Connect2 steering committee, accused the councillors of playing politics over the scheme.

He said: "It was voted for overwhelmingly by local residents a year ago. The complaints of lack of public consultation are inaccurate and lack substance. If the Conservatives want to oppose the scheme outright, they should come out and say so."

The steering group for this project is widely based, and includes county, district and town councillor representation covering both Abbey and Park Hill wards.

"The tree works behind Woodland Road were fully communicated in advance to local residents and councillors. As for the bridge over the Coventry Road, there are as yet no outline designs available, but as soon as they are, they will be put out for the widest possible consultation as part of the normal planning processes.

"Some councillors are acting as if a 'big brother' county council is trying to impose something awful on Kenilworth against the wishes of its residents. This is not the case.